Many young people believe that the intellectual property system is evil and should be overthrown. For them undermining the IP system is not just about getting free stuff, it is an act of rebellion, in anticipation of an all out revolution. Sticking it to the evil record companies and to Hollywood is a political act. I am fascinated by this, because I think they have got it wrong. For the first time in human history the means of production in now in the hands of the proletariat. The web has democratized the production and exploitation of (intellectual) capital. Anyone can write and publish a book. Anyone can record and publish a song. Even Hollywood’s monopoly is waning. The bourgeoisie no longer controls the means of production. Bizarrely, however the response of the proletariat to this opportunity to finally eat at the same table as the bourgeoisie, is to destroy the table.
You’ve got it all wrong comrades. Free stuff is not the same thing as Freedom.
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