friedman (WAS: internet & social control)

[Jasper Fidget]

I recently read his _Longitudes and Attitudes_ and he had some interesting
stuff in it.  Globalization is more or less the theme, but as Terr- err
"Jumbly" says, he's not pro-globalization, but insists that understanding it
is essential to understanding the present condition of the world.  (As part
of that thesis he lists three central categories at work: Superpowers (USA),
Supermarkets (NY, London, Frankfurt, Beijing, Tokyo, etc), and
Superempowered individuals (Usama bin Laden) -- who through the use of
Supermarkets and modern technology (like the internet) are able to elevate
their category to challenge that of the sole superpower.)


> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-pynchon-l at waste.org [mailto:owner-pynchon-l at waste.org] On
> Behalf Of Jumbly Girl
> Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2003 9:15 AM
> Cc: pynchon-l at waste.org
> Subject: Re: friedman (WAS: internet & social control)
> 
> 
> 
> Malignd wrote:
> >
> > <<I read a few of his articles, I saw him on TV, I
> > thought he was a dick.>>
> >
> > Another weighty contribution from this source.
> >
> > I agree, however, that Dave Monroe is not being vague;
> > he's addressing the main point Friedman has been
> > making, which is that he's pro-globalization, the only
> > one on this thread to do so.
> 
> Anyone else that does so will be equally in error. TF is not
> pro-globalization. Although, those that have not read his books might
> get that impression.
> 
> He's not anti-globalization or anti-capitalist. He's not a Marxist or a
> Lefty  or anti-western. or anti-american. or a luddite.
> 
> His books are simple snap shots, anecdotes, silly metaphors.  He's a
> journalist who can really tell a story from personal experience and he
> uses all the buzz language and deals with all the big things that go on
> around the world. Simple. Easy reading. Light. The Lexus and the Olive
> Tree is a great introduction. I agree with Dave M., it's always a good
> idea to compare and contrast. A dialectical
> approacch--TF/Berger...whatever is a good idea.