Squilliam wrote:Who would be the parasite though? It is really appropriate to call people parasites for simply having certain failings associated with being human?
Parasite refers to the role they play in the ecology of society and not how they see themselves. A wood tick on a dogs ass is also just doing it's thing.
There is this loose social contract at work here of course. That quote Ralphy posted by Jason Read has a powerful sentence.
A successful parasite is one that is not recognized by its host, one that can makes it's host work for it without appearing as a burden
The word appearing is the key.
We are living indeed in interesting times where most folks are deeply cynical about the functioning of the their governments and how the influence of corporations and wealthy individuals is lobbying government to preserve their special interests. This is the mechanics of parasitism . This is actually how it functions in the ecology of our society.
The appearance is failing. As constraints tighten and disparity grows further it will become more and more obvious that the host (society at large) is recognizing the parasite. This is just in reference to the 1%.
Self examination of course needs to go much further. As the declining middle class demand a reversal of the disparity of wealth held by the parasites will they themselves ever recognize the ecological plight of our species in overshoot?
Turbulent times ahead as individuals and societies adapt to an increasingly constrained world.
Great wealth enabled the parasites to appear invisible. Constraints will expose. This will create great tension.