Ratings59
Average rating4
Capitalist Realism was thought-provoking and somewhat deserved its status as a classic introduction to post-Marxism.
Fisher rightly highlights how capitalism portrays itself as having no alternative, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, and terms this as inherently anti-utopian ‘Capitalist Realism'. It doesn't matter that the rise of free markets means ever-increasing inequality, the demise of public education and healthcare, and growing disillusionment and apathy - all that matters is capitalism cannot be allowed to perish. Consequently, capitalism is not constrained by politics anymore - instead, political systems fight amongst themselves to carve a space within capitalism.
Fisher also highlights capitalist realism as encouraging interpassivity (or protesting capitalism through media consumption). He also tries to view mental health through the lens of his theory (coining a term called reflexive impotence). People recognise that capitalism is inherently flawed, but they also believe they can do nothing about it -leading to a lack of self-worth and depression. I somewhat disagree with this argument because not every mental health issue can be laid at capitalism's doorstep, but I digress.
It is frighteningly easy to get lost in the doom-and-gloom. Still, to Fisher's credit, he's not a (complete) doomer - he provides meaningful criticism, added on with a warning not to get too cynical about democracy and the State because what good has ever come of handing over the entire public sphere to the industry?
All in all, an eye-opening experience and one which I wish I had read much sooner. Must-read.