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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."

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

JunkyDragon Report

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

While I absolutely do not dispute that racism and hatred is rampant in America, it is important to note that this is a BRITISH newspaper (zoom in if you don't believe me, an address is clearly listed as being in London and we do not call the defense table the "dock".) It's lazy and wildly untrue to say racism begins and ends at the borders of the United States, and I have a strong urge sometimes to start poking people from a few other countries with the log they have yet to pluck out of their own eye.

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

In the American media, "thug" is code for black male. It's pretty much never used in reference to white male offenders.

joicain_1 avatar
Joi Cain
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

See? Coding? It's brainwashing. The Will Smith movie, Focus (not the greatest movie) shows the subliminal power of suggestion. It works frighteningly well. Two separate times magicians generated the same answer on me while I was watching a show and I played along (at home mind you) with his volunteer for a mind reading trick that he performed. I got the same answer as the volunteer. It was spooky. This movie Focus explained how it worked. Glad I found out what exactly was the source of this sorcery. Pun intended.

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

The "thug" will probably do 15 to 20, the teen will get a custodial sentence of 4 years "because it makes no sense to ruin a kids life over a silly mistake." Oh. sorry, I just noticed his victim was black, which means he'll get off with a $50 fine.

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

The 'teen was sentenced to a minimum 21 years. Also the 'thug' deliberately kicked a police officer into the path of oncoming traffic then he and his friend beat her partner. The way this picture is phrased makes it sound like he just swiped at her with his foot, which is not at all the case.

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

The fact that it's a black kid who got murderated does not help the defence here.

amelia-i-clarke4 avatar
Nixxy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are we rascist? Us humans? What is the point? Black and white people act the same and have the same emotions yet we think blacks are lesser. Humans are horrible, ruthless creatures and they don’t even stop at harming their own species.

roly54 avatar
Lynne Harbison
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What about a black guy who stabbed and killed his white, 6 year old neighbour? Hardly got a mention. All lives matter!

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, and he killed a black kid, so it doesn't matter, right? It's sickening. Racism is real and racism is everywhere, and if you don't believe that, you are not paying attention.

bcb668 avatar
Dawn Thomas-Cameron
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When's the last time you heard someone say "that white family down the road..."

zanoni608 avatar
Patti Vance
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i wish i could staple this to the forehead of every d*ckwad that has tried to convince me that there is no 'subtle' racism in america in any form. this is one example but there are plenty of others.

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sarahfox_1 avatar
Violet brown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes but often (if not all the time in media) black defendants are referred to as thugs and vilified while white defendants are given better coverage and referred to as teens.

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

Don't pretend they don't know either. They know what they're doing. They call the black teen a thug to make people think of him and his race as bad. It's been happening for hundreds of years in this country.

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

One person's freedom fighter is another person's terrorist. Other than censorship I can't see how this problem could be tackled. And who wants censorship?

sarahfox_1 avatar
Violet brown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this problem can be tackled by dismantling systemic racism and calling things like this out when we see them :)

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

This is literally the media creating their own story. It's not the average white guy doing this.

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

Although I do find this suspicious, we have to look at ages and past history before making comments.

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

This is probably because the person on the left has been convicted; the person on the right has not (only charged). News outlets aren't allowed to badmouth someone unless or until they're convicted. Supposedly.

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

Most of the time it is because one has a long record of crimes and one is a first. Same for doing jail time.

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Truth is a B****
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably because most of the time, black people are targeted by cop. People ignore the horrible things whites do or give them a slap on the wrist.

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago

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He is a thug. He kicked a woman cop under a bus. His case was proven and he got 3 years. He's a convicted thug. The other kid is accused of murder. Innocent until proven guilty. Stop making things about race when they are not. It's disingenuous and divisive.

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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"

Karnami Report

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