Baby's First Cubicle

Two Marcusian insights in one toy:

"To the extent to which the machine becomes itself a system of mechanical tools and relations and thus extends far beyond the individual work process, it asserts its larger domination by reducing the "professional autonomy" of the laborer and integrating him with other professions which suffer and direct the technical ensemble."

and

"The people recognize themselves in their commodities; they find their soul in their automobile, hi-fi set, split-level home, kitchen equipment."


Although we should be careful not to get too worked up about this sort of thing. Remember, Marcuse also said: "Not every problem someone has with his girlfriend is necessarily due to the capitalist mode of production."