Fifty Shades of Capitalism: Pain and Bondage in the American Workplace

[xchrom]

http://www.alternet.org/economy/156291/fifty_shades_of_capitalism%3A_pain_and_bondage_in_the_american_workplace/

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f the ghost of Ayn Rand were to suddenly manifest in your local bookstore, the Dominatrix of Capitalism would certainly get a thrill thumbing through the pages of E.L. James’ blockbuster Fifty Shades of Grey.

Rand, whose own novels bristle with sadomasochist sexy-time and praise for the male hero’s pursuit of domination, would instantly approve of Christian Grey, the handsome young billionaire CEO who bends the universe to his will.

Ingénue Anastasia Steele stumbles into his world -- literally -- when she trips into his sleek Seattle office for an interview for the college paper. When she calls him a “control freak,” the god-like tycoon purrs as if he has received a compliment.

“’Oh, I exercise control in all things, Miss Steele,’ he says without a trace of humor in his smile. ‘I employ over forty thousand people…That gives me a certain responsibility – power, if you will.’”

She will. Quivering with trepidation, Anastasia signs a contract to become Christian’s submissive sex partner. Reeled in by his fantastic wealth, panty-sopping charm, and less-than-convincing promise that the exchange will be to her ultimate benefit, she surrenders herself to his arbitrary rules on what to eat, what to wear, and above all, how to please him sexually. Which frequently involves getting handcuffed and spanked. “Discipline,” as Christian likes to say.

[rfranklin]

1. More likely, in real life, that he would want to be whipped while wearing a diaper...

Doesn't ring true at all.

[fasttense]

2. It always amazes me what the American worker willingly allows.

Low pay, no benefits, no vacation, no sick time, crap work, bad conditions, the American worker seems to willingly take any and all abuse from the idiots in charge.

I'm glad I work for myself.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

3. Goddamn control freaks.

Ugh -- they can't control the world so they become frustrated.

I've met hundreds of them.