Who here has read No Logo by Naomi Klein?

[BurtWorm]

Do you consider yourself anti-globalization? Did No Logo open your eyes or just confirm what you'd already been thinking--or doing?

I have read No Logo. I think it's a brilliant book, though often a depressing one. It did open my eyes. I'd spent most of the 1990s and early 2000s in a rage over what the GOP was doing to Clinton, Gore and democracy and ignored most of these broader issues. Am I anti-globalization now? I lean very far that way, though I can't count myself among the anarchists. I'm afraid globalization in some form is unstoppable, but I have some tiny hope it can be democratized. This hope is so tiny, that I may one day not far off find myself leaning all the way over and joining the resistance.

[Iris]

1. if you feel your outrage starting to wane

read "Fast Food Nation".

[BurtWorm]

2. I was thinking just this week that I should put that one on my list.

Thanks!

[Jack Rabbit]

3. I have read it

And I consider myself anti-globalization. More importantly, I believe that trends in modern business negate all the advantages that a competitive market offers to consumers. Ms. Klein documents these trends.

The book is a must read.

[Maple]

4. Canadian nutbar

and general opportunist...who makes a fortune dissing capitalism. ;-)

[Iris]

5. we know you worship capitalism, Maple

but thanks for your observation.

[Maple]

6. Fraid not

Canada follows the 'Third Way' as do I.

Naomi makes big bucks by telling supposed 'rebels' what to think.

She is definitely a capitalist. :D

[Wonk]

8. Here's an interesting quote of hers (and a flash vid about the book)

"To me the biggest compliment is to have my writing photocopied and fired around on the internet and be posted and used" - Naomi Klein

http://www.tobyslater.com/archive/nologodoc/

You can probably find more online if you look hard enough. I borrowed a copy from the library a few years ago. Really interesting reading, imho.

[ant]

7. I haven't read it but...

...I thought it was more about commercialization/branding than globalization itself? I understand the connection, but I'm not sure how the no logo argument amount to an anti-globalization argument.

I'm not anti-globalization. I believe in free trade, and I think globalization can be a good thing. I think it can break down cultural barriers and help people move beyond national identities. I think it can help developing countries. I think it has a lot of potential.

BUT, I also believe in fair trade, and I think right now globalization is happening faster than our very legitimate concerns over human rights and the environment can keep up with it. There's a difference between being against globalization and being against the way globalization is currently taking place; it's the difference between being against free trade and being in favor of free, fair trade. I think those of us on the left would be wise to catch this distinction.

We did it locally, now we only have to do it globally. Easy, right? ;)