Hello!
For the positive message that 'Atlas Shrugged' may have for the individual it is wrapped in an incredibly grim and nasty package. There are horrible issues involving those who do not have the opportunity to produce and Rand seems completely mesmerised with the idea of the middle class and its agency.
What of the weak or the infirm? Are they supposed to rely on the often unforthcoming charity of the rich producers? The tyranny of the market is something that we are all too aware of post-2008 and you need to wonder what would happen if Rand's supporters were in charge of the recovery of the market.
Rand's text also confuses the nature of man, you are seen as either a producer or a looter, with no middle ground. In Rand's text you are saint or sinner, wholly depending on your ability to produce. When those who produce, and produce better than all others believe that they feel cheated, they withhold their labour until they feel appreciated.
Of course we can't talk about 'Atlas Shrugged' without the thorny issue of consent in the book. Sex is seen as the one thing distant from labour and dissolved as pure passion, so far so good, but then it gets a bit darker. Whilst rape isn't promoted, the consent of women isn't necessarily sought. This leaves a sour taste in the mouth and out of all the things you can discuss around 'Atlas Shrugged', the issue of sex and power is one of the most dated and grim things.
Thanks for reading!
AT
No comments:
Post a Comment