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In 1982, ‘Blade Runner’ introduced us to a bleak vision of what the year 2019 might look like: evil corporations rule the world, the planet is polluted beyond repair, and people suffer in destitute conditions.

But although 2019 passed without any androids running amok, we still live in a world not far from that idea. And it seems that this dystopic future has arrived sooner than expected.

Bored Panda has found the perfect subreddit that shows us examples of how we are living in this strange reality. r/ABoringDystopia holds a mirror up to our society and makes us feel uneasy over the influence of capitalism on our lives.

We’ve allowed these disturbing issues to happen without us realizing it, almost to the point that it’s become predictable. And this is where the term ‘boring dystopia’ comes from. You can read more about it from Bored Panda here and here

Read on to see my interview with John A. Lancaster and his expert take on the current state of the economy and the situation with COVID-19.

#1

"Who’s Going To Pay For It?"

"Who’s Going To Pay For It?"

reddit.com Report

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Nizzle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

america is a failed state. they took democracy but forgot the part where they're supposed to look after each other.

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The posts shared here emphasize how greed and a lack of empathy affect the daily lives of people worldwide. With the cost of living seemingly out of reach for the everyday person, we have to ask ourselves: how did things get so bad?

I asked John A. Lancaster what we should expect from the economy in the near future. Being a political commentator who gives straightforward and concise takes on the most controversial issues, John told Bored Panda, "Assuming there won't be any more lockdowns, a significant issue to worry about is the return of 'Industry Policy', which is basically the government subsidizing certain industries in hopes of spurring development and innovation in those industries."

He explained further about the issues that 'Industry Policy' can produce: "This means that vast amounts of funds can be (and practically always are) squandered on economically unpromising projects with little to no consequences to the government officials. These officials are going to get reimbursed with tax revenue regardless of how their subsides pan out financially."

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John considers that 'Industrial Policy' is: "an extremely inefficient way to boost innovation that wastes immense amount of money and resources that would have been best left up to private firms."

He also drives home the point about where the control of money lies. John notes that: "It's important to note that government funds come from the tax paying public. Whenever there is a push to 'stimulate' new jobs, money is being taken from the public and directed as bureaucrats and elected officials see fit. When this happens wealth is not being created, but redistributed."

#3

In America, We Got Celebrities Singing Imagine

In America, We Got Celebrities Singing Imagine

Agoodusername53124 Report

#4

Pretty Weird...

Pretty Weird...

ProGamer14719 Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, pumping money in to banks and corporations for what? jobs? pfffft they fired their people and a bonus was paid to .... drum roll ...

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So businesses under the 'Industry Policy' profited massively, whilst the people that needed help the most, struggled to survive and make ends meet.

Regarding the government's control of the finances, John also raised an important question: "If the general public would've preferred to spend their money in different ways than the government, then how beneficial are the government ventures and what was potentially sacrificed for those ventures?"

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You can see from the ‘boring dystopia’ subreddit exactly how people across the globe have been affected. There’s the illogical ideas put forward by these businesses that are meant to help people, but do anything but that. And astounding hypocrisy of the rich and powerful.

#6

Apparently Actually Reading A Bill Before You Vote Is Cause For Hilarity

Apparently Actually Reading A Bill Before You Vote Is Cause For Hilarity

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Scagsy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The president America should have had. At least he gives a s**t.

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#7

‘Murica

‘Murica

tetrahedron0 Report

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Something
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are advantages and disadvantages both to socialized healthcare and to simple free market healthcare (though between the two, socialized healthcare wins). The neat thing about the private insurance system is that it combines the flaws of both, which is great if you really hate healthcare.

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It makes you think twice about who’s running the world and if they should really have this much power. These are some of our top selections from the subreddit. These examples are a cautionary reminder to reflect on society, and question what we should consider the norm. We hold the power to make a change to our society, so we should make it a positive one.

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#8

You Think 4 Billion People Could Take The 8 In A Fight

You Think 4 Billion People Could Take The 8 In A Fight

KeyTall6727 Report

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#9

When People Try To Act Like Companies It’s Illegal

When People Try To Act Like Companies It’s Illegal

nvboettcher Report

#11

You Can’t Afford A Home, But You Can Pay Rent

You Can’t Afford A Home, But You Can Pay Rent

JunkyDragon Report

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Hugh Willie Mungous
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, lenders should be FORCED to factor in the savings in rentals that would result when calculating affordability. It is ridiculous that the monies that will become available when rentals cease are not factored in to the calculation.

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#12

Seems About Right

Seems About Right

mintycheesestick Report

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Nannychachi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son works 2 jobs, in a store and on a garbage truck. We live in a small town and STILL had to gift him a small house that we own just so he can live on his own. He couldn't do it otherwise.

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#14

And Call People Back

And Call People Back

franswaaz Report

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Caroline Nagel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had a man from a firm tell me to come do an interview for a job he knew I was not qualified for and I had told him as much. I had to cycle about an hour to get there - no public transport, no car. He told me ' the cycle trip would do me good'. I cycled for an hour, got soaking wet and got told I was not qualified as soon as the interview started. I had to go as refusing could cost me my unemplyment benefit, which I couldn't afford. The power these people think they can wield over the unemployed. Psychopathic is the word I would use for these kind of people.

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#16

Why Did Blue Collar Become Unskilled Labor?

Why Did Blue Collar Become Unskilled Labor?

fekumama Report

#17

All Too Common

All Too Common

amerpie Report

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Joi Cain
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure why white people say black people always play the race card. This is the ultimate race card but the racism is subliminal to whites and GLARING for black folks.

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#18

$280,000,000,000

$280,000,000,000

jdhol67 Report

#19

This Might Be Too Crazy But Hear Me Out, The System May Be Rigged

This Might Be Too Crazy But Hear Me Out, The System May Be Rigged

BecauseIamBatman1 Report

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M O'Connell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was 10 years old I received a birthday present from an aunt of 1 share of McDonalds Corporation (~$12). To this day, the transaction fee for selling that 1 share would cost more than the share is worth, so I just enjoy my quarterly dividend check for $1.19.

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#21

What I Got For ‘Employee Appreciation’ After Working An Entire Year During A Pandemic

What I Got For ‘Employee Appreciation’ After Working An Entire Year During A Pandemic

hylandzz Report

#22

Did You Know We Don't Pay Our Servers A Living Wage?

Did You Know We Don't Pay Our Servers A Living Wage?

KingMoonLazer Report

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Something
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone should agree that this should be illegal. Nothing about this system works.

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#23

Bc Itd Be Just Horrible If Homeless People Were Allowed To Sleep

Bc Itd Be Just Horrible If Homeless People Were Allowed To Sleep

Pumpkinhead1313 Report

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Scagsy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's time to end this horrible trend of making life harder for those whose life is hard enough already. Those are human beings people!

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#24

They Used The Key Word

They Used The Key Word

BulletBites Report

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renee brack
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what astounds me about Americans who don't / won't / haven't travelled to see how good life is in other parts of the world. They cling to ideas that are not true like children told fairytales they believe as real. It's bizarre. And sad for them.

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#25

Billionaires

Billionaires

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Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really people! Do you actually need a new iPhone every 5 minutes? Apple and their upper echelon just get richer and richer because you fall for it. Learn to spend money on needs not wants. Do it now. Because if you keep doing this you may need to learn to do that the hard way. Your not the one accumulating all the money here. They are.

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#26

Look At The Bright Side

Look At The Bright Side

svs213 Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

With all those fires burning down the trees along with over-lumbering and deforestation, I think this is the the beginning of the hottest summers we will experience :(

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#27

Glad Critical Medical Care Is Being Taken Care Of By Private Companies That Definitely Give A Sh*t

Glad Critical Medical Care Is Being Taken Care Of By Private Companies That Definitely Give A Sh*t

petratishkovna Report

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James016
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Barnet council in the UK outsourced most of their functions/services to a private company. It has been nothing but a disaster. That's what happens when profit is the main driver.

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#28

The Truth

The Truth

Penta-Dunk Report

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work more hours, am calmer and significantly more productive since work from home started (March 2020) and has been going on since and is an obvious improvement. Yet the company now (at start of Delta variant, looking fwd to Lambda variant) makes me go to the office at least two days, where I will work 8 hrs (and not a minute more, trust me), will be worried about people coughing on me, will spend two hours in traffic....I can go on

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#29

Casual Price Gouging

Casual Price Gouging

TulaSally Report

#30

Which Timeline Is This???

Which Timeline Is This???

"Bruh Walmart has removed nearly all of their stock of video games except for those rated E for Everyone but still has the audacity to keep their entire gun section"

Karnami Report

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#31

With What Money? With What Money

With What Money? With What Money

yelpisforsnitches Report

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I told my alumni telemarketing that unless they contribute to my student loans, they can fūck off. Never called me back

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#32

Nothing To See Here,folks. Just Good Ol' Fashion Capitalism

Nothing To See Here,folks. Just Good Ol' Fashion Capitalism

akumehime Report

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Bacony Cakes
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

imagine charging for electrons stolen you'd have to take the halogens to supreme court

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#34

Priorities...

Priorities...

MundaneEchidna5974 Report

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Scagsy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's a lot of problems that the price of an aircraft carrier would solve. But those Americans just love shooting and blowing things up instead.

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#35

Another Day, Another Extremely Depressing Thing To Learn About The Healthcare System

Another Day, Another Extremely Depressing Thing To Learn About The Healthcare System

whippedcreamcheese Report

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Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're bit by a rattlesnake, you'll survive because that antivenom is still being made - and you'll be paying for it for the rest of your life.

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#37

$2,000 Checks, Retroactive Back To March 2020 And Up Until 3 Months After Covid Settles Down. Anything Less Is An Absolute Failure Of Covid Relief From Our Government

$2,000 Checks, Retroactive Back To March 2020 And Up Until 3 Months After Covid Settles Down. Anything Less Is An Absolute Failure Of Covid Relief From Our Government

Aug415 Report

#38

Thanks To All The Heroes

Thanks To All The Heroes

Agoodusername53124 Report

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Villains in movies: "Oh, I'm being punished for my crimes!!!" Villains in real life: "Now let's see what subsidies the government is spreading around today for me."

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#39

Not My Winter Vacation Bungalow!!

Not My Winter Vacation Bungalow!!

reddit.com Report

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Won't be surprised if they already haven't voted for a law that covers the renovation costs of their first, second and third house in case if a natural disaster.

#40

Single Use Packaging And Healthcare Extortion. 2 For 1

Single Use Packaging And Healthcare Extortion. 2 For 1

blorgasporgler Report

#41

Just Pay Off The Law If You Don't Like It

Just Pay Off The Law If You Don't Like It

Guzzler829 Report

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Something
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fines that are not based on wealth or income are just a nominal fee to rich people.

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#42

Everyone Knows That Massive Billboards Are More Important Than Ac

Everyone Knows That Massive Billboards Are More Important Than Ac

FridgeMagnet99 Report

#44

Shaun On How Landlords Can Cope With The Impact Of Coronavirus

Shaun On How Landlords Can Cope With The Impact Of Coronavirus

MayonaiseRemover Report

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DE Ray
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are missing the point on both sides there. As with so many things, the bad guy isn't who you think it is. I was a small landlord at the start of the pandemic. Had 4 rent houses. They were in decent condition because I had them built new. The rent was more than I really felt comfortable charging. But I really couldn't charge less as the cost of insurance on the property immediately ate more than 50%. I even paid all utilities, and that was merely a fraction of the amount to have the property insured - which was required by the financing I took to build the houses. I eventually had to sell the rent houses (I did, at a loss) or let the bank seize them. If you find an industry people are complaining about - healthcare, rental property, cattle farming - I will just about guarantee the place all the money is actually going is an insurance company or bank.

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#45

Seeing This Meme. What Even Is This World?

Seeing This Meme. What Even Is This World?

irrelevantleech Report

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Izzy_
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would just love to see every single type of art disappear. Then, just then, will people realize how crucial it is. From design to performing arts, arts is everywhere. What would people have done in quarantine with no Netflix, no TV, puzzles, etc??

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#46

Damn This Edit Took Me Long

Damn This Edit Took Me Long

Southern_Ad7877 Report

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Scagsy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cursed generation. Sometimes (occasionally) life isn't s**t. You probably don't believe me but now and then good stuff happens.

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#47

Essentially Illegal

Essentially Illegal

Agoodusername53124 Report

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#48

Accurate

Accurate

Klaha_Algora Report

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh yes, mine is coming in September, and they don't even say how much. And they are making suuuch a fuss about The Raise! >:(

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#49

Police Guarding Dumpster Food Is Peak Capitalism

Police Guarding Dumpster Food Is Peak Capitalism

Harmacc Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is this possible. The companies prefer waste to giving it to the needy .

renee brack
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My heart just broke. This is a level of dystopia that Orwell and Huxley didn't even prophesize. But MIT did in 1972. A paper predicted modern society as we know it would collapse in the middle of the 21st century. Congratulations- most of us will see the end of the world, live and in colour.

Idan York
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What the AF? Is Fred Meyer afraid that people so desperate to eat that they are willing to salvage food from a dumpster will sue them if anything happens? What other possible explanation could there be for (up to) 15 police arriving to 'protect' rotting food that could help hundreds of starving families? F that. Boycott.

Burs
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Spain one supermarket used to do that. They would throw the food in the container but open the packages first so people couldn't salvage it. Monsters. It should be obligatory to have a fridge for free expired food.

Marik
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The grocers here (germany) have to put their "trash" behind fences/in cages to prevent "theft". Thankfully the grocer near my flat follows the guidelines but mostly "forgets" to lock up said fence/cage.

Kinslee Hager
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They shouldn't be guarding it they should be giving it to them like people got stuff out the dumpster ( see the dumpster post)

Hime
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the U.S. it's usually two things: It's the health department that says they can be sued if someone gets sick from eating the food. The other thing is they have to charge it off as a loss, which means the company has to throw it in the trash because it can't be sold for the same price as it cost. So in short, it's a massive cost to give it away to the needy and they get to recoup the cost if it's charged out as a loss. BUT the government lets them write it off their taxes either way so I don't get why they don't just have a huge food drive. That will win them loyal customers for life at least and at most, keep someone from starving.

Iapetos
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Capitalism: Whoever has the money, makes the rules. It doesn't matter who dies or suffers.

Linus Nilsson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a very American problem. The problem here is that garbage still belongs to the company, which means that they could actually be sued if anyone got ill from what they threw away.

Rainy Day Wolf
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow... so police only have time to guard dumpsters and kill black kids... got it

Gabriel
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just be in large groups and fight against these useless cops

Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It being guarded to keep people from getting it because it has been unrefridgerated too long.If someone eats it and gets sick, they could turn around and sue the store.Sounds crazy, but it happens.

DC
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This may be more justified than it looks - meat for example cannot get sold once it was exposed to higher temperature not for no reason, especially in the US, where certain parasites aren't searched for like in the EU. So, while it looks totally unhinged, it may be for a reason that at least isn't completely irrational ... but then, again, not all that food will be meat I guess ... and it may be just as pointless as it looks.

Pilot Chick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the food had to be disposed of because it went unfrigerated for too long it could very easily make people extremely ill. I hate that they know the dumpster needs to be guarded because people are eating out of it but society does nothing.

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#50

The Amazon Sweatshop I Work At That Forces Me To Pee In Bottles Really Cares About Gay People

The Amazon Sweatshop I Work At That Forces Me To Pee In Bottles Really Cares About Gay People

cottagecow Report

#51

R/Askreddit On What Problems Would 5000$ Solve

R/Askreddit On What Problems Would 5000$ Solve

benolitomichaud Report

#52

And We're The Snowflakes?

And We're The Snowflakes?

CoreTECK Report

#53

It Do Be Like That

It Do Be Like That

Tstz Report

#54

America The Beautiful

America The Beautiful

roc94 Report

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SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loo, they have updated the meaning of the word Dystopia in the dictionaries :(

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#55

"Let Them Eat Stimulus Checks"

"Let Them Eat Stimulus Checks"

truehalf Report

Let us know in the comments if you have any examples of ‘boring dystopia’ to share. Maybe you have your own stories where something similar has happened to you.