One day the clouds parted on the globalism issue: The U.S. is Microsoft. That is -- the U.S. holds the same place in the international community that Microsoft holds in the software industry. Or at least, that is how it is perceived by the rest of the world. The analogy can even be extended so that all of the industrialized countries are cast as Microsoft, but for now the U.S. seems to be epitomize what the anti-globalization protesters are against.
The "U.S." refers primarily to the U.S. economic interests, and then to the U.S. government and military and culture, etc. All non-U.S. economic alternatives fill the role of software companies competing with Microsoft, and the consumers of the world fill the role of end-users. Perhaps this analogy works is because both entities are entering into the realm of absolute, unbridled power. Look at the parallels:
Both argue that they are only championing a free market, and is it their fault that they are so much better than their competitors? Both are very safe making this argument, knowing ahead of time what the outcome will be.
Both vie for total dominance to the point of totally eliminating the alternatives. And all the while maintain they are acting with the best of principles (see previous) (Note - in fairness to the U.S., they do not lie or totally disregard laws as much as Microsoft does).
Both like end-users they can closely observe if not control, and that are dependant on them.
Because of their actions, both have been bitterly vilified. Both are sincerely seen by many, many people as downright Satanic.
Both have passionate defenders. There are many people that feel the world will be a better place when Microsoft is more dominant (call Ripley).
The similiarities are amazing. At once I can understand why the rest of the world can respect and loathe the U.S. at the same time. It's very useful to be able to see the U.S. as others do -- I just have to think of Microsoft. Also interesting, but less useful, is to understand how those who work for Microsoft can carry on without realizing how evil their actions are seen by most others. And as U.S.er, I feel dirty and shameful.
Slashdot Mirror
One day the clouds parted on the globalism issue: The U.S. is Microsoft. That is -- the U.S. holds the same place in the international community that Microsoft holds in the software industry. Or at least, that is how it is perceived by the rest of the world. The analogy can even be extended so that all of the industrialized countries are cast as Microsoft, but for now the U.S. seems to be epitomize what the anti-globalization protesters are against.
The "U.S." refers primarily to the U.S. economic interests, and then to the U.S. government and military and culture, etc. All non-U.S. economic alternatives fill the role of software companies competing with Microsoft, and the consumers of the world fill the role of end-users. Perhaps this analogy works is because both entities are entering into the realm of absolute, unbridled power. Look at the parallels:
Both argue that they are only championing a free market, and is it their fault that they are so much better than their competitors? Both are very safe making this argument, knowing ahead of time what the outcome will be.
Both vie for total dominance to the point of totally eliminating the alternatives. And all the while maintain they are acting with the best of principles (see previous) (Note - in fairness to the U.S., they do not lie or totally disregard laws as much as Microsoft does).
Both like end-users they can closely observe if not control, and that are dependant on them.
Because of their actions, both have been bitterly vilified. Both are sincerely seen by many, many people as downright Satanic.
Both have passionate defenders. There are many people that feel the world will be a better place when Microsoft is more dominant (call Ripley).
The similiarities are amazing. At once I can understand why the rest of the world can respect and loathe the U.S. at the same time. It's very useful to be able to see the U.S. as others do -- I just have to think of Microsoft. Also interesting, but less useful, is to understand how those who work for Microsoft can carry on without realizing how evil their actions are seen by most others. And as U.S.er, I feel dirty and shameful.