Capitalism

A recurring concept in this collection (and in many of Saunders’ other works) is the idea that capitalism tends to harm and degrade workers; several stories in this collection highlight the deep pain and humiliation that workers endure in environments of unfettered corporatism and capitalism. This idea is introduced in the very first story of the collection, “I CAN SPEAK! TM.” By the end of the story, it becomes evident that KidLuv, Inc., the company that employs Rick, abuses its power over its workers in ways such as forcing its workers to buy and use its ghastly products. Rick then writes that he fears losing his job: “...if you...persist in your desire to return your ICS1900, my commission must be refunded, by me, to [my supervisor]…I have certainly refunded commissions to [my supervisor] before, especially lately. I don’t quite know what I’m...