We differ at one (IMO) critical point. Most paid work is the result of a voluntary contract; I agree to perform x, y, and z tasks. In exchange for these tasks, the employer agrees to provide a, b, and c (including but not limited to the usual -- money, paid vacation, and health or other benefits). I don't see this as an obligation; nobody forced me into the job I'm in, and I know perfectly well the consequences of leaving or failing to perform.
I have no problem with people taking time to create. What I do have a problem with is people who wish to create expecting people or organizations not of their family or friends or artistic patrons or other willing sources (government/welfare not included, mostly; it has legitimate reason to exist, regardless of the frequent fraud perpetrated on the system) to provide them the necessities of life. Largely, this is because I am aware of what it takes to create those necessities; housing and food and clean water are NOT the result of gifts by builders or farmers or those who process or transport the goods.
If they were, I'd be right in line to accept, smiling and saying "thank you" most sincerely.
On the gripping hand, I love seeing people in situations where their creativity isn't forced or twisted by economic factors. That's as win-win as it gets.
A note on my friend: she's the sort who really does believe that she can and should have what she wishes just by expressing a wish for it. Lovely idea, but (cynic as I am), I fear it's not realistic past about third grade. That she did this to her friends (who among us were a large fraction of her fiscal support for many years, not wishing to see her living on the streets) saw me, at least, move from an initial feeling of glad giving, to feeling coerced and resentful. (And I'd do it again, to keep a friend off the streets or out of shelters.)
If you're objecting to capitalism as primary economy, you're right: it has lots of flaws. On the other hand, I'm cynical enough about human nature that while I'd love to see a gift economy, I think it would be suborned to the greedy and powerful as soon as it was created. (Just like capitalism, for that matter.)
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2005-08-24 02:38 am (UTC)We differ at one (IMO) critical point. Most paid work is the result of a voluntary contract; I agree to perform x, y, and z tasks. In exchange for these tasks, the employer agrees to provide a, b, and c (including but not limited to the usual -- money, paid vacation, and health or other benefits). I don't see this as an obligation; nobody forced me into the job I'm in, and I know perfectly well the consequences of leaving or failing to perform.
I have no problem with people taking time to create. What I do have a problem with is people who wish to create expecting people or organizations not of their family or friends or artistic patrons or other willing sources (government/welfare not included, mostly; it has legitimate reason to exist, regardless of the frequent fraud perpetrated on the system) to provide them the necessities of life. Largely, this is because I am aware of what it takes to create those necessities; housing and food and clean water are NOT the result of gifts by builders or farmers or those who process or transport the goods.
If they were, I'd be right in line to accept, smiling and saying "thank you" most sincerely.
On the gripping hand, I love seeing people in situations where their creativity isn't forced or twisted by economic factors. That's as win-win as it gets.
A note on my friend: she's the sort who really does believe that she can and should have what she wishes just by expressing a wish for it. Lovely idea, but (cynic as I am), I fear it's not realistic past about third grade. That she did this to her friends (who among us were a large fraction of her fiscal support for many years, not wishing to see her living on the streets) saw me, at least, move from an initial feeling of glad giving, to feeling coerced and resentful. (And I'd do it again, to keep a friend off the streets or out of shelters.)
If you're objecting to capitalism as primary economy, you're right: it has lots of flaws. On the other hand, I'm cynical enough about human nature that while I'd love to see a gift economy, I think it would be suborned to the greedy and powerful as soon as it was created. (Just like capitalism, for that matter.)