Severance & the Critique of Late Capitalism in Media

Introduction

• The video discusses themes from the show Severance, focusing on its critique of late-stage capitalism.

• Highlights a transformative moment from the show where a character reflects on conforming to a system versus questioning the system itself.

Late-Stage Capitalism

• Coined by German economist Werner Sombart around the turn of the 20th century.

• Sombart categorized capitalism into stages:

  • Proto-capitalism: Early Middle Ages to 1500 A.D.

  • Early capitalism: 1500 A.D. to around 1800.

  • Heyday of capitalism: 1800 to World War I.

  • Late capitalism: Post-World War I to present.

• Refers to a time when capitalism's ideals dictate society, impacting perceptions of value and morality.

• Key issues include:

  • Vast wealth inequality.

  • Self-worth tied to jobs.

  • Perception of wealth equating to intelligence and superiority.

  • Economic concerns overshadowing social issues (e.g., climate change, pandemic, famine).

Cultural Critiques in Media

• Discusses various media critiquing late capitalism:

  • Aggretsuko: An anime showcasing workplace abuse and the main character's heavy metal karaoke as an outlet for frustrations.

  • Squid Game: Explores horrific consequences of income inequality through deadly games.

  • Succession: Critiques the Murdoch family's prioritization of profit over journalistic integrity.

• Highlights that critiques are prevalent in modern media but not new phenomena.

Severance Overview

• A show about corporate power within late capitalist America.

• Created by Dan Erickson with episodes directed by Ben Stiller and others.

• Focuses on the severance procedure where employees have their memories separated from personal lives.

  • Employees are referred to as Innie (work self) and Outie (out-of-work self).

• Raises philosophical questions about identity and the self.

Characters and Their Roles

• Main Characters:

  • Mark: The protagonist, an opportunist navigating corporate life.

  • Helly: The audience insert, new to the team and questioning the company.

  • Irving: The true believer devoted to the company.

  • Dylan: The jaded realist in denial, navigating corporate manipulation.

Themes in Severance

• Existential Struggles: Characters grapple with their identities and experiences being stripped away.

• Corporate Critique: Examines the consequences of blind loyalty and the dehumanization of workers.

  • Employees are identified only by first name and last initial.

• Manipulation Techniques: Exploits distrust among employee departments, preventing solidarity and potential unions.

The Power of Unity

• The characters eventually recognize the need for collective action against the company.

• Helly’s attempts to escape symbolize a fight for autonomy; the struggles represent real-world employee experiences.

• Ending Notes:

  • Encouragement to question systems that force conformity.

  • Advocates for collective action reminiscent of modern labor movements.

Conclusion

• The show serves as a reflection of contemporary work environments under capitalism.

• Advocates for re-evaluating societal structures that prioritize profit over employee well-being.

• Suggests a shift in perception towards workers as individuals, not just cogs in a corporate machine.