The Endless Commercial

The Endless Commercial

June 5, 2014 JC Collins




“The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. …We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society. …In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons…who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.”

― Edward L. Bernays, Propaganda

“I know right now that it may seem controversial but you’ll learn to love and live in the endless commercial.”

Endless Commercial

My name is not important, I’ve been sent to put an end
To the wanking in the ranks of the disloyal opposition
You’ve been heard to complain, you don’t like your status quo
And you haven’t met your quota of spending, don’t you know
Your mission is to conform and to consume
You’re way behind now so get your ass started
Where would we be if we all did what we wanted?

The wheels of industry would grind up to a halt
Our factories in Mexico would surely feel the jolt
Run though the maze and get your piece of cheese
Don’t come to us if you wind up on your knees
Deep down inside yes, you may be seething
But we want you good and tired, just barely breathing
Modern life’s got you down? We got pills for all your ills
All you gotta do is buy a lifetime supply of magic potions
You won’t know what to feel, what is fake and what is real
As they slowly take control of your mind and your emotions
Until you finally tow the line
You’re not exempt, no you won’t be forgotten
Take it from me, we know how to push your buttons
What you believe ain’t subject to debate
We’ll let you know what to love and what to hate
You’ll be confused morning noon and night
We’ll keep your senses occupied till you’re lobotomized
We’ll entertain you till we drive you to drinking
Did you believe we want you to start thinking?

We are the global merchants we have beads for all your needs
To sell our way of life to the entire universe is our agenda
Those who try to resist we will be targets on our list
We’ll bombard ‘em with consumer goods until they finally surrender
And learn to mend their frugal ways
I know right now it may seem controversial
But you’ll learn to love and live in the endless commercial
Leave everything to us, trust me, we know best
Just park the kids by the TV and we’ll do all the rest
We’ll pull the strings behind the scene
And let you all believe that this is really just a dream
Should you wake up, screaming “how’d this come about?”

Just keep your mouth shut if you know a way out.
~John Kay

http://philosophyofmetrics.com/2014/06/05/the-endless-commercial/