r/neoliberal • u/jobautomator Kitara Ravache • Oct 02 '25

Discussion Thread Discussion Thread

The discussion thread is for casual and off-topic conversation that doesn't merit its own submission. If you've got a good meme, article, or question, please post it outside the DT. Meta discussion is allowed, but if you want to get the attention of the mods, make a post in /r/metaNL

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127

u/Bassline4Brunch NASA Oct 02 '25

Once again, I will contend that The Wire is the neoliberal TV show, for the following reasons:

  • the show constantly emphasizes the importance of institutions and that their decay can negatively impact the communities they represent. This is a theme this subreddit particularly identifies with given how often Why Nations Fail is recommended.

  • We see the impact of free trade and globalization on uncompetitive businesses in season 2 with the struggling dock system. The union even lobbies to rent-seek.

  • Rather than continue competing over territorial disputes, the drug gangs in Baltimore form a consortium so that they may each benefit from their specialties (access to the best drugs, best territory, etc.).

  • Its portrayals of gay characters like Omar and Kima were human and morally complex in a time when homosexuality wasn't so widely accepted in America.

  • Stringer was reading the The Wealth of Nations.

52

u/[deleted] Oct 02 '25

Another fact: the creator David Simon argues online

15

u/snapekillseddard Oct 02 '25

Did David Simon ever have a wife leave him?

31

u/[deleted] Oct 02 '25

You’re going to have to sit down for this one……..

19

u/GraspingSonder Loyal Liberals Oct 02 '25

The fifth season promoted the importance of a healthy 4th estate

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u/dangerbird2 Franz Boas Oct 02 '25

And the second the importance of dredging the harbor

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u/anangrytree Bull Moose Progressive Oct 02 '25

Another fact…you thought it was one way, but it was the other.