Bart Elmore

Country Capitalism by Bartow J Elmore is an intriguing history and analysis of the role the (largely at the time) rural south played in the growth of these large corporations and how the innovations they developed have both gone global as well as led to environmental (among other) concerns.

First, what the book is. A big part of the book is history, the history of these now-large corporations and how they grew to fill needs that were partly because of the places they originated. While it is indeed the south, I think it is also just as importantly the rural aspect as the specifically southern aspect. The histories make for interesting reading and certainly give credit where credit is due for innovations that have proven so effective they have been adopted, often without modification, by many other businesses.

This book also looks at the often-hidden environmental damage done by the widespread adoption of these practices and the public's demand for immediate access to products from half a world away. Elmore doesn't suggest doing away with overnight shipping and prompt service over wide areas, but rather that both these corporations and the public find a balance that is less destructive to the planet.

Okay, what this isn't. It isn't a "leftist screed" as some people seem to think. But that same person also misunderstands the concept of corporatism (apparently a new concept to him and, like children who learn a new word, he doesn't yet know how to use it properly), so you can discount that idea. Yes, Elmore wants to keep the planet as inhabitable as possible for future generations. I don't think that is, or should be, an idea exclusive to the left.

Also, before making kneejerk reactions to avoid actual analysis, think about the context. This book is about companies that became behemoth corporations. The gender inequalities that have plagued our society existed when they started just as they still exist, so these companies were indeed started by men. To lament that the only companies included are "men-led" is just posturing. There are not a lot of corporations at all that fit the criteria of southern, extremely large, and whose innovations have helped create the global economy we now have. To act dismissive about the argument in the book and simply complain about no diversity is avoiding actual critique and just going the easy route of complaining. Instead, engage with the book's argument, then point out how this illustrates the gender bias this country has always had. But if one wants to avoid engagement, then one can do so. Just like claiming some broad ableist complaint when Elmore never says people shouldn't get deliveries but rather that we, as a society, could have a less "right now and to my door" mentality. But again, avoiding actual engagement in favor of posturing is some people's preferred approach.

If you want to read both an interesting history and an assessment of just how destructive the widespread adoption of the innovations these companies pioneered, there is a lot to digest here. And, I guess, if you like ignoring the content in favor of asinine complaints, there is plenty here for that as well.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (más)