Oh Jensen...

Jensen is right in that people really need to utilize some critical thinking. For example, why do people complain so much about there being no plastic bags anymore or why do people not see sexism in marketing and even everyday language? But, even that shouldn’t take critical thinking, it’s just denial and unawareness. I mean heaven forbid people feel uncomfortable about looking at the deeper picture of what’s really going on. We need to question why we do things and why we’ve been doing things. Just because that’s the way it is doesn’t mean that’s the way it should be. The U.S. needs some change on many different levels like healthcare and maternity and paternity leave, but we are so tied up in a two-party system and an either/or mindset that we are so scared of change and no one wants the responsibility of being blamed for the bumps in the road. Americans say they want change…but don’t vote for it neither do our legislatures. (Gun control debate, same-sex marriage – why are these even being debated?) The Nordic countries are high on the scale of happiness and social equality because they question their norms all the time and actually use research to implement and structure policies.

I’ve always thought that capitalism, as an ideal market system, is a load of crap. The invisible hand is really the same hand attached to wealthy people who keep providing for themselves while the poor get poorer. Capitalism does not provided social services. For example, privatization of water in Latin America left many more people without water because companies could no longer make a profit and so they pulled out of the countries. I feel like our current finance system is one that punishes and is in favor of the rich, which is why I prefer Islamic Economics – risks are shared equally, zakat or wealthy tax and no interest on loans.

I agree that free markets do not create equality and that the government must be a part of the process for the people’s sake and not to serve the businesses. However, earlier Jensen criticized patriotism. I understand that patriotism is a major blindfold and results in unnecessary strict borders, but I would think governments need some patriotism at least…but maybe getting people involved in government is better.

I like Jensen’s point about the colossal amount of money being pumped in to the military and defense system. We already have a very advanced military with very powerful weapons that even if outdated technology would over-power another country’s military. Yet, we continue to fund and build war machines of obliteration instead of obliterating poverty and teen pregnancy and hunger and low-education attainment.

I am one of those slow adopters to technology. I thinks its great in that it has improved many lives in terms of health especially and bad in what it has done to the environment. I also do not like how it has restructured interpersonal communication. I think people have forgotten how to talk to strangers. I also think it’s a shame that kids spend more time with TV, ipads, video games rather than playing outside and appreciating nature (which is probably why there is less empathy for taking care of our planet). Sometimes, simple is better.

I feel like so many people are tired, bored and frustrated with how we live. It boils down to living a rehearsed life without true satisfaction and happiness.

At the same time, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be Jensen. Journalism makes you see the world in many negative lights to a point where its unsatisfying and depressing. I’m glad the world has people like Jensen who bring up great points, but I wonder if he is ever happy.