Fifty years ago today, Brian Eno recorded “Discreet Music” using a synthesizer that had on-board memory, along with a graphic equalizer, an echo unit, and two tape recorders, and 50 years later you have an ambient music button on your iPhone.
It might argued that the greatest flowering of independent music was facilitated by access to decent unemployment benefits and free education at state supported art schools. Governments could play a renewed role in properly funding national health care systems, free at the point of delivery, and conduct a grown-up conversation with the public about how much this costs. I guess what you’re proposing is a bit more anarchistic?
I remember Julie Burchill writing about how the swinging 60s that had become a point of pride for a lot of British people was only possible because of well-funded social insurance that gave young people time and space to explore new ideas. She was one of the first to argue, I think, that freedom wasn't having complete autonomy to act how you liked, but clean drinking water, a safe warm house, affordable education...
However, my experience of healthcare free at the point of delivery was mixed. I saw first hand how amazing it could be, but also how historically it had put enormous power in the hands of a few elite cadres of professionals who used their prestige to construct health in their own image. Some of this was good, but it denied more than it enabled.
I think a starting position that seeks out forms of oppression everywhere, even, or maybe especially, in the places where people's interests seem most benign, is essential if we're ever going to achieve a fair, just society.
It might argued that the greatest flowering of independent music was facilitated by access to decent unemployment benefits and free education at state supported art schools. Governments could play a renewed role in properly funding national health care systems, free at the point of delivery, and conduct a grown-up conversation with the public about how much this costs. I guess what you’re proposing is a bit more anarchistic?
Yes, I think that would be fair Jon.
I remember Julie Burchill writing about how the swinging 60s that had become a point of pride for a lot of British people was only possible because of well-funded social insurance that gave young people time and space to explore new ideas. She was one of the first to argue, I think, that freedom wasn't having complete autonomy to act how you liked, but clean drinking water, a safe warm house, affordable education...
However, my experience of healthcare free at the point of delivery was mixed. I saw first hand how amazing it could be, but also how historically it had put enormous power in the hands of a few elite cadres of professionals who used their prestige to construct health in their own image. Some of this was good, but it denied more than it enabled.
I think a starting position that seeks out forms of oppression everywhere, even, or maybe especially, in the places where people's interests seem most benign, is essential if we're ever going to achieve a fair, just society.