Chapter 1: A Shift in Perspective

In my views on workers' rights, I lean significantly to the left. Witnessing my parents toil endlessly for minimal wages and observing the struggles of the subsequent generation has deeply influenced my stance. Unions and workers' rights are now paramount to me. Years ago, if you had asked about my support for unions and the right to organize, I would have dismissed the idea. Back then, I was aligned with corporate philosophies focused on maximizing shareholder profits.

That mindset has changed dramatically.

Unregulated capitalism functions like a disease, one that threatens not just individuals but also our environment and overall quality of life.

In the early '90s, I relocated to New Mexico, where I began my career as a civil engineer, eager for independence and a decent salary. The beautiful landscapes of New Mexico appealed to my love for outdoor activities, and for the first time, I could afford quality gear.

I became a loyal member of REI in Albuquerque, investing in premium outdoor equipment. Their customer service was exceptional, and their return policy was unbeatable.

Remember the subtle mention of REI in the film "Wild"? Cheryl Strayed expressed her gratitude over the phone, vowing never to shop anywhere else for outdoor needs. I was captivated by their “Get Outside” campaign and their decision to close on Black Friday, believing they were setting a higher standard in the corporate world.

However, the narrative has taken a disheartening turn. REI is now engaging in union-busting tactics at their Cleveland location, attempting to counter the growing movement for unionization across the U.S. This betrayal has shattered my perception of their once-commendable brand.

The once-great REI now appears to exploit its workforce while selling an illusion of ethical practices.

The corporate backlash is evident, particularly in the tech industry, where companies like Google and Microsoft are laying off thousands of employees, some of whom have dedicated decades to these firms. The layoffs are often abrupt, with workers locked out of their accounts and receiving a phone call to inform them of their termination.

Despite record profits and productivity, these corporations seem unwilling to accept the autonomy that remote work provides or the competitive salaries offered to workers.

The situation has grown dire, with terms like “restructuring” often masking the reality of replacing seasoned employees with cheaper alternatives. Additionally, the World Economic Forum has introduced a distressing worker monitoring system that punishes employees for daydreaming—an alarming step into a dystopian future.

We are witnessing a troubling shift toward a new form of serfdom.

Did you ever play Monopoly? The objective is to accumulate all the wealth until the other players can no longer participate. This scenario is now unfolding in real life, where access to essential resources like healthcare and quality education is becoming increasingly restricted.

Meanwhile, corporations continue to push for higher consumption, encouraging people to have more children who will grow up to be obedient consumers. This cycle perpetuates worker exploitation and environmental degradation.

We must unite to resist this oppressive system.

There’s a need to rethink our participation in this game. While money is necessary for survival, perhaps we can explore alternatives, like bartering.

Living frugally is a reality many are already facing, especially younger generations burdened by stagnant wages and limited prospects. Many are opting out of traditional lifestyles, choosing to live in vans or cohabit with others to make ends meet.

In my view, a solution could be advocating for zero population growth. Reducing the birth rate can lead to a more sustainable future. While this notion may provoke backlash from various groups, I envision a world with a significantly smaller population—perhaps around 200 million.

We have made significant mistakes, damaging our planet.

Instead of enjoying a harmonious existence, the corporate landscape has led to the exploitation of workers by companies like REI.

The time for change is now.

The first video titled "Why Corporate Life Is A Trap (And What To Do About It)" discusses the pitfalls of corporate culture and encourages viewers to rethink their professional choices.

In the second video, "Everything is a Lie," the narrative delves into the deceptions prevalent in the corporate world and calls for awareness and action against these injustices.

Let's stand together and demand a fairer system for all.