Subverting The Barcode

"Consumerism is the one thing that gives us our sense of values. Consumerism is honest, and teaches us that everything good has a barcode." 

— J.G. Ballard

Barcodes are on nearly everything. They are the very mark of the consumer beast.

So when subverting consumerism, what better target for culture jammers than the seller's sacred sign?

Barcodes entered widespread use in the 1980s after being invented in the 40s.

They resulted in a supercharged conveyor belt of commerce straight from nature, to the factory, and then to your shed, garage, basement, attic, closet, or drawer. 

Never before was wasting the planet's resources, our money, and time spent shopping so convenient, efficient, and fast.

 

The barcoders want to expropriate, own, and sell off everything in the known Universe. 

They know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.

When all you have are barcodes everything looks like a commodity to sell for profit. Barcode everything! 

Good thing that people aren't barcoded. 

Thats's not because shady powermongers don't want to do just that to every single human on Earth. 

Less stuff - more freedom. That is what not buying anything is all about. 

Rethinking and refusing conspicuous consumption and waste is the best subversion of all.