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In 1982, ‘Blade Runner’ introduced us to a bleak vision of what the year 2019 might look like: evil corporations rule the world, the planet is polluted beyond repair, and people suffer in destitute conditions.

But although 2019 passed without any androids running amok, we still live in a world not far from that idea. And it seems that this dystopic future has arrived sooner than expected.

Bored Panda has found the perfect subreddit that shows us examples of how we are living in this strange reality. r/ABoringDystopia holds a mirror up to our society and makes us feel uneasy over the influence of capitalism on our lives.

We’ve allowed these disturbing issues to happen without us realizing it, almost to the point that it’s become predictable. And this is where the term ‘boring dystopia’ comes from. You can read more about it from Bored Panda here and here

Read on to see my interview with John A. Lancaster and his expert take on the current state of the economy and the situation with COVID-19.

#1

"Who’s Going To Pay For It?"

"Who’s Going To Pay For It?"

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Nizzle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

america is a failed state. they took democracy but forgot the part where they're supposed to look after each other.

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The posts shared here emphasize how greed and a lack of empathy affect the daily lives of people worldwide. With the cost of living seemingly out of reach for the everyday person, we have to ask ourselves: how did things get so bad?

I asked John A. Lancaster what we should expect from the economy in the near future. Being a political commentator who gives straightforward and concise takes on the most controversial issues, John told Bored Panda, "Assuming there won't be any more lockdowns, a significant issue to worry about is the return of 'Industry Policy', which is basically the government subsidizing certain industries in hopes of spurring development and innovation in those industries."

#2

Essential Employee

Essential Employee

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Nizzle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

people are starting to understand the issues. it's not black and white, it's rich and poor.

master_minds9 avatar
denzoren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I usually correct my friends when they say I'm an essential worker...I'm not essential...I'm expendable.

angelwingsyt avatar
AngelWingsYT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Worked fast food in the pandemic. Its was horrid. You get yelled n cussed at for things you didnt do. Go 5-8 hrs no break mask on in hot conditions (your lucky to have 1 min to get water) Got yelled at for "believing the pandemic is real" and yelled at for having my mask below my nose (for 1 min to get fresh air) by a MASKLESS customer Not a hero. You are treated like trash

anneking68 avatar
StrawberryParfait
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, if it's any consolation, Ellen finally has the face she deserves.

long_fung avatar
Alexis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I saw this before and it's heartbreaking. This is the reality for a lot of people who were already struggling or barely getting by before the COVID outbreak. That's why it's infuriating to see people recording themselves walking into a business without wearing a mask and giving the employees a rough time. I saw a video where the server at Denny's said she had had enough and was going to quit on the spot when the people refused to wear a mask.

fimophreak avatar
BetweenTheCracks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The pandemic turned the word "hero" into a four-letter word. It's the height of arrogance that policymakers thought all the peasants needed to be kept quiet and to keep working is a pat on the head and being called a "hero". Condescending much??

joshuaselbitschka avatar
Joshua Selbitschka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a retail worker who's worked through the pandemic and for 7 years prior to that(8 years in total), I completely relate to that. No one in power gives a s**t about us. And the people that do give a s**t can't do much to help.

nhonami avatar
Jennifer Hardesty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ern... Am I the only one wondering how a 19 year old with a family has the concern of becoming homeless? Shouldn't she putting her effort into forging the foundation of her career? College? Trade school? Apprenticeship? McDonald's is supposed to be a side thing during this age. There are plenty of grants and scholarships to help a lot of young people with ambition achieve their goals without becoming homeless.

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Dandelion Patch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is she going to go to college if she has to work full time just to keep herself going? Also you assumed that everybody has the privilege and potential to do more. Maybe she can't qualify for the excessive student loans that it takes to go to college these days. And in what field can you get a paid apprenticeship? Anybody who works full-time should be able to support themselves in a modest apartment.

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Sue User
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I struggle with this. Should I go through the drive thru so the workers have work and don't become unemployed, or am I part of the problem ?

bonniehill_1 avatar
bonnie hill
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

bonniehill_1 avatar
bonnie hill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

prayers for her and everyone else forced into this situation. Please let's vote responsibly and kick these nasty jerks out of office.

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Dan Buczynski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I learned over the past year and a half that there are the entitled, and there are those of us that are cannon fodder.

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Benjamin Tang
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is socialism any better? I want to hear explanations.

lbneely85 avatar
Dandelion Patch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Look at modern countries with democratic socialism. We're not talking about the old Soviet style communism. We're talking about a modern society in which they elect their leaders democratically, but taxes are used to pay for the benefit of the people. Americans are so terrified that the undeserving will get something that they're willing to let everyone else die.

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Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since when is "fast food" essential? Yes, many times the prices are what poor people can only afford rather than "real" food. Let's help them with real food. But my brother - in - law works for a pizza chain and mostly it was just a bunch of lazy people who don't want to cook or give the smallest of tips either. And don't tell me these conglomerates don't have enough money to see them through.

danh_2 avatar
Dan H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that this is rather humorous.People went out of their minds when they were unable to get toilet paper and what if these employees did not Report to work? People would lose their minds like never before.These workers are not slaves to capitalism but people who keep the economy going And Ensure that people are able to get the household supplies needed.

darren_lewis avatar
Darren Lewis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she isn't a hero and she isn't a sacrifice to some "elites". She is a person doing a job that needs doing and collecting a paycheck. Could have had the alternative and had her career discontinued by government mandate

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He explained further about the issues that 'Industry Policy' can produce: "This means that vast amounts of funds can be (and practically always are) squandered on economically unpromising projects with little to no consequences to the government officials. These officials are going to get reimbursed with tax revenue regardless of how their subsides pan out financially."

John considers that 'Industrial Policy' is: "an extremely inefficient way to boost innovation that wastes immense amount of money and resources that would have been best left up to private firms."

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He also drives home the point about where the control of money lies. John notes that: "It's important to note that government funds come from the tax paying public. Whenever there is a push to 'stimulate' new jobs, money is being taken from the public and directed as bureaucrats and elected officials see fit. When this happens wealth is not being created, but redistributed."

#3

In America, We Got Celebrities Singing Imagine

In America, We Got Celebrities Singing Imagine

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#4

Pretty Weird...

Pretty Weird...

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, pumping money in to banks and corporations for what? jobs? pfffft they fired their people and a bonus was paid to .... drum roll ...

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So businesses under the 'Industry Policy' profited massively, whilst the people that needed help the most, struggled to survive and make ends meet.

Regarding the government's control of the finances, John also raised an important question: "If the general public would've preferred to spend their money in different ways than the government, then how beneficial are the government ventures and what was potentially sacrificed for those ventures?"

You can see from the ‘boring dystopia’ subreddit exactly how people across the globe have been affected. There’s the illogical ideas put forward by these businesses that are meant to help people, but do anything but that. And astounding hypocrisy of the rich and powerful.

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#6

Apparently Actually Reading A Bill Before You Vote Is Cause For Hilarity

Apparently Actually Reading A Bill Before You Vote Is Cause For Hilarity

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The president America should have had. At least he gives a s**t.

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#7

‘Murica

‘Murica

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Something
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are advantages and disadvantages both to socialized healthcare and to simple free market healthcare (though between the two, socialized healthcare wins). The neat thing about the private insurance system is that it combines the flaws of both, which is great if you really hate healthcare.

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It makes you think twice about who’s running the world and if they should really have this much power. These are some of our top selections from the subreddit. These examples are a cautionary reminder to reflect on society, and question what we should consider the norm. We hold the power to make a change to our society, so we should make it a positive one.

#8

You Think 4 Billion People Could Take The 8 In A Fight

You Think 4 Billion People Could Take The 8 In A Fight

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#9

When People Try To Act Like Companies It’s Illegal

When People Try To Act Like Companies It’s Illegal

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#11

You Can’t Afford A Home, But You Can Pay Rent

You Can’t Afford A Home, But You Can Pay Rent

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Hugh Willie Mungous
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, lenders should be FORCED to factor in the savings in rentals that would result when calculating affordability. It is ridiculous that the monies that will become available when rentals cease are not factored in to the calculation.

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#12

Seems About Right

Seems About Right

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Nannychachi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son works 2 jobs, in a store and on a garbage truck. We live in a small town and STILL had to gift him a small house that we own just so he can live on his own. He couldn't do it otherwise.

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#14

And Call People Back

And Call People Back

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Caroline Nagel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had a man from a firm tell me to come do an interview for a job he knew I was not qualified for and I had told him as much. I had to cycle about an hour to get there - no public transport, no car. He told me ' the cycle trip would do me good'. I cycled for an hour, got soaking wet and got told I was not qualified as soon as the interview started. I had to go as refusing could cost me my unemplyment benefit, which I couldn't afford. The power these people think they can wield over the unemployed. Psychopathic is the word I would use for these kind of people.

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#15

The Ruling Class Wins Either Way

The Ruling Class Wins Either Way

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#16

Why Did Blue Collar Become Unskilled Labor?

Why Did Blue Collar Become Unskilled Labor?

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#17

All Too Common

All Too Common

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Joi Cain
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure why white people say black people always play the race card. This is the ultimate race card but the racism is subliminal to whites and GLARING for black folks.

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#18

$280,000,000,000

$280,000,000,000

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK it is going to Tory party donors, MP's friends etc

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#19

This Might Be Too Crazy But Hear Me Out, The System May Be Rigged

This Might Be Too Crazy But Hear Me Out, The System May Be Rigged

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M O'Connell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was 10 years old I received a birthday present from an aunt of 1 share of McDonalds Corporation (~$12). To this day, the transaction fee for selling that 1 share would cost more than the share is worth, so I just enjoy my quarterly dividend check for $1.19.

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#21

What I Got For ‘Employee Appreciation’ After Working An Entire Year During A Pandemic

What I Got For ‘Employee Appreciation’ After Working An Entire Year During A Pandemic

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#22

Did You Know We Don't Pay Our Servers A Living Wage?

Did You Know We Don't Pay Our Servers A Living Wage?

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Something
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone should agree that this should be illegal. Nothing about this system works.

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#23

Bc Itd Be Just Horrible If Homeless People Were Allowed To Sleep

Bc Itd Be Just Horrible If Homeless People Were Allowed To Sleep

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's time to end this horrible trend of making life harder for those whose life is hard enough already. Those are human beings people!

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#24

They Used The Key Word

They Used The Key Word

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renee brack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what astounds me about Americans who don't / won't / haven't travelled to see how good life is in other parts of the world. They cling to ideas that are not true like children told fairytales they believe as real. It's bizarre. And sad for them.

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#25

Billionaires

Billionaires

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Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really people! Do you actually need a new iPhone every 5 minutes? Apple and their upper echelon just get richer and richer because you fall for it. Learn to spend money on needs not wants. Do it now. Because if you keep doing this you may need to learn to do that the hard way. Your not the one accumulating all the money here. They are.

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#26

Look At The Bright Side

Look At The Bright Side

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troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With all those fires burning down the trees along with over-lumbering and deforestation, I think this is the the beginning of the hottest summers we will experience :(

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#27

Glad Critical Medical Care Is Being Taken Care Of By Private Companies That Definitely Give A Sh*t

Glad Critical Medical Care Is Being Taken Care Of By Private Companies That Definitely Give A Sh*t

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James016
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Barnet council in the UK outsourced most of their functions/services to a private company. It has been nothing but a disaster. That's what happens when profit is the main driver.

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#28

The Truth

The Truth

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work more hours, am calmer and significantly more productive since work from home started (March 2020) and has been going on since and is an obvious improvement. Yet the company now (at start of Delta variant, looking fwd to Lambda variant) makes me go to the office at least two days, where I will work 8 hrs (and not a minute more, trust me), will be worried about people coughing on me, will spend two hours in traffic....I can go on

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#29

Casual Price Gouging

Casual Price Gouging

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#30

Which Timeline Is This???

Which Timeline Is This???

"Bruh Walmart has removed nearly all of their stock of video games except for those rated E for Everyone but still has the audacity to keep their entire gun section"

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