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Monday, July 6, 2009

Economy The Price of Silence

Posted by Charles Mudede on Mon, Jul 6, 2009 at 12:19 PM

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Zimfood is website that helps Zimbabweans in the richest parts of world "provide for and support friends and family" in one of the poorest parts of the world. "We cut out the middle man, delivering goods to the doorstep of the people you want to provide for, in a very efficient and timely manner." Though the service is a part of the new, global economy, the products offered on the website are a part of the colonial world of Rhodesia. For example:

Other

Candles 6 pack super wax 1
Matches 10 pack 1
Shoe polish nugget or kiwi 200g 1

But how can one not admire the simplicity of this type shopping—colonial shopping. There is none of the frenzy and diversity of an American supermarket. The whole business of buying comes down to a can of this thing or a tube of that stuff. Life is less dense. The temperature of a transaction is very cool. A store is not the site of anxiety or tension. A product is universal. If you want toothpaste, there is only one type of toothpaste to meet that want. And so the want is not confused or complicated by choices and a variety of prices. In the colonial shop, prices lose their ability to communicate. The chatter of the commodities seizes. The noise of Hayekian market is muted. We can shop in peace, we can pass over a product in silence.

Comments (6) RSS

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only someone who is not shopping in zimbabwe could possibly be jealous of someone who is shopping in zimbabwe. good heavens.

Posted by spoiler alert on July 6, 2009 at 12:56 PM

Zimbabwe, formerly known as "the breadbasket of Africa".

Posted by Fnarf

on July 6, 2009 at 1:35 PM

Well geez, Charles, if it's so romantic and wonderful to you, I'm sure you could go back there any time you want. Until then, kindly shut the fuck up about it.

Posted by Fifty-Two-Eighty

on July 6, 2009 at 1:57 PM

" A product is universal. If you want toothpaste, there is only one type of toothpaste to meet that want."

This would be more convincing had Zimbabweans not the choice of Colgate, Aquafresh, or Clere Family toothpaste.

Posted by Zim Bomba on July 6, 2009 at 2:10 PM

doesn't this indirectly support the continuation of the regime?

Posted by Will in Seattle

on July 6, 2009 at 3:07 PM

Only one type of product per niche. No variety to accommodate individual needs or personal taste. A rigid and stifling system perfect for our hell or Charles' paradise.

Posted by Brandon J. on July 6, 2009 at 4:20 PM