Contemplation about the economy and power relations

It is easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism (Mark Fisher, 2009). As Mark Fisher claims through his whole life, we live in this highly capitalised society where many systems, relations, decisions are determined by economic profit and loss.

1.

In modern society, many spaces, objects, visuals are designed based on economic relations and power. Gillian Rose (2001) claims that the visual is central to the cultural construction of social life in contemporary societies, and it often structures the way people behave in our everyday lives. Therefore, we need to interpret all designs considering their political/ ethical meaning and economic relations.

When I was working for Samsung, I did not care much about the meaning behind the decision makings or direction of the company. However, in retrospect, all decisions and design outputs reflect commercial profit rather than any other values. I realised the importance of understanding the social influence of my design.

2.

Over the centuries, the way that philosophers and sociologists understand ‘value’ has been shifted. Today, the value of consumption has surpassed all other values. Jean Baudrillard, a contemporary philosopher, remarks that consumption has become a means of differentiation, not satisfaction. What we consume often represents and reshapes our images. Images are now used as ‘symbolic values’, and it allows individuals to reproduce their values by their consumption. Social media like Instagram encourage this Hyper-reality resulting in a more significant gap between real value and created value.

I have a slight scepticism about Instagram as an individual marketing means and the consumption for showing off. However, at the same time, I have been trying not to be lagging in the community by posting good restaurants and experience places. Now I can see problems behind social media and consumptions much clearer. For bringing change, should the social structure be changed? Or should I start to make small movements as a designer? Do I have a strong desire to dedicate myself to it?

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