Less than a decade ago my two millennial children and their friends made me go on a march against globalisation. They (rightly) saw the dangers of Neo-liberalism – in the form of multinationals and their captive organisations (yes the EU was seen as one of those) – implementing increasing regulation favouring international capital.
I was convinced. I ditched the SUV, bought a bike and struggled to buy local and organic.
I began to see the millennial generation as a voice of conscience. A mirror held up to the narissism of baby boomers.
I was made to watch Adam Curtis’ “Century of Self”. Yes, I realised then that my career in marketing had been a long lie, helping transform citizens into consumers, thus to be more easily controlled by the organs of capitalism.
Since then the EU (commission) seeks to implement TTIP, which has to be the epitome of what millennials are resisting.
Of course I think, millennials will voting to leave the EU.
But no?!
In fact this generation feel “betrayed” by the British public’s rejection of the EU, as currently and undemocratically constituted.
Well, make your mind up.
Fortunately (?) I scrambled on board with my children’s passionate “remain” vote. But I’m confused. Either millennials have abandoned principle in favour of self-interest, or they have allowed themselves to be manipulated by the organs of capitalism.
Strangely, I suspect Jeremy Corbyn (aged 70) had the right instinct – to resist globalisation and the onslaught of capital; but what use are convictions without courage?
Well said G. My sentiments exactly, but put much better than I ever could. I am completely bemused by the reaction of the young voters. I can only assume that they could not see beyond, if UKIP want out then we must want in. It really is a genuine mystery that I haven’t seen raised elsewhere. One could make fatuous assumptions about the fear of loss of inter-rail or the restriction of free movement to Ayia Napa, but it is a deeper issue than that. Or is it? Poor old Corbyn was screwed wasn’t he? His core voters in the North of England were clearly voting out, so he either had to alienate them by forcing remain on them, or alienate the London lefties by supporting his Northern voters. So he did what he could – nothing basically.
Anything we do disagree about ??!! Lunch/dinner soonest .. G