Enlightenment Promises vs. Modern Reality

Enlightenment Vision

• Promised freedom through self-thinking and self-governing.
• Freedom rooted in release from myths and traditions.
• 20th century shift to viewing society and humans as markets.
• Commodification threatens self-rule and genuine freedom.

The Corporation and Society

• Early 2000s film The Corporation explored corporate influence.
• Corporations legally seen as "people" with extensive rights.
• Corporation analyzed as psychopathically self-interested.
• Financial crisis highlighted corporate misconduct.
  • Enron and WorldCom scandals as examples.

Corporate Rebranding

• 2005 onwards: Corporations make broad promises (carbon neutrality, zero waste).
• Shift from shareholder value to social responsibility.
• Klaus Schwab and Davos: Corporations promoting a new image.
• Debate on the true purpose of corporations.

Corporate Social Responsibility

• Legal obligation to shareholders conflicts with social responsibility.
• Examples: BP under John Brown - environmental advocacy vs safety failures.

Corporate Influence and Global Economy

• 2008 financial crisis: corporate misconduct and globalization impacts.
• Jamie Dimon and JPMorgan Chase's involvement in Detroit and beyond.
  • Criticism of corporate-driven solutions.

Market Society and Inequality

• Shift from market economy to market society: everything commodified.
• Inequality rises as wealth becomes concentrated among a few.
• Corporate influence over politics and legislation.

Global Movements and Resistance

• Occupy Movement: Challenge corporate power.
• Global Progressive Movements: Examples of grassroots successes.
• Local Activism: New urban movements in Seattle, Barcelona, etc.
  • Ada Colau and anti-eviction resistance.
  • Sadiq Khan in London, Anne Hidalgo in Paris.

Climate Change and Corporate Accountability

• Fossil fuel corporations resisting rapid transition.
• Adani coal mine as a symbol of resistance.
  • Indigenous and environmental activism against fossil fuel expansion.

Modern Technology and Control

• Rise of Big Tech and its influence on democracy.
• Data privacy concerns and control over personal information.
• Tech corporations acting as de facto governments.

Social and Racial Injustices

• Interconnected issues of economic, racial, and gender inequalities.
• Recent global protests as a response to systemic injustices.
  • George Floyd's death as a catalyst for broader movements.

Future Directions

• New movements focus on harnessing grassroots power within electoral politics.
• Emphasis on addressing climate crisis and social justice.
• Continued resistance against corporate dominance and systemic inequality.