The Human Costs of Neoliberalism
Neoliberalism is one of the most pernicious and destructive aspects of late Capitalism. Its take no prisoners approach has caused enormous human suffering. Promoted in the 1980s by Reagan and Thatcher it includes: tax breaks for the rich and powerful, privatization of public services, cutting social welfare programs, attacks on unions, violations of labor laws, passage of so-called free trade agreements allowing for unfettered capital investment flows, minimal government regulation of financial institutions and corporations, and the endless marketization of society. Neoliberalism views people simply as consumers. This system is driving the planet and humankind into an untenable situation. It was created by the few, for the few. It is not a law of nature. It can be dismantled by the many.
Speaker
Henry Giroux
Henry Giroux, a prominent public intellectual, prolific writer, commentator, and scholar. He teaches at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He is a founding theorist of critical pedagogy. Among his many books are Neoliberalism’s War on Higher Education, The Violence of Organized Forgetting, and America at War with Itself. He is a member of Truthout‘s Board of Directors and a regular contributor to the nonprofit, independent online news organization.
Ivy Lobato –
I listened to your speech on our local community radio WERU and was blown away by the depth and insights of our current situation. I believe that every high school should listen to the speeches A.R puts on. Thank you
Kathleen Walsh –
Thanks for the post on Mr. Giroux. We are under heavy attack here in Chicago, as the “Merchants of Misery” continue their efforts to destroy Public Education and The Chicago Teachers Union. In less than a week, the Chicago Tribune published 3 ‘commentaries’ that are horrendous in their antipathy to Public Education, the Teachers and the Union. One actually called for a repeat of Reagan’s “getting rid of the Air Traffic Controllers” as a model for dealing with the teachers. We appeal to all of good heart and mind to keep up with how we are at risk of losing Chicago’s true education system, and to step forward with any efforts/materials we can use. Giroux’s work is an example of the factual work and personal dedication we need. Thanks for all you do.