Episode 204: Our Howie Holidays… of Work

August 30, 2022

Central Thesis

Ad-supported media, exemplified by the uncritical neoliberal ethos of programs like Planet Money, actively works to suppress alternative economic visions and reinforce the idea that perpetual work and endless growth are both necessary and universally beneficial, even when reality demonstrates the opposite. This propaganda is designed to prevent individuals from questioning the status quo and embracing the potential for a post-work future.

Key Arguments

• The "Holiday for Howie" Paradox Jim uses the 1958 story, "Holiday for Howie," as a starting point to explore the concept of technological unemployment, recalling Keynes' prediction of a 15-hour work week by 2030. Howie's vision of decreasing work hours is contrasted with the relentless pro-work messaging prevalent today.
• Planet Money as Neoliberal Propagandist Jim critiques the "orthodox" economic views promoted by Planet Money, particularly its central tenet that "everybody can get richer" and that "the pie can get bigger." He argues this simplistic view ignores the exploitative aspects of capitalism, the realities of economic crashes, and the winners and losers created by the system.
• Manufacturing Consent for Perpetual Work Jim suggests that media outlets like Planet Money subtly reinforce the idea that continuous work is essential and desirable, even in an era of technological advancement that should, in theory, allow for reduced work hours. This ideological reinforcement serves the interests of the powerful by discouraging critical examination of the economic system.
• Suppression of Alternative Visions The episode asserts that "the right since the 1970s has created a massive cultural apparatus" to stifle alternative ways of thinking. This "war on the mind" aims to prevent people from envisioning a future beyond the current work-centric model.

Notable Passages

• "The war they wage is a war on the mind. The war on the possibility of alternative visions."
• "For me, the great big exciting idea at the heart of economics is everybody can get richer, right? Right? The pie can get bigger. The world is not a zero-sum game."
• "Post-crash, everybody focused on the fact that a gazillion Bob and Betty Smiths in the country applied for a loan that they just couldn't pay, but fewer people noted…" (the banks won).

Rhetorical Approach

Jim employs a sarcastic and critical tone, frequently using rhetorical questions to challenge the assumptions of mainstream economic thought. He juxtaposes historical examples (Keynes, "Holiday for Howie") with contemporary media (Planet Money, David McRaney's podcast) to illustrate the persistence of pro-work ideology. He frames his critique in terms of a "war on the mind" and a deliberate effort to suppress alternative perspectives, painting himself as a dissenting voice challenging the dominant narrative.

Connections

• Episode 203: Unquieting Hearts For Profit. Part 1
• Episode 56: "Existential Dread from Our Grand Uncle" (Keynes discussion)
• Nancy Pope Mayorga's "Holiday for Howie" (Saturday Evening Post, 1958)
• John Maynard Keynes' "Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren" (1930)
• Planet Money podcast
• David McRaney's "You Are Not So Smart" podcast
• Jacob Goldstein (former Planet Money host)