It feels like the deeper you dig into how things really work, the more depressing it gets. Curious what examples people have.

  • PumpkinDrama@reddthat.comOP
    15·
    3 days ago

    For me, it’s realizing that Hollywood isn’t just a dream factory, but an industry where a bunch of powerful men have historically coerced women into sex in exchange for a chance to appear in a movie.

    Also, learning how the media and political elites push identity politics constantly. It feels like a deliberate attempt to get everybody fighting a culture war so that they are distracted from uniting around a class war against economic exploitation.

    And probably the biggest one is foreign policy. Growing up you hear about America spreading freedom and democracy around the world. The more you learn, the more you realize it’s actually about orchestrating coups, destabilizing regions, and stealing resources—all to exploit people and lower costs for corporations.

    • Dr. Bob@lemmy.caEnglish
      51·
      3 days ago

      It’s an easy game not to play.

      The pool of talent wanting to be in film is incredibly large - when Iived there it felt like half of LA was trying to make it in the entertainment business. Even the LA Police have casting leave written into their contracts in case they pick up a part.

      So yes, the system is exploitative. But every person there is willingly playing that game using the cards they have available to them. Most of them lose.