Capitalist Realism & My Old Navy Malcolm X Shirt

In this week’s episode of Park Bench Ontology, we dive headfirst into capitalist realism—the idea that capitalism is the only system that feels “real” and inevitable—and what it means when our identities, style, and culture are co-opted by the market. I share my own bizarre experience buying an Old Navy Malcolm X shirt, and why it made me rethink how we consume revolutionary imagery while participating in the very system it critiqued.We talk symbolic violence, brand culture, and the absurdity of resistance in a consumerist world—and I unpack how capitalism doesn’t just sell products, it sells identity.🔑 Topics covered:Capitalist realism and cultural inevitabilityConsumerism vs. authenticityThe commercialization of revolutionary symbolsExistential dread in everyday capitalismIf you’ve ever wondered why your rebellion looks suspiciously like a mall display, this episode is for you.Listen & Subscribe: https://pod.link/uncolonizedWatch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOStPFwaNyn895S43bUk9HoaZdFEIXlQc🎙 Park Bench Ontology — existential comedy for the end of the world.🔗 Follow & Support: 🌐 Website: http://gavinstephens.ca 🎧 Podcast: https://pod.link/uncolonized 📷 Instagram: @countgavin 🐦 Bluesky: gavinstephens.substack.com 🎵 TikTok: @ParkBenchOntology📼 YouTube: http://youtube.com/@parkbenchontologyAlso, Check out the Substack: Dispatch From The SimulationSubscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.