…The argument that guides Goodman’s landmark book could not be more relevant today. But it is deceptively easy to cast off as “dated.” There is a reason for this, which Goodman analyzed at length. “The Organized System of semimonopolies, government, advertisers, etc.” thrives on the perception that “nothing else is thinkable.” It is not a conspiracy exactly. But its constituent parts are owned and operated by definable agents who stand to benefit from the maintenance of the status quo. There are certain interests involved; in most cases they are moneyed interests who want us to keep thinking and buying along the same socially sanctioned lines. Above all, these interests hope we will keep thinking there is no Organized System: that it is we and our credit cards who are in control…