Revolution International!

by Ean FrickWhat images come to mind when one utters that word so common to our cultural vocabulary: democracy? Poll booths, perhaps? Politicians engaging in a televised debate? Or how about an enthusiastic crowd of flag wavers celebrating the majoritarian spirit? Sure all these things would be correct, but only because there is no right or wrong when it comes to cultural signifiers. I guess the answer I was looking for would be my answer, for when I hear the word democracy I think of a 7-11.

Now the reader may think I am being facetious or droll. Cue liberal arrogance: “Oh, those stupid Americans, all they care about is crap food and don’t give one iota about politics! Hububububb...” But no, I am being entirely serious when I say this. For not only do I think of convenience stores when I hear the word democracy, I find them wholly representative of American democracy, in fact, I feel they are better examples of American democracy than the electoral process.

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