If money doesn't grow on trees, why do banks have branches? The importance of consumer resposibilty
The entertainment industry has always been an industry firmly routed in the principle of supply and demand. The general populace demands entertainment so artists of every sort supply music literature and various types of visual and audio spectacle. It is no secret that as the purse strings of the British public have tightened in recent years one of the main sacrifices made by many have been holidays abroad. In return the theatres of the West-End have reaped the benefits making more money than ever before and offering a variety of entertainment to pass the time between now and the next pay check.
The King’s Speech was recently released, and so far seems to have been received excellently, a fact only reinforced as it works it’s way through what looks to be a promising year of award after award. But a little known fact is that without the UK Film Council (which has been sacrificed on the coilition alter of cut-backs) funded it, along with other films like Bend It Like Beckham, The Constant Gardener and The Last King Of Scotland (to name but a few). What this means is that when public money is invested the artists enter into an understanding that anything produced with that money must be of a high standard. Although there are many who say that the system the UK Film Council, the British Arts Council and other government bodies is geared to support an elite few, it is important to remember that as a public body they/we have the power to demand high quality work, it is after all our money that is being spent.
So why is it that this level of consumer/supplier responsibility is not applied elsewhere? The capitalist system is surely a system that works on the same supply and demand principle. Only a foolish consumer would demand a low quality and/or an expensive service. So why is that Banks are able to take public money without entering into the same agreement as artists to supply a service that rewards our investment? Where is our pay-out? Where is our bonus?
One of the keys to empowering consumers is varied competition. If there are other places where we can spend or invest our money that will be in our best interest then bodies incapable of changing to fit our needs, our demands, will simply fail. Are there alternatives to the banks? Yes, but we seem to have forgotten, or become lazy, in looking for these alternatives. Think carefully about where you store your money. Remember the co-operatives and the credit unions, and remember, most importantly, what is in your best interest as a consumer.
Supermarkets, like banks, have become a dominant force in the supply and demand chain. Surely in the interest of creating varied and healthy competition we should once again remember our markets and our small business men. They are the ones who stand to loose the most from bad customer service, so surely they will be the ones who will strive to please and satisfy our needs.
When we demand such high quality of our entertainment and general leisure time, surely we should demand the same of our food, our money and other necessities. These are the things that keep us alive, and safe and happy. These are the things we cannot exist without. That is not to say that art is not necessary, but you wouldn’t listen to a band if you thought the quality of their music was terrible. If you do not agree with the banking system, and the bonuses, and the lack of pay-out for the public, then demand more of them. Use the power of consumer responsibility and take your money elsewhere.
Related links:
http://www.creditunion.co.uk/
http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/
http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/small-business
http://www.isj.org.uk/index.php4
http://www.socialistinternational.org/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/7911246/Mike-Leigh-scrapping-UK-Film-Council-is-like-abolishing-the-NHS.html
The King’s Speech was recently released, and so far seems to have been received excellently, a fact only reinforced as it works it’s way through what looks to be a promising year of award after award. But a little known fact is that without the UK Film Council (which has been sacrificed on the coilition alter of cut-backs) funded it, along with other films like Bend It Like Beckham, The Constant Gardener and The Last King Of Scotland (to name but a few). What this means is that when public money is invested the artists enter into an understanding that anything produced with that money must be of a high standard. Although there are many who say that the system the UK Film Council, the British Arts Council and other government bodies is geared to support an elite few, it is important to remember that as a public body they/we have the power to demand high quality work, it is after all our money that is being spent.
So why is it that this level of consumer/supplier responsibility is not applied elsewhere? The capitalist system is surely a system that works on the same supply and demand principle. Only a foolish consumer would demand a low quality and/or an expensive service. So why is that Banks are able to take public money without entering into the same agreement as artists to supply a service that rewards our investment? Where is our pay-out? Where is our bonus?
One of the keys to empowering consumers is varied competition. If there are other places where we can spend or invest our money that will be in our best interest then bodies incapable of changing to fit our needs, our demands, will simply fail. Are there alternatives to the banks? Yes, but we seem to have forgotten, or become lazy, in looking for these alternatives. Think carefully about where you store your money. Remember the co-operatives and the credit unions, and remember, most importantly, what is in your best interest as a consumer.
Supermarkets, like banks, have become a dominant force in the supply and demand chain. Surely in the interest of creating varied and healthy competition we should once again remember our markets and our small business men. They are the ones who stand to loose the most from bad customer service, so surely they will be the ones who will strive to please and satisfy our needs.
When we demand such high quality of our entertainment and general leisure time, surely we should demand the same of our food, our money and other necessities. These are the things that keep us alive, and safe and happy. These are the things we cannot exist without. That is not to say that art is not necessary, but you wouldn’t listen to a band if you thought the quality of their music was terrible. If you do not agree with the banking system, and the bonuses, and the lack of pay-out for the public, then demand more of them. Use the power of consumer responsibility and take your money elsewhere.
Related links:
http://www.creditunion.co.uk/
http://www.co-operativebank.co.uk/
http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/small-business
http://www.isj.org.uk/index.php4
http://www.socialistinternational.org/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/7911246/Mike-Leigh-scrapping-UK-Film-Council-is-like-abolishing-the-NHS.html