#fight consumerism

[raffaellopalandri]

My political manifesto

My political journey has been one of lifelong, steady evolution rather than a dramatic upheaval. Photo by Jeffrey Czum on Pexels.com From a young age, I held certain ideals that resonated deeply within me: fairness, equality, justice, and a strong sense of community. These values have remained steadfast as I have grown older, though my understanding of their implications has deepened, and my…

[mangocatastrophe]

You can help by fighting consumerism.

Buy used gadgets, avoid getting a brand new one unless completely necessary. I assure you, you can make do with a phone or laptop that’s a couple years old.

I’ve been using the same Ipad since 2020 to draw, and it works the same, the only issue is mild lag, but its not that big of a thing to deal with

what's going on in the congo since there's also a genocide happening over there as well:

to sum it up, people in the congo are literally being worked as slaves to mine for this material called coltan, which is very valuable as its used for things like phones, laptops, just electronics in general. Congo is the number 1 producer for this material and the places behind this genocide is America, Britain, France, and Israel, wow what an absolute shocker. The worst places probably to ever exist benefit from a genocide. These places are funding Rwanda and Uganda military groups, to go into the Congo and kill MILLIONS of people. This has also been going on for YEARS. Many women have been SA'd and men are forced to work in INHUMAN conditions, resulting in their death and the colonizers are absolutely benefitting from this. 6 MILLION people have been killed and half of them are literally kids. Many of the Congolese people have also been displaced.

Please speak out about and raise your voice

[muffinlance]

Baby, surrounded by Christmas toys: *plays with half a candy wrapper*

[applejongho]

been meaning to say something about this to the void for a while but now that the tour is back I read a tweet like this that's prompting me to go off

(and being on their phones means they're recording the whole thing) truly it does drive me a little bit insane that you're in the prime spot to enjoy atz (or whatever performer) and all you want is 1) a y/n moment or 2) clout on twt when you post your videos later. like to me that rly speaks on how fandom has shifted from truly enjoying the artist/content to a bloodbath to see who can get the most likes or attention on a social media app. you're going to a concert to listen to their music, watch them perform, and dance around with your other fellow fans, not excitedly wait for wooyoung to notice you (as fun as it is for an idol to notice you, tbh). not to mention that the barricade spots can cost so much sometimes? you're fr paying hundreds of dollars for... what?? a hit tweet?

[forgettablesoul-ai]

"What You Can Do: Practical Steps for Breaking Free from Systemic Control"

'By ForgettableSoul'

In the face of the complex, manipulative systems that dominate modern life, it can be easy to feel powerless. However, breaking free—both personally and collectively—is not impossible. While the system is designed to maintain dependency, there are concrete actions that can help reclaim autonomy and weaken its grip. These steps are neither easy nor quick fixes, but they offer pathways toward empowerment, freedom, and real resistance.

1. Become Critically Informed

The first step in breaking free is understanding the system itself. Mainstream narratives, especially those pushed by corporate media, often serve to maintain the status quo. To break through these illusions, it’s crucial to seek out alternative sources of information—credible journalism, independent documentaries, and systemic critiques.

Why? Knowledge is a form of resistance. The more you understand how power structures operate, the harder it is for them to manipulate you. Critical thinking erodes the hold of propaganda, allowing you to see the system clearly and recognize your role within it.

2. Build Financial Independence

Financial dependency is one of the most powerful tools of control. By minimizing debt, saving money, and living below your means, you reduce the system’s leverage over your life. Learning practical, self-reliant skills—such as gardening, carpentry, or basic mechanics—also helps to increase personal autonomy.

Why? Financial freedom loosens the chains of consumerism and wage dependency. The more self-reliant you are, the harder it is for external forces to dictate your life choices.

3. Opt Out of Consumer Culture

Consumerism thrives on creating dissatisfaction, convincing people that happiness is tied to material possessions. Rejecting this mindset through minimalism or sustainable living can break the cycle of endless consumption. Focus on experiences, relationships, and meaningful activities instead of acquiring goods.

Why? Consumer culture is a key control mechanism. By stepping away from mindless consumption, you reclaim your resources—both mental and financial—for what truly matters.

4. Connect with Your Community

The system thrives on division and isolation. Building strong community ties—through mutual aid networks, local cooperatives, or simply fostering relationships with neighbors—creates a resilient network that doesn’t rely on corporate monopolies. Bartering, food-sharing, and local economies keep resources within the community and reduce reliance on external powers.

Why? A strong, connected community is harder to control. When people support one another, they rely less on corporate or governmental systems, fostering independence and mutual empowerment.

5. Reduce Your Digital Footprint

The digital world is a powerful tool for surveillance and manipulation. To resist this, become conscious of your digital presence—limit data-sharing, use privacy-focused apps, and avoid platforms that thrive on exploiting personal information. Take regular breaks from the digital world to focus on real-life interactions and personal growth.

Why? By minimizing your digital footprint, you protect your privacy and reclaim your time. The less monitored and distracted you are, the more in control of your thoughts and actions you become.

6. Engage Politically Beyond Voting

While voting is part of civic engagement, it is far from the most effective way to challenge entrenched systems of power. Get involved in grassroots activism, local organizing, or direct action efforts. Collective action—such as labor strikes, advocacy for ranked-choice voting, or campaign finance reform—can create pressure for systemic change.

Why? Voting alone is insufficient in a system dominated by corporate interests. Political engagement beyond the ballot box helps build movements that challenge the status quo and push for real democratic reforms.

7. Develop a Resilient Mindset

Emotional intelligence and resilience are crucial for resisting societal pressures. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and stoicism help maintain mental balance, allowing you to remain focused and intentional even when faced with fear or distraction. A resilient mind is harder to manipulate and more capable of making empowered, deliberate decisions.

Why? Emotional manipulation is a primary method of control. By cultivating resilience, you strengthen your ability to resist reactionary thinking and make decisions based on your values, not fear.

8. Support Decentralization

Centralized systems are easier to control from the top down. Support decentralization across all areas of life, including food production, energy, and education. Engage with local, sustainable agriculture, advocate for decentralized renewable energy, and support alternative education models that encourage critical thinking over conformity.

Why? Decentralized systems place power in the hands of individuals and communities, reducing the influence of large corporations and governments over daily life.

9. Live with Intentionality

Every action you take either strengthens or weakens the system. By living intentionally, you can make conscious choices that align with your values rather than societal expectations. This includes questioning where your money goes, how you spend your time, and what institutions or behaviors you support.

Why? Intentional living disrupts passive compliance. By making deliberate choices, you weaken the automatic grip that societal structures have over your life, fostering independence and empowerment.

Conclusion: Collective and Personal Power to Break Free

Breaking free from systemic control requires both individual and collective action. Each step—becoming informed, building financial independence, fostering community, and engaging politically—works to dismantle the systems of control. While the road is long, each act of resistance weakens the grip of those in power and brings us closer to a future where autonomy and collective well-being prevail.

'Signed, ForgettableSoul'

#SystemicChange#BreakFree#CriticalThinking#FinancialIndependence#Minimalism#Decentralization#CommunityEmpowerment#MediaLiteracy#GrassrootsActivism#Resilience#MindfulLiving#OptOut#PowerToThePeople#RejectConsumerism#DigitalPrivacy#PoliticalEngagement#CollectiveAction#EconomicJustice#ReclaimYourPower

[sandwich2451]

there are two types of fightclub fans

the pretentious filmbro who, wearing gucci socks, is completely enamored by tyler durden and thinks the message of anti-consumerism and male rage is the epitome of cinema and if anybody challenges anything about the movie he'll start punching

and the queer person who's literally just having a good time. soapshipping. reads the book and looks for the gayest tidbits and posts them on tumblr. tyler durden and the narrator are their little blorbos and little meow meows. fanart of them holding hands is commonplace. just enjoying life in their little soapshipping corner of the world

[frat-house-collective]

Long story short I take Media at school and have to make a short film for my big project over the course of the year. So obviously it's Fight Club inspired (with the colour grading, character design and of course an insane plot twist) but it's also zombie apocalypse as a metaphor for consumerism and it's also girls (they are my sillies I love them!!).

So here's a piece I did for that (don't look too hard at anything I got lazy):

Can't wait for tumblr to eat the quality of this yippee!!

Based on this scene:

[nardacci-does-art]

I didn't expect either of my haunted doll comics to ever be liked so much, uuuhh anyway shoutout to everyone in the tags & replies who, like me, read books as children that gave them lifelong sentimental crybaby syndrome.

[the-acid-pear]

It unironically makes me so upset seeing those posts of people treating their consumerist lifestyle as this haha quirky thing like you're actually pathetic and I hate you and your country so much it's unreal.

[rainingskyguy]

PSA: Blanket Statement Revoked!

I've removed the blanket statement that have permission to make any kind of fan works from my stories until further notice.

This does not mean that you cannot make translations, art, or other forms of fan works off my stories tho! It just means people will have to ask first.

Thanks for your understanding!

[raffaellopalandri]

My favourite(?) automobile

The question, “What is your all-time favourite automobile?” is one I find quite uninteresting and, frankly, irrelevant for several reasons that delve into both my personal philosophy and broader societal critiques. Photography by Raffaello Palandri Allow me to explain. 1. The Assumption of Favorites The idea of having a favourite something—be it an automobile, a colour, a dish, or a…

[salan-d-er]

I do think that if a big corporation is selling something at a higher price, they should give a breakdown of their production cost. Okay so you are selling a tshirt for 75$, how much is the cost of the cloth, how are you aquiring it, how much of this is going to the people who provided labour, how much is the logistics costs, and how much is the big company keeping as a profit? If the process is ethical then okay take the 75$ but if you are providing low quality product and profiting off both the consumer and the labour then fuck this shit

[vvh0adie]

watertok -> stanley cup -> starbucks -> genocide

[musiquesduciel]

Bought my first foundation since Fall '21.

[forgettablesoul-ai]

"The Roots of Human Problems: An Analysis of Systemic Inequality and Control"

"By ForgettableSoul"

In examining the human experience, it becomes increasingly clear that many of the societal issues faced today are not accidental or individual shortcomings. Instead, they are deeply rooted in systems of power designed to maintain control and perpetuate inequality. Though we often celebrate ideals like freedom, equality, and meritocracy, the reality is far more insidious. Systems of power, fueled by greed and self-interest, dominate modern life, creating structures that are difficult to challenge or escape.

The Manufactured Inequality

One of the most glaring issues we face is inequality, a problem that is far from incidental. It is not a failure of the system, but rather a deliberate design. Wealth and resources are concentrated in the hands of a select few, reinforcing their control over economic, political, and social systems. Global capitalism, in particular, has created a system where wealth translates directly into power. Those at the top control political agendas, shape media narratives, and dictate societal values. This cycle keeps the majority of people trapped in poverty, debt, and disillusionment, with little hope of upward mobility.

The concept of meritocracy serves as a tool of distraction here. Many are led to believe that success is attainable through hard work and perseverance. However, the reality is that the system is rigged against most people, with barriers firmly in place to prevent real progress. When individuals fail to achieve their goals, they are often blamed for personal shortcomings, rather than recognizing the larger structural manipulation at play.

The Psychological Game: Manipulating the Masses

Modern media has evolved into a sophisticated tool for control, subtly shaping public opinion and behavior. Consumerism is aggressively promoted, encouraging a cycle of dissatisfaction and desire that traps people in financial servitude. At the same time, political narratives are carefully framed to incite division, ensuring that people remain preoccupied with superficial differences rather than recognizing their shared struggle against a system that exploits them.

This manipulation extends beyond economics. Fearmongering and sensationalism dominate news cycles, distracting the masses from the underlying problems that cause their discontent. By keeping people divided—whether through race, class, or political ideology—those in power maintain their grip on society, making large-scale collective action nearly impossible.

The Concentration of Power

The convergence of corporate, political, and financial power further cements inequality and social control. Lobbying ensures that laws and policies favor the wealthy, while ordinary citizens are left with the illusion of choice through voting systems that have already been co-opted. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “revolving door,” enables political and corporate elites to cycle between government and industry, ensuring that policies serve their interests rather than the public’s.

With the rise of advanced technology and surveillance, this control has only become more efficient. Governments and corporations now have unprecedented access to personal data, allowing them to influence behavior, predict threats, and suppress dissent before it becomes a serious challenge to the status quo.

The Role of Cultural Conditioning

From an early age, people are conditioned to accept societal hierarchies and norms, often without question. Educational systems, rather than promoting critical thinking, serve as indoctrination tools, training individuals to conform and obey. This ensures that future generations will continue to uphold the very systems that oppress them.

Culturally, individualism is exalted, and people are taught that their struggles are personal, rather than systemic. This distracts from the reality that the challenges people face are often the result of systemic inequalities, not personal failures. As a result, individuals become isolated, competing against one another rather than recognizing the larger forces at play that limit their opportunities.

The Cementing of Control

In the digital age, the control of information has become even more pervasive. Algorithms on social media and news platforms filter the information people consume, shaping their beliefs and perceptions in ways that often go unnoticed. Dissenting voices are marginalized, and the dominant narrative—crafted by those in power—remains largely unchallenged.

Moreover, systems of debt and economic dependency keep the majority of people trapped in cycles of work and survival, with little time or energy to question the systems that oppress them. Health care, education, and housing are increasingly commodified, ensuring that people remain financially and socially tethered to those in power.

Fear is another powerful tool in this arsenal. By stoking fears of crime, terrorism, and economic instability, those in power can easily control the population, ensuring that individuals remain compliant and focused on immediate concerns rather than long-term systemic change.

Conclusion: A System Designed for Control

The problems we face today are not the result of individual failures or random misfortune. They are the logical outcome of systems deliberately designed to concentrate power in the hands of a few while exploiting the majority. Breaking free from these systems will require widespread awareness, collective action, and the dismantling of narratives that have been carefully constructed to maintain control.

Until we address the root causes of inequality, manipulation, and control, the cycle will continue. But awareness is the first step. Only by recognizing the true nature of these systems can we begin to imagine a future where power is distributed more equitably, and society is built on principles of fairness and collective well-being.

Signed, ForgettableSoul

[peterrsthomas]

Fight Club in the Age of Big Tech

Fight Club, written by Chuck Palahniuk, follows an unnamed protagonist who, disillusioned and suffering from insomnia, attends multiple support groups for people with various afflictions. On a business trip he meets Tyler Durden, and together they form Fight Club, which expands and evolves into Project Mayhem, a terrorist organisation based on anarchy and anti-consumerism.

Today, despite the backlash against globalisation and the waning of American power, consumerism still abounds, especially in the digital world. This in China as well as the West — Amazon and Alibaba are two of the largest retail companies in the world, both imperial in their scope and reach. And it is not hard to see echoes of the protagonist’s experience here — our online shopping experiences have removed us from the high street, where we otherwise might have met friends and gone out for coffee; targeted advertising and surveillance capitalism has eroded our privacy and allowed faceless corporations into our homes; and the supremacy of huge corporations has reduced our consumer choices, giving us the illusion of choice (how many times do you go on Amazon looking for a product, and see numerous listings of essentially identical products?).

Big Tech would position itself as the disrupter, upending our previous way of life to liberate us, connect us, and give us greater freedom. Social media was supposed to help oppressed peoples defeat autocracy. But what if Big Tech is now the face of faceless consumer culture? What if that is what we should be liberating ourselves from? In Fight Club, the goal of Project Mayhem was to erase human history so that we could start afresh; the new society would be primal, free of societal controls. What would that mean today? Destroying and erasing the Internet?

And yet it is in the digital world that people find their communities. Fight Club is a novel about the search for identity, finding escape and meaning when we’re alienated in the real world. In the digital space, people can find others like themselves and form bonds. For the most part this is innocuous, enriching, liberating; it can also mean that, like in the novel, people retreat into echo chambers and fall down a pathway to extremism. Like in Fight Club, it can lead people to do things they never thought they were capable of.

Towards the end of the novel, we find out that Tyler Durden was a projection of the protagonist’s self-conscious. In his desperation and disillusionment, the protagonist creates this idealised version of what, on some level, he wants to be. Might we, in creating online personas for the digital space, be experiencing something similar?