Odd Lots Slavoj Žižek on GameStop, WallStreetBets, and the Future of Capitalism
Apr 12, 2021
Slavoj Žižek, a renowned Slovenian philosopher and cultural critic known for his groundbreaking work on capitalism and psychoanalysis, dives deep into the chaotic events surrounding GameStop and WallStreetBets. He sees the trading frenzy as a radical act, challenging conventional perceptions of finance. The conversation explores the clash between retail investors and traditional strategies, the implications for capitalism, and how modern crises reshape class dynamics. Žižek provocatively discusses the absurdities of algorithmic wealth and the urgent need for equitable access to resources.
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Croatian Corruption
- A Croatian actor ran for president promising "corruption for everybody".
- Žižek connected this to the GameStop situation, where everyone gets a piece of the corrupt pie.
GameStop's Defiance of Expertise
- The GameStop phenomenon defied expert predictions by embracing chaos.
- Their success stemmed from the enigma of their collective action.
Stalin's Enigma
- Stalin would randomly pardon some death sentences to maintain an aura of mystery.
- Žižek finds this act of arbitrary decision-making fascinating.