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Citizens Quote by Noam Chomsky

“Neoliberal democracy. Instead of citizens, it produces consumers. Instead of communities, it produces shopping malls. The net result is an atomized society of disengaged individuals who feel demoralized and socially powerless. In sum, neoliberalism is the immediate and foremost enemy of genuine…” quote by Noam Chomsky
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“Neoliberal democracy. Instead of citizens, it produces consumers. Instead of communities, it produces shopping malls. The net result is an atomized society of disengaged individuals who feel demoralized and socially powerless. In sum, neoliberalism is the immediate and foremost enemy of genuine participatory democracy, not just in the United States but across the planet, and will be for the foreseeable future.”

Noam Chomsky

About This Quote

Source Essay: Media and Democracy, 1999

Neoliberalism turns citizens into consumers, eroding community and democratic participation.

In simple terms: Neoliberalism creates consumer citizens.

Key Takeaway

Promote community over consumption.

Themes

politics economics society

Mood

critical concerned

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • grassroots organizing
  • education initiatives

Key Concepts

consumerism democratic erosion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can communities reclaim agency?
  • What policies counter consumerist democracy?
A Different Perspective

Economic incentives can resist change.

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