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Capitalism, while it may have its merits, can often seem downright absurd. We live in a world where profits are very often put over people, and the pursuit of endless growth is prioritized over sustainability. Not to mention little things like companies using manipulative advertising tactics to convince us to buy things we don't need, the prevalence of unpaid internships and so on.

So let's take a moment to reflect on the absurdities of capitalism with some examples of what this economic and political system is actually like in our day-to-day lives. For this article, we’ve collected some of the best posts shared by the Instagram page “Humans of Capitalism”, documenting the most extreme and dystopian instances of corporate power. Scroll down to see what we mean.

If you liked this list and are interested in exploring further, you can take a look at Bored Panda's previous articles here and here.

We reached out to Nicola Caramia, a senior marketing lecturer and faculty member at INSEEC London, who has published several works on consumerism and consumer behavior. His expertise makes him an ideal consultant on the topic. Read on for the full interview!

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PunnyPanda
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why group projects in school were a total sham and also an important lesson...

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Joe Reaves
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now you own a house the council can take it from you if you need to go into care. Probably a bad move.

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Capitalism has created a society that is consumer-based. It has made consumption become a fundamental element of today’s world, particularly in the Western countries. Heading to a supermarket to buy a carton of milk? Don’t worry, you will have an abundance of options to choose from. While it's great to have a variety of choices, at times it can become excessive and absurd.

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Nowadays, people's purchasing decisions can reflect their identity. That includes their personality, hobbies, and even profession. According to Caramia, “all human beings are searching for meaning in their life, to be recognized by others, to be accepted, to be loved, and feel secure. All these psychological elements make people to search and define who they are by developing in their minds a sense of self-identity. In this context, all humans have an ‘actual self’, that is how they see and perceive themselves in relation to others that is in conflict with their ‘ideal self’ (how they would like to be perceived by others).”

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Take me to dinner first
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can we talk about how everybody says therapy is the solution but you can't have that solution unless you have the money?

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Caramia continues, “there is a gap between the ‘actual self’ and the ‘ideal self’ thus a mental self-representation that is not in line with how we wish to be seen by others. As a consequence of this discrepancy, people tend to construct their identities by purchasing mass-produced products and brands. It is at this point that mass-produced products and marketing develop associations between idealized self-images and related products in order to satisfy consumers’ inner desires that mirror their ideal self-concept. As a result, consumerism takes place and people who consume goods and services in large quantities believe they will be better off although they are unaware that products and goods will never satisfy their inner desires but will only provide the tools for the idealized self-concept if they purchase brands that represent their ideal ‘ego’.

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I remember an interesting book, ‘The Strategy of Desires’ written by an American psychologist, Ernest Dichter, the founder of the Institute of Motivational Research. In the 60s Dichter acted as a consultant to major American business organizations, helping them to detect the unconscious motives of consumers when purchasing products. I recall Robert Polet, CEO of Gucci fashion luxury brand in 2004, in one of his interviews, he said ‘we don’t sell products, we sell desires’.”

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Tee Rat
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Protesting against a falsely installed country leader and demanding a free election. This was during a summit with other countries that the protesters wanted them to quit dealing with the fake Thai leaders.

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Debbie
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awaiting the downvotes... Hmm torn on this one. Why? Imagine all the current "idols" are on peoples' gravestone. Elon Musk hovering over one stone, Disney princesses all around, Poohbears, Beyonce, DJ Khaled, Khardashians, Trump (just trying to pick out the most horrible ones). Gravestones should not be billboards/advertisements/amusementpark signs (sorry for the description). They could have made it smaller or without colour. (A spiderman engraved in the stone would suffice). I get they want to make the last resting place personal. Alas a graveyard is a public place, not a private place.

BewilderedBanana
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Definitely not down-voting just because you have a different opinion :) From what i've read elsewhere (not sure if it was this case or a similar one), Disney objected not only for reasons of copyright infringement but also because they said they do not want their characters associated with death. You know, the superhero whose uncle and aunt were both murdered (at least in the movies, not sure if his aunt was also murdered in the comics) and whose girlfriend died in his arms because he failed to save her. That superhero is the one they do not want associated with death. They should have stopped at copyright infringement. Would still have been a bit heartless (in my opinion) but at least not completely pathetic.

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The Original Bruno
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the record, if government is doing that on behalf of a corporation, you do not have capitalism in the sense of free markets. You have fascism.

Colin
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Has nothing to do with the image which is still Marvel, now Dosney, property.

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Maria Veronica
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For all people defending Disney in the comments, remember this terrible news went viral after the company refuses the father use the Spiderman image, maybe if the company would accept, it would be very discrete, and people who notices the graveyard would see that like something very normal, like it was!

Riley Quinn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Copyright infringement? As protective as Marvel is, I think they'd let this "infringement" slide.

SeaLouse
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cemetery is the AH here. Highly unlikely Disney sent any actual notice.

Bert van Aalsburg
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But, put a stuffed Spiderman toy on the grave and you’re good to go. Because you paid the money, for the toy, to the company who owns the copyright.

UtanaYona
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No offense intended...but...all of you do know that this is for the parents, not the dead child...right?

Barry The Frog
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the kind of lawyer who has the philosophy of "What does it matter if he's already dead?" There's a reason I have no faith in humanity and no way to restore it.

Tricethelover
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FOR EVERYONE DISSING DISNEY- they did everything they could for this kid, but they wouldn't let them put it on the headstone because they didn't want it to be associated to anything morbid, and let's face it, who wants a four year old to ruin spiderman for the other 4 yr olds? and (no one cares abt this and I hate them for it) his little sister has the same disease and she has to die a very slow painful death she watched him go through. I do not like Disney but you can't hate them for this

Skulls.N.Succulents
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Peter Parker/Spiderman has a dead Uncle, Aunt and GF which is pretty morbid already... and what 4year old is out browsing graveyards? If they happen to see it at while attending a funeral an adult simply tells the child that little boy loved spiderman and move on.

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JM
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I work in licensing and work with Disney/ Marvel all the time. Just ask for permission. They'll grant it. Cp.intl.dfe.nam@disney.com

Sassawrasse
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Objectively, I understand not wanting your children's brand associated with dead children in perpetuity. Allowing this would set an insane precedent. There is likely a decent compromise in here.

JessieJ&LilyLovebug
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never understood this...because it was Disney who started the mess, but Sony held the copyrights.

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The vast amount of choices available leads to the constant introduction of new trends. That results in overconsumption habits. Looking a the series of pictures highlighting the intriguing and often absurd realities of capitalism, we got curious about what motivates individuals to pursue extreme measures within it. Caramaia shared that consumerism is the result of how mass-produced goods pretend “to satisfy people’s needs, actually more psychological needs than functional needs.

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Economists believe that consumer spending stimulates both production and economic growth, and they view consumption as a tool to fulfilling consumers’ biological needs and wants with the final aim of profit maximization. What really motivates people is greed, an uncontrolled desire to increase the acquisition of material gain, status and power. Capitalists motivated by greed only seek their own gain by maximizing profits.”

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Donkeywheel
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not unusual, many immigrants end up in Belgium, France, NL or Germany after trying UK and seeing what it is. They want to go there because it’s easier to settle and live with no papers but they are quickly disappointed.

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James016
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is more a British sense of humour thing rather than a dystopian capitalism.

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Best Behave
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cos that’ll totally work🤦‍♂️. Remove facking echo from the room…

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While consumerism and capitalism have been credited with driving economic growth and creating new markets and opportunities, they have also been criticized for their negative impacts on the environment and society. We were wondering whether consumerism can be compatible with social and environmental responsibility. Caramia answered that nowadays, due to capitalism and competition between business organizations, food product and waste is at the highest level as we produce more than what is consumed. “This leads to the depletion of natural resources in order to satisfy demand in economic terms. The consequences in turn reflect an increased land use, cutting down forests, emissions of pollutants. As a result, the more we consume, the more the earth gets exploited.”

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While these images might make us laugh, it’s important to address the issues here. Recognizing the underlying motivations behind our consumption habits can help us make more conscious choices about what we buy and why. It can also help us focus on personal growth, relationships, and contributing to the well-being of others and the world around us.

“We cannot say that consumerism is the only aspect to blame in terms of social and environmental responsibility, but we should look inside ourselves and ask questions such as ‘do I really need to buy that product, and if so, how can I dispose it after I used it?’, ‘how can I become less selfish and think less about myself and help those people in need?’. We should become less centred in ourselves and concentrate our efforts in becoming more humans. This approach should begin in schools by educating pupils and adults in universities in taking care of our environment. All educational institutions must embrace a philosophical approach to education. That means becoming who you are, what you were born to be,” Caramia added.

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Donkeywheel
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Europe there are lots and lots of old churches and worship places that were desacralized (is that the word?). They still have the appearance of sacred places but are not anymore and could be pretty much anything: homes, libraries, stores, banks, even a skate park.

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Julie
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The people there could actually pick it up. It's always left for someone else. It would take them a very short time to pick the litter up instead of waiting for someone else

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S Schmidt
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Considering sitting all day is supposed to be as bad for your health as smoking, this is kind of on point.

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Feathered Dinosaur
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The freedom to slaughter people and act out my sociopathic tendencies? That's a great idea! /s

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Donkeywheel
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Useful advice: if you ever have to evacuate a plane (not as unusual as you may think, more common than a crash) the main danger after you’re out comes from the fire/assistance trucks that have to rush but have very low visibility. You’re tiny and unnoticeable next to a plane. There are numerous cases of passengers who got hit on the runways. Don’t make a selfie, go to safety far from the action.

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#25

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Sheila Stamey
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those like me who needed more info: This couple contaminated a city of Brazil's main water supply by painting a waterfall blue for a gender reveal. They have been charged.

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#28

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Best Behave
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All kinds of things are biodegradable but still pollute, and in this case it’s a public health hazard due to parasites and diseases. Please please do not leave your dog’s 5h1t lying around. The vast majority of dog owners are scrupulously responsible on this front - don’t be the a**ehole

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Ian Reynolds
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see a problem with people being buried in coffins covered in something they love.

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James016
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't this the one where Samsung are basically funding the repairs but in return they get to show adverts until the work is completed

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PunnyPanda
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Would love to know who produced this image and what their intention was... Anyone?

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Kobe
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would do too - as a nickname. But in USA wouldn't be surprised if it were to be the official name...

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Ember
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Either this guy didn’t think this through or he doesn’t like the baby

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Sassawrasse
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Folks on trail rides would ask for something like this (can you hold the horses while we pose?) and I would always be happy to accommodate. And Especially if I got to get in the river. If I was in the shot I'd pop underwater for a second. In this photo or looks like he just popped up for air at the end of the shot. I feel like we should get the actual story on the situation before we assume this is a bad situation.

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#45

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Ian Reynolds
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

JESUS: Hey guys I am back, so what's with this dude on a cross everywhere? PEOPLE: It's you? It is how we decided to honour you. JESUS: Really?! Do you know how painful this was? Why would you pick should an horrific depiction of me? PEOPLE: Something to do with sacrifice, and we thought this is how you would like to be remembered. JESUS: Jesus Christ Guys!! This is so f#cked up!!

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#47

Dystopia Has Entered The Chat. #humansoflatecapitalism

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Donkeywheel
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

… used especially in operating and radiology rooms that are almost all the time in the basement or ground floor (= little or no direct sun light) because of the weight of the equipment.

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#53

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S Schmidt
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't this a good thing, they can support themselves, gives them something constructive to do and a sense of purpose.

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Sassawrasse
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This thread is full of people who immediately take things at face value.

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A B C the Third
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's way worse IMO than her taking a pic of elephant poo, that she has probably never seen before and wants to show her family (who probably have never seen an elephan or elephant poo live either) as one aspect of her travelling, is the person behind her wearing white shoes on a hike through muddy paths. That's just stupid and unprepared.

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Verena
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They do exist (google horsekicks/sneakers for horses), Puma and another brand. In addition to what is very well explained already, another reason for hoove-covering shoes (sole and top) are medical: injuries to the sole or therapeutic/podologic/orthopedic(?). PLEASE be aware that fabric horse shoes need to be custom tailored to the exact measurements of the respective hoof. Don't buy anything off the shelve, the need to get fitted by a professional to meet the exact needs of the very complex functionality of a hoese's foot. Otherwise the foot and leg can be severely damaged.

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Liz Clarke
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't she a postulant? They go through a stage where they live with the nuns to learn about their lives to see if they want to be one. I presume there's some rules but they haven't taken vows so they're not the same as a nun.

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BewilderedBanana
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is one of my least favourite logos... I always think it says Hello :)

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E Schmitt
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have thought Justin Beiber could afford better shoes than that.

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Lauren S
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People do go out to eat on holidays. I think it was Christmas and not Thanksgiving this past year, we went to a Chinese food restaurant. It was lovely and they were incredibly sweet with my picky eater kid. We ordered some plainish chicken and broccoli and it was a no go because… sauce. (Which my child just quietly says he’s not hungry and he’s done when he doesn’t want it, it’s sweet actually, polite, we didn’t teach him that). They brought him just steamed chicken and broccoli with nothing (no seasoning, no butter, etc) and he at the sh!t out of it.

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#82

Peppa The Pig At Your Request. #humansoflatecapitalism

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Feathered Dinosaur
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah give the parents a break. If you have extremely bored but overexcited toddlers and want to have just ONE dinner outside in peace for a change... You're not supposed to whisk out the tablet every time you want your peace of course, but I think it's OK on special occasions.

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#83

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Sassawrasse
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is a photography tour a sign of a capitalist dystopia?

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