The 2003 documentary film The Corporation is a must-see watch for any employee of a modern corporation. It quickly and honestly strips away the polished veneer  of well-known and well-loved global brands and graphically illustrates their collective, relentless cut-throat agenda.

 

'The Corporation' makes for enlightening - and sobering - viewing. Almost from its inception, corporations adopted an aggressive, voracious appetite for growth and control.

 

A common theme running through the film is an examination of a corporation under the typical categories of a psychological assessment. Posing the question 'are corporations psychopathic', it provides a compelling argument. With such certain qualities as unremitting lying, unapologetic profiteering, lack of guilt feeling, it's not difficult to understand the analogy.

 

One of the most revealing insights was the stark revelation that corporations are essentially automoton-like, conscious-less masters with hapless executives, directors and workers. Even ecologically minded CEOs admitted that they are largely helpless in their roles and must continue the corporation's remit regardless.

 

Ethics clearly have no role when individuals feel no moral responsibity - this is the central message of the film. Belonging to a faceless corporation empowers otherwise-well-intentioned individuals to act in less-than ethical ways. Accountability is delegated to such a granular level that no one individual can claim resposibility for any negative consequences promoted by the corporation.

 

Seen in the context of the this film, Google's 'do no evil' motto appears utterly laughable. Positioning themselves so piously, it will be interesting to watch as they stumble through the inevitable mire.

 

I'm suddenly reminded of an old Manics song. But anyway, why not steal a copy of the film and start thinking ;) ?