The illusion of choice: Play the iconic capitalist game
Every supermarket replicates a similar sight. Dozens of near identical products are strategically placed on the shelves, each with messages insisting that they are the best of the best. Whether overwhelming or practical, there is undoubtedly no lack of variety in the US market. Moral values often impact people’s product choices: whether it be animal testing or fair trade, consumers make decisions based off of ethical and environmental concerns as well as quality of life issues. This leads you to believe that you have full control over what products you choose and what companies you support.
However, this notion that nothing more than an illusion. All of the various brands of the products you see are owned by essentially the same major companies. The global market is currently dominated by only 10 corporations: Pepsico, General Mills, Coca-Cola, Nestle, P&G, Johnson & Johnson, Kelloggs, Mars, Unilever, and Mondelez.
These companies have shown multifarious instances of unethical behavior, such as causing harm to the environment and to those living in countries with little government protection for labor, but they still prevail. Unless they are held accountable, they will not make any changes and continue to prosper. In a society where corporations band together to create an oligopoly, it can be near impossible for people to boycott essential products for daily life, especially for those of a lower economic status.
To play the iconic capitalist game, click on the link below. Let us know what you think in the comments
The illusion of choice:
