When you mentioned the existential anxieties of co-ops, I couldn't agree with you more. This is just as true in the heart of the midwest of America. I have experience in both co-ops as well as long-established family artisan producers, and I agree. Even though the family producer was staunchly right-wing, they were better to work for. The wages were better, they took more chances, they seized opportunities, and were surprisingly optimistic about their future. The co-op was insular and completely mistrustful and cynical about capitalism (even the most inspiring and positive aspects of it). After working at both, I thought if the co-op could just adjust their warped attitude about the economic system they worked in, they could realize the tremendous opportunities around them while enacting positive change at scale. Instead, they seem to be afflicted by their own self-image as fighters of the evil empire, while completely missing the fact that like it or not, they are in the game. They don't have to like it, but they should learn to play it to the best of their ability within the ethics of their mission.
#1 Never trust a hippy (John Lydon)
#2 Never work anywhere that says 'we are a family' (Me)
When you mentioned the existential anxieties of co-ops, I couldn't agree with you more. This is just as true in the heart of the midwest of America. I have experience in both co-ops as well as long-established family artisan producers, and I agree. Even though the family producer was staunchly right-wing, they were better to work for. The wages were better, they took more chances, they seized opportunities, and were surprisingly optimistic about their future. The co-op was insular and completely mistrustful and cynical about capitalism (even the most inspiring and positive aspects of it). After working at both, I thought if the co-op could just adjust their warped attitude about the economic system they worked in, they could realize the tremendous opportunities around them while enacting positive change at scale. Instead, they seem to be afflicted by their own self-image as fighters of the evil empire, while completely missing the fact that like it or not, they are in the game. They don't have to like it, but they should learn to play it to the best of their ability within the ethics of their mission.
Loved reading this, and kudos to naming names! Well-written and informative.
I don't know whether I should buy the stuff or not now! Though it does sound really good. well done on surviving the salmon stuff