How Capitalism Stole The Holidays (And Killed The Planet Along The Way)

In this Our Changing Climate climate change video essay, I look at how capitalism and consumerism stole the holidays, specifically Christmas. Specifically, I look at how the holiday season has been bogged down by rampant consumerism. Consumerism born out of the relentless drive for profit and growth of capitalism. As a result of these pursuits, the environmental toll has been catastrophic. Presents and gift-giving continue to increase and much gets exchanged, sent back, or ends up in the landfill. These add to the amount of waste and emissions we already create under capitalism. Ultimately, the only path forward is to work towards the fall of capitalism and imperialism and in its place embrace political tendencies like ecosocialism or ecoanarchism that seek liberation for the masses while nurturing an ethical relationship with the natural world.

Source: Our Changing Climate
Length: 9:51
Country: United States
Language: English
Date: 17.12.2021