| [[Merch]], short for Merchantism, is a secret philosophy that even [[Dear Future Archaeologists|the coolest, most underground, anti-capitalist anarchist punk collective]] uses as justification to sell out. The illusion of the [[World/Inferno Friendship Society|temporary autonomous zone]] is brutishly cast. The band, only minutes ago proclaiming death to all the world's accountants, constructs a version of capitalism in miniature, entreating their [[you|hypnotized minions]] to spend like it's Christmas on shirts, tapes and stickers. The emotional connection between band and audience is exploited not only for money, but to turn the fans into walking billboards, proclaiming their allegiance through showing the band's logo. The [[punk]], nominally the eternal foe of capital, accepts their fate. Instead of brawling with the band like they should, they shrug their shoulders and get in line. "What else is a band to do in such a day and age?", they think, if they think anything at all about a ritual so thoroughly accepted. "The workers who make music deserve to be compensated", might be the justification. And they are right. What else are we to do? | [[Merch]], short for Merchantism, is a secret philosophy that even [[Dear Future Archaeologists|the coolest, most underground, anti-capitalist anarchist punk collective]] uses as justification to sell out. The illusion of the [[World/Inferno Friendship Society|temporary autonomous zone]] is brutishly cast aside. The band, only minutes ago proclaiming death to all the world's accountants, constructs a version of capitalism in miniature, entreating their [[you|hypnotized minions]] to spend like it's Christmas on shirts, tapes and stickers. The emotional connection between band and audience is exploited not only for money, but to turn the fans into walking billboards, proclaiming their allegiance through showing the band's logo. The [[punk]], nominally the eternal foe of capital, accepts their fate. Instead of brawling with the band like they should, they shrug their shoulders and get in line. "What else is a band to do in such a day and age?", they think, if they think anything at all about a ritual so thoroughly accepted. "The workers who make music deserve to be compensated", might be the justification. And they are right. What else are we to do? |