To gain more insight on how late-stage capitalism is affecting us, we also reached out to Dr. Erika Okamoto, host of the podcast Cocktails & Capitalism, who was kind enough to have a chat with us as well. Dr. Okamoto is another expert on discussing important topics such as this without losing her sense of humor. When asked about how Cocktails & Capitalism came about, she replied with this meme, noting that for her entire adult life, she's been the girl with a metaphorical anti-capitalist tuba, ready to blast anyone she meets with the message that capitalism is the source of our most pressing problems.
"The podcast was born after years of feeling rage and powerlessness in the face of a system that has created so many crises during my short lifetime," she explained. "Worsening inequality, climate change, and the return of fascism are all tied to this economic system that prioritizes profit over people and the planet."
And when it comes to what she loves most about running the show, Dr. Okamoto says it has been connecting with the amazing activists and organizers who are working to bring a better world into existence. "I’ve befriended some wonderful people who give me so much hope, like ALU organizer Chris Smalls, climate activist Mikaela Loach, human rights lawyer Steven Donziger, and the amazing activists from the movement to stop Cop City."
We were also curious if Dr. Okamoto ever feels like we're already living in a dystopian society. "Many of us try to escape life under capitalism with dystopian fiction, while a real dystopia is developing all around us," she noted. "The ultra-rich are hoarding more wealth than ever, and we’re seeing more regular folks struggling to afford food and housing. Fossil fuel profiteers are making out like bandits while dooming all of us to a climate apocalypse. If that’s not a dystopian capitalist hellscape, then what is?"
So it's important for us to continued having discussions about what's wrong with society, rather than just accepting it. "Most of us feel locked out of conversations about the economic system that dominates our lives," Dr. Okamoto says. "We’re taught to leave these matters to politicians, economists, and the hand of the free market. If we want to move beyond this profit-driven system, we need to raise class consciousness and take control of the narrative. This begins with simple conversations about how capitalism has failed us."
The good news is that there is plenty we can do to help combat capitalism. "The first and easiest thing you can do is start raising class consciousness by sharing your thoughts about capitalism on social media and in conversations with friends and family," Dr. Okamoto shared. "Next, you can organize your workplace. Turn your attention to the working conditions you experience day after day and begin having conversations with co-workers who share similar complaints. This can lay the groundwork for unionizing."
Mutual aid work is also important. "Mutual aid involves voluntarily cooperating to satisfy human needs by sharing resources and services for free," the host explained. "Working with community members to provide food for your unhoused neighbors is a wonderful way to get involved. If you’re interested in learning more about mutual aid, I recorded a great introduction to the topic with Joshua Potash of The Slow Factory and leftist Twitter fame. Check out Josh Potash on Mutual Aid."
"Lastly, you can combat the destructive forces of capitalism by engaging in direct action to oppose industries that are hurting people and the planet," Dr. Okamoto added. "Learn from inspiring examples like the movement to stop Cop City or the brave folks with Palestine Action who are shutting down Israel’s weapons suppliers."
"Cocktails & Capitalism is a podcast that pairs crafted beverages with stories distilled from our capitalist hellscape. This is more than a true corporate crime show — our episodes uplift the activists and organizers who are working to oppose the destructive forces of capitalism and begin creating a better reality," Dr. Okamoto told Bored Panda. "Our crafted cocktails help us tap into the gallows humor necessary for surviving late stage capitalism. Some of these stories can get pretty dark, so get ready and grab a drink! You can even make the custom cocktail or mocktail crafted by our resident anti-capitalist bartender, Jesse Torres."
If you'd like to check out the show, be sure to visit their website right here, and for more anti-capitalist memes, follow Cocktails & Capitalism on Instagram right here!
Are you feeling inspired to quit your job and go off the grid, pandas? These photos might not leave you feeling very optimistic about the future, but at least we can all band together to roast companies who try to put capitalist horrors in cute, quirky packaging! Feel free to share your thoughts on these photos in the comments below, and then if you’re interested in checking out another Bored Panda article that might make you want to immediately become an anarchist, look no further than right here!
#32
#36
