I’ve been writing about networking recently, and will get back to that soon, but want to take a one posting break off that topic. I saw Michael Moore’s new movie “Capitalism: A Love Story” and have found it has stimulated a lot of interesting thoughts related my concerns about how people are commodified as products for sale (in our job searches and beyond).

Spoiler alert – I am going to write about a reaction from something in the movie – if you do not want to hear about it until you’ve seen the movie yourself, please do not read on!

As is clear from the previews etc, this movie is a critical look at how the current economic system in the United States impacts its citizens. In watching the movie, I kept thinking about how people (not just when job searching) can feel like mere commodities. Watching some of the stories Moore tells, it’s no wonder we can feel like products for sale. It’s no wonder so many people feel so disenchanted, not just with job search, but also with work in general. There are so many examples in the movie about how the system  dehumanizes people.

One example – have you ever heard of “dead peasant” insurance? No, I hadn’t either. Apparently many large companies take out life insurance on their staff. This insurance is referred to (privately and not publicly I think) as “dead peasant” insurance. So if that staff member dies, the COMPANY MAKES MONEY off their DEATH. Flabbergasting really. People as commodities? Seems like.

I don’t want to give too much of the movie away, so won’t share a bunch more examples. If you’ve been wondering as I have about how the current system we live in impacts how we feel as humans, I really recommend this movie. You may or may not agree with Moore’s take, style, or stunts, but I’m pretty sure it will give you lots to think about. It certainly energized me to keep trying to stop people from being  “for sale.”

Choice, Criticisms/questions commodification, not for sale, products