In class this week, we analyzed the terms neo-feminism and neo-liberalism. Neo-liberalism is defined as a political philosophy that advocates support for
free trade and open markets and increasing the role of private sector in a
modern society.
On December 14th of
last year, a man went on a killing spree in Newtown, killing 26 people, including 20 children. For an article on The Week, Neil Clark
explains that there will be more examples of killing sprees, such as the one in Newtown and in Britain recently due to the fast-paced changes in a neo-liberal United
Kingdom. “The answer is that we've Americanised our economy, and consequently
are paying a very high social cost.”
Henry Giroux, author of “Youth
and the Politics of Disposability in Dark Times” argued in a recent article that the rise of
financial meltdown presents a problem for the youth. Giroux defines
neoliberalism as; “the latest stage of predatory capitalism [and a] part of a
broader project of restoring class power and consolidating the rapid
concentration of capital.”
One of the important questions to ask when
considering commercial films, national culture and its relationship with neo-liberalism is if there are any benefits. One of them can be the film industry in Argentina. The
country’s government is characterized by neo-liberal economic reform that which has
benefited greatly for its film industry. “The film industry in Argentina has
witnessed a recent `boom' in commercial blockbuster movies that is bringing
audiences back to see national films. These high budget productions are
produced in part by large television channels that are utilizing state
subsidies for these projects. While this translates into healthy growth for the
film industry, it is transforming the character of national film production
from a cultural project to a commercial product.” (Media, Culture & Society)
On the other hand, it seems to defeat the purpose of
neoliberalism if the government benefits. In an article in The Guardian
entitled: “Our economic ruin means freedom for the super-rich”, George Monbiot
explains: “Neoliberals claim that
we are best served by maximising market freedom and minimising the role of the
state. The free market, left to its own devices, will deliver efficiency,
choice and prosperity.” Therefore, the role of the government should not be so
influential in the industry as private enterprises.
I think it's important to note that the private sector, especially in concerns to films is very influential. Apart from the economy, it's also important to note that neo-liberalism has seeped into films and education.
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