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Democracy no longer means what it was meant to. It has…

“Democracy no longer means what it was meant to. It has been taken back into the workshop. Each of its institutions has been hollowed out, and it has been returned to us as a vehicle for the free market, of the corporations. For the corporations, by the corporations. Even if we do vote, we should…” quote by Arundhati Roy
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“Democracy no longer means what it was meant to. It has been taken back into the workshop. Each of its institutions has been hollowed out, and it has been returned to us as a vehicle for the free market, of the corporations. For the corporations, by the corporations. Even if we do vote, we should just spend less time and intellectual energy on our choices and keep our eye on the ball.”

Arundhati Roy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Democracy has been reduced to a market tool, with institutions weakened and corporate interests dominating, urging disengagement from voting.

In simple terms: Democracy is now a corporate vehicle, not a public good.

Key Takeaway

Focus on systemic change over individual voting.

Themes

democracy corporate power disillusionment

Mood

skeptical urgent

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • policy advocacy
  • civic education

Key Concepts

institutional erosion market influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives to voting can strengthen democracy?
  • How can citizens resist corporate influence?
A Different Perspective

Voting alone may not counteract corporate capture of politics.

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