Du Bois marked a great stage in the history of Negro struggles when he said that Negroes could no longer accept the subordination which Booker T. Washington had preached.
C. L. R. JamesRead
Today, in American imperialism, the commodity has reached its most grandiose historical manifestation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the excessive influence of consumerism and commodification in American society.
C. L. R. James observes that in contemporary American life, the concept of a commodity has evolved into a dominant force that shapes social relations, values, and culture. This grandiose manifestation signifies not just the prevalence of goods but also the power dynamics and ideological implications that accompany the commodification of everyday life, hinting at a critique of capitalist structures and their impact on human experience.
Themes
ConsumerismCapitalismCommodificationImperialismSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on consumer culture, one might reference this quote to highlight the implications of American imperialism.
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Property-owners are the most energetic flag-waggers and patriots in every country, but only so long as they enjoy their possessions: to safeguard those they desert God, King and Country in a twinkling.
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