Reddit reviews The Society of the Spectacle

>Most of us think people can come to a conscious understanding of their condition

How do you feel we can accomplish this? Capitalism has debased our culture into one of the consumer. The most profit goes to what appeals to the greatest number of people, and what enters the public consciousness is largely watered down spectacle, rather then substance. Does the average four hour-a-day TV watcher even read, let alone read Marx? The public is more disinterested in politics then ever - why care about something largely regarded as a spectator sport, where different wings of the oligarchy present false dichotomies to create the illusion of "choice"?

The most compelling argument against anarchism, for me at least, is socialism will provide the break needed for society can recognize the alienation of labor, realize the difference in class, and create the necessary culture for the end goal of communism to someday arise. An Off button, if you will, from the white noise drowning out all else in the present day.

The Society of the Spectacle - Guy Debord

The best critique of modern capitalist society that has been made yet. This particular translation is terrible, though. You'll have to buy this version if you want the best translation.

Edit: You can buy the kindle edition on Amazon for only $3. Quite the bargain, and you can read it on your PC.

Spectacular Capitalism - Richard Gilman-Opalsky

Gives a great overview of socialism, Debord's philosophy, and so forth. It also contains a great critique of Jean Boudrillard.