Confessions of an Economic Hit Man

by John Perkins

A hopeless Economics student back in school days, I was the last person to expect myself to read "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man". But since it was recommended by Frederick (who aspires, not very secretly, to be a corporate bastard), I thought it safer to protect myself against ruthless capitalists like him by upping my knowledge of the economic world.

John Perkins, in this autobiographical account, has revealed to me things I never thought I would know: the pervasive "corporatocracy" which I have hitherto lived comfortably by has been revealed to be relentless, remorseless and ruthless slave drivers. Aiming to driving developing countries into perpetual debt, conglomerate consulting/engineering firms bait poor countries into huge loans by exaggerating benefits from industrial development. As these countries are obliged to use the loan to hire the services of American companies, money effectively does not leave the US market. Only benefiting the richer few, these victimized countries are soon awashed with debts, which allows Washington to demand political or military loyalty.

Weaned on a society where GDP growth and material comfort are touted the key performance indicators of an effective government and society, I came to the sudden realization what cruel implications of my apathetic acceptance of the system may have. Am I gracing double-faced firms that try to lure me into a life of luxury while simultaneously, very consciously, shackling some other peoples into eternal oblivion? Am I then, to be complicit in this global miasma?

Much debate has been launched over this book, with both camps vehemently defending their stand. What significance this book has, in my opinion, is however not truth, but the bringing about of awareness. With it's intimate and forthright narration (albeit one that can get rather repetitious), Perkins successfully engages concern of his readers and exhorts them to taking more responsibility for their fellow humans.

The Giver

It was most uncanny that I should have read this International Herald Tribune article about author Lois Lowry (http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/04/15/arts/lowry.php) only to discover when I got home that she was the author of the book that Ivana recommended me to read!

The Giver. This story follows Jonas who lived in a dysto-utopian society where the ignorant bliss in which all it's people lived depended solely on the efforts of the Receiver of Memory. At age 12, Jonas was appointed to be the succeeding Receiver, after which his life was turned head over heels as he made discoveries he never knew he could.

I must agree with Mehegan that Lowry definitely "doesn't talk down" to her readers. It is not the frank discussion of the myriad human emotions that make this story, but it's unabashed acknowledgment on how growing teenagers are, frequently, deliberate kept from them. Although the intention may be noble, as in "The Giver", the implication of it is cruel.

Because it lacks the layered nuances we find major literature, it is easy to dismiss this short story as a callow attempt at analyzing the human condition; but for a 3hr leisurely read, it was enrapturing. I was genuinely touched by the eponymous character and his apprentice's unpretentious affection for the host of emotions and experiences that human life has developed. In today's increasingly commercialized world where many lament the loss of humanity, this story serves as a gentle reminder to perhaps "stop and stare" and appreciate our existence for all its pains and pleasures.

So if you have the time to spare, just pick of this novella and enjoy.