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0 pointsrm_-rf_slash4y ago0 comments

Systems of exploitation tend to be durable and adaptable over time, producing similar outcomes even if the overall shape appears to change drastically.

For example, the U.S. Constitution’s 13th Amendment freed the slaves, but included an exception on forced labor for those convicted of a crime. Surprise surprise, former Confederate states make up crimes (like loitering) that are only enforced on Black people, and the cheap, no-choice labor force is back at work, even if under a structure that only barely resembles prewar chattel slavery.

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pier254y ago

> Systems of exploitation tend to be durable and adaptable over time, producing similar outcomes even if the overall shape appears to change drastically.

Yes, because the fundamental problem is changing the culture, not the "shape".

In Mexico (the example I know first hand) corruption is definitely a cultural problem. It happens at all levels because it is culturally acceptable to bend/ignore the rules for personal gain.

There's even a saying in Mexico which is "el que no transa no avanza". It translates to something like "the one who doesn't cheat, doesn't move forward in life".

rm_-rf_slashOP4y ago

A film you may find interesting if you haven’t seen it is the Brazilian crime thriller “Tropa de Elite 2 – O Inimigo Agora é Outro”, which not wishing to spoil anything, was a fascinating exploration of how systems of corruption can remain even as everyone involved gets moved out; the vacuum is filled as quickly as it’s made.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_Squad:_The_Enemy_Withi...

yesenadam4y ago

That is the sequel to Tropa de Elite (2007), by the same director, Jose Padilha. I strongly recommend watching Tropa de Elite first.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0861739/

The same director's documentary Bus 174 (2002) is even much more intense and unforgettable.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340468/

He also created the amazing series The Mechanism (2018-), based on the Operation Car Wash investigations, during the last 10 years, into corruption in Brazil.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6873658/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Car_Wash

pier254y ago

Thanks for the recomendation!

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse

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pier254y ago

> Systems of exploitation tend to be durable and adaptable over time, producing similar outcomes even if the overall shape appears to change drastically.

Yes, because the fundamental problem is changing the culture, not the "shape".

In Mexico (the example I know first hand) corruption is definitely a cultural problem. It happens at all levels because it is culturally acceptable to bend/ignore the rules for personal gain.

There's even a saying in Mexico which is "el que no transa no avanza". It translates to something like "the one who doesn't cheat, doesn't move forward in life".

rm_-rf_slashOP4y ago

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elite_Squad:_The_Enemy_Withi...

yesenadam4y ago

That is the sequel to Tropa de Elite (2007), by the same director, Jose Padilha. I strongly recommend watching Tropa de Elite first.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0861739/

The same director's documentary Bus 174 (2002) is even much more intense and unforgettable.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340468/

He also created the amazing series The Mechanism (2018-), based on the Operation Car Wash investigations, during the last 10 years, into corruption in Brazil.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6873658/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Car_Wash

pier254y ago

Thanks for the recomendation!

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse