How do I appreciate the irony of Adbusters? Let me count the ways:
I am told that I must give up the very device I read the magazine on. I gave up all my social media accounts (or at least those in the mainstream such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) while Adbusters maintains theirs. I bought a Corporate America flag from them that was made in China, likely in a sweatshop. I am told to not shop at Amazon, even though Adbusters sells on Amazon. So is Adbusters telling me that I should add them to the boycott?
Honestly, I agree with the aim of the MLF, but I am disabled and smart devices help make my life more manageable. I want to be a true MLF warrior even if the manufacturers of the MLF are not. Oh, Adbusters has no interest in inviting Gen X to the Revolution? They are just another product being sold primarily to 18-34 year olds? Ok then. Maybe I don’t need to re-up my subscription. How do you solve a problem created by consumption with more consumption? Oh yeah… you don’t.
I know very little about Adbusters, but their recommendations (demands?) sound like throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Yeah, technology and the internet are harmful in many ways, but they're also very helpful in many ways. I also don't think it's realistic to ask people to give up all social media and devices, especially in post pandemic world where many things have moved online permanently. A better approach is to educate and encourage people to be mindful with their use of technology. Maybe the only way to be mindful with the internet is to give up all social media, I don't know. I definitely think you made the right choice when you got rid of Facebook. Logging on there is like drinking poison. There's no such thing as a responsible amount.