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MECA welcomes Gabor Maté & Chris Hedges to the NY Society for Ethical Culture as they discuss crisis in Palestine

Join MECA at the New York Society for Ethical Culture's Adler Hall at 7pm on May 5, 2025 for a thought provoking conversation between Chris Hedges and Gabor Maté.

Proceeds benefit the Middle East Children Alliance's emergency relief efforts in Gaza.

Location:

New York Society for Ethical Culture

Tags: United States Events, New York Events, Things to do in New York, NY, New York Seminars, New York Charity & Causes Seminars, #nyc, #benefits, #palestine, #gaza, #meca, #middle_east, #gabor_mate, #chris_hedges

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1. Fixed URL link to the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/palestine-the-moral-issue-of-our-time-with-gabor-mate-and-chris-hedges-tickets-1316539207209
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Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

Former member of the Greek parliament and Minister of Finance Yanis Varoufakis joins host Chris Hedges on this episode of The Chris Hedges Report to explain how capitalism is dead and a new form of capital, the title of his new book, “Technofeudalism,” has arisen and holds power akin to the feudal lords of medieval times.

Generated Summary:

Introduction to [Technofeudalism]

• [Yanis] Varoufakis, a former Greek Parliament member and Minister of Finance, presents his argument in his book titled " [Technofeudalism]: What Killed Capitalism." He posits that capitalism is no longer viable and has been replaced by a new system he refers to as [Technofeudalism].
• Varoufakis claims that the dynamics of capitalism that once governed economic systems have ceased to function effectively, leading to the emergence of this new economic paradigm.
• He identifies two primary forces that contributed to the rise of [Technofeudalism]: the privatization of the Internet by major tech companies in China and the United States, and the responses of Western governments and central banks to the 2008 financial crisis.
• The author introduces the concept of "Cloud Capital," which he argues has dismantled the foundational pillars of capitalism, specifically markets and profits, leading to a new form of economic structure.

The Shift from Capitalism to Cloud Capital

• Varoufakis explains that traditional markets, which served as the medium of capitalism, have been replaced by digital trading platforms that superficially resemble markets but fundamentally differ from them.
• He asserts that profits, once the driving force of capitalism, have been supplanted by a form of rent that must be paid to access digital platforms and the cloud, which he terms "Cloud Rent."
• The ownership of wealth and power has shifted from traditional capital owners, such as those owning machinery and infrastructure, to the owners of cloud capital, leading to a return of individuals to a status akin to serfs.
• Varoufakis warns that this transformation threatens individual autonomy and freedom as people contribute to the wealth of a new ruling class through both unpaid and waged labor.

Defining Cloud Capital

• In discussing Cloud Capital, Varoufakis elaborates on its origins and characteristics, noting that capital has existed in various forms long before the advent of capitalism.
• He describes Cloud Capital as an automated network composed of technology and machinery, which is designed not for production in the traditional sense but for behavioral modification.
• The interaction with devices like Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa exemplifies how individuals unknowingly train these systems while simultaneously being influenced by them.
• Varoufakis highlights that this automated system can shape desires and preferences, leading to a direct sale of products bypassing traditional market structures.

The Impact on Labor and Employment

• The author discusses the implications of [Technofeudalism] on labor, particularly for those in traditional wage labor positions, such as workers in warehouses or factories.
• He notes that modern workplaces utilize advanced algorithms to monitor and manage workers, significantly altering the nature of work and reducing autonomy.
• Varoufakis contrasts the revenue allocation of traditional manufacturers, which historically allocated a large percentage of revenue to wages, with modern tech companies that allocate significantly less.
• This shift in capital distribution contributes to a decrease in job quality and availability, exacerbating economic inequality and diminishing opportunities for wage laborers.

The Role of Central Banks and Financial Systems

• Varoufakis emphasizes the role of central banks in the post-2008 financial landscape, arguing that their actions have not saved capitalism but instead facilitated its transformation into [Technofeudalism].
• He describes how the financial system's reliance on printed money has encouraged the growth of cloud capital while imposing austerity measures on the general populace.
• The author points out that the financial benefits of central bank actions have primarily accrued to large tech companies rather than traditional industries, leading to a disconnection between capital investment and real economic growth.
• Varoufakis concludes that this transformation has resulted in a new class of economic elites, whom he refers to as "Cloudists," who operate outside the traditional capitalist framework.

Collective Action and Resistance

• In the latter part of the discussion, Varoufakis explores potential avenues for resistance against the forces of [Technofeudalism], emphasizing the need for collective action.
• He suggests that traditional forms of labor organizing must be combined with modern digital tools to effectively challenge the dominance of cloud capital.
• Varoufakis offers practical examples, such as creating parallel payment systems and organizing consumer boycotts, to empower individuals and communities.
• He advocates for a rebalancing of power dynamics, where the working class can leverage cloud capital to their advantage, thus transforming the current economic landscape.

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Covering US foreign policy, economic realities, and civil liberties in American society.

About: Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and commentator provides compelling story telling, archive interviews & show content covering US foreign policy, economic realities and civil liberties in American society.

Generated Summary of Video Below:

Censorship and Control of Information

• The discussion begins with the acknowledgment of the significant censorship practices employed by major digital platforms, which include removing posts, disabling accounts, and restricting user interactions.
• Shadow banning is highlighted as a technique where the visibility and reach of a person's content are significantly reduced without their knowledge.
• The recent escalation of censorship has been linked to the geopolitical situation in Gaza, where efforts to control information have intensified, particularly by Israel and its allies.
• Critics within tech corporations, including Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Meta, have faced repercussions for speaking out against these censorship practices, with some employees being terminated for their activism.
• Specific examples include the firing of Microsoft employees who organized a vigil for Palestinians, as well as Google staff who criticized the company's contract with the Israeli military.
• Meta's actions have been scrutinized for deleting posts that condemn violence in Gaza and banning accounts that advocate for Palestinian rights, with reports of mass deletions occurring across their platforms.

Corporate Influence and Employment Consequences

• The discussion reveals that employees in major tech companies have faced severe consequences for their activism, including firings and investigations, particularly when advocating for Palestinian rights.
• For instance, two Microsoft employees were dismissed for organizing protests against the company's involvement in Israeli military operations.
• Apple's significant investments in Israel, including the establishment of a major research center, have drawn criticism for complicity in the ongoing conflict.
• The narrative suggests a systemic bias within these corporations that favors pro-Israel sentiments while suppressing pro-Palestinian voices, leading to a culture of fear among employees.
• The testimonies of former employees illustrate a pattern of retaliation against those who challenge the status quo or express solidarity with Palestinian causes.

Manipulation of Narrative and Content Moderation Policies

• The power dynamics within these corporations are explored, particularly how leadership ties to the Israeli government influence content moderation practices.
• Policies at Meta, for example, are criticized for being biased against content that supports Palestinian perspectives while promoting narratives that support Israel.
• Examples of content suppression include the removal of posts advocating for ceasefires or peace in Palestine, contrasted with the amplification of pro-Israel sentiments.
• The conversation highlights the role of algorithms in enforcing these policies, which are often influenced by the personal biases of those in power within these companies.
• The narrative suggests that the systemic bias against Palestinian content is part of a broader pattern of digital colonialism, where tech companies prioritize profit and political alignment over ethical considerations.

Real-World Implications of Digital Censorship

• The implications of digital censorship extend beyond social media, impacting real-world perceptions and actions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• The use of algorithms and AI technologies in military operations, particularly by the Israeli military, is discussed as a concerning trend, with claims that these technologies are utilized to conduct targeted operations against Palestinians.
• Specific systems, such as those developed by Israeli tech firms, are described as enabling the military to classify Palestinians as terrorists and target them effectively.
• The connection between tech companies and military operations raises ethical questions about the role of technology in modern warfare and the responsibilities of corporations in these contexts.
• The conversation emphasizes the need for greater accountability and transparency from tech companies regarding their involvement in military operations and their role in perpetuating narratives that justify violence against Palestinians.

Personal Accounts of Activism and Retaliation

• Personal stories from former employees illustrate the risks associated with advocating for Palestinian rights within their companies, highlighting a culture of fear and retaliation.
• One employee recounts being fired shortly after publishing an op-ed criticizing Apple's policies and their lack of support for Palestinian issues.
• Another former employee describes being subjected to an internal investigation simply for questioning the company's stance on human rights, illustrating the lengths to which corporations will go to suppress dissent.
• These experiences underscore the broader implications of corporate policies that prioritize profit and political alignment over ethical considerations and social justice.
• The testimonies serve as a call to action for greater solidarity among employees and the need for continued advocacy against corporate complicity in human rights abuses.

Conclusion and Call for Accountability

• The discussion concludes with a call for increased accountability from tech companies regarding their role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the need for transparency in their policies.
• Activists emphasize the importance of collective action and solidarity among employees to challenge corporate practices that enable oppression.
• The testimonies shared highlight the urgent need for a reevaluation of corporate ethics, particularly in relation to human rights and social justice.
• The narrative advocates for a future where technology serves to uplift marginalized voices rather than suppress them, promoting a more equitable digital landscape.

Joining host Chris Hedges on this episode of The Chris Hedges Report are three courageous individuals who chose to put their careers on the line to fight against Big Tech suppression of voices fighting for Palestinian lives.

Saima Akhter, a former data analyst at Meta; Hossam Nasr, a former software engineer at Microsoft; and Tariq Ra’ouf, a former tech expert at Apple, speak about the internal struggles they dealt with in light of the genocide, which ultimately led to each of their dismissals.

Covering US foreign policy, economic realities, and civil liberties in American society.

"Children have been shot in other conflicts I have covered. But never before have I watched as soldiers enticed children like mice into a trap and murdered them for sport."

• Christopher Hedges American journalist on assignment in Gaza