Marx in the Age of Digital Capitalism
by Christian Fuchs (Editor), Vincent Mosco (Editor)
I have to stop reading books that sound like they’re impossible to read. Because, most of the time, it turns out they ARE impossible to read. I guess, I keep hoping that the authors or editor would find a way to present complex ideas in a way that’s easy for the reader to understand. Not so with Marx in the Age of Digital Capitalism. I’m just surprised that Haymarket, a publisher of books I’ve found accessible and engaging (like anything by Danny Katch), would also put out books that are this academic and downright boring.
I have to admit, I didn’t finish this book. I promised myself I’d read 100 pages in and if nothing made sense, I’d drop it. I’m just too old to waste time on books that I’m not going to get anything out of. And yes, 100 pages I realized it would be futile.
Marx in the Age of Digital Capitalism is a very scholarly book, that’s full of complicated terms and jargon, and basically written for other intellectuals in the field. It’s written so that the least amount of people could understand it: a true honor to Marx. My other gripe, which is probably my main one, is that these authors are, like Bertrand Russell said, completely committed to orthodoxy. Every aspect of modern culture (in this case the internet), needs to be interpreted through Marx and his works as if he’s some unerring prophet. What we don’t get is an explanation as to why this is useful. The authors are too busy nitpicking how Marx can be applied to modern situations. Have they considered that, maybe, they’re just reaching and the internet has little to do with Marx? It’s tiring and neurotic and terribly narrowminded, to say the least. Also sad is seeing how the authors are confused on topics where Marx contradicts himself. They have very strong opinions where he’s consistent but are helpless if Marx isn’t there to make up their minds for them on the subjects. It’s complete and utter fanaticism.
Marx in the Age of Digital Capitalism is just an echo chamber that’s simply uninterested in engaging the rest of the world. No thanks.
