A Video Essay About Efficiency

Summary

The script critiques the rise of neoliberalism and its impact on both government efficiency and society. Using the example of the animated sitcom 'The New Norm,' it highlights the project's purpose as a viral marketing tool rather than genuine entertainment. The narrator reflects on how the pursuit of efficiency, embodied by figures like Elon Musk and Trump, leads to the erosion of essential public services and support systems. Through a mixture of humor and critique, the video challenges the audience to question the true cost of efficiency in a society increasingly dominated by profit-driven motives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The New Norm is not a traditional web series but a marketing device created to profit through engagement, rather than storytelling or animation quality.
• 😀 The show's creators are primarily conservative influencers and political consultants, not professional animators or screenwriters.
• 😀 The New Norm's content is driven by culture war issues and designed to go viral through short, provocative clips, not long-form episodes.
• 😀 The show's goal is to maximize viral engagement and ad revenue rather than create meaningful narratives or discuss serious topics.
• 😀 The production values of The New Norm are deliberately low-cost, with the creators prioritizing efficiency over quality or depth.
• 😀 The show represents a larger trend in neoliberalism, where efficiency is prioritized, but often at the cost of public good, creativity, and effort.
• 😀 Neoliberal figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump are criticized for using 'efficiency' as a justification for consolidating power and undermining public institutions.
• 😀 The narrative challenges the idea that everything should be streamlined for efficiency, suggesting that doing so often results in harm and loss of value in society.
• 😀 The video script itself mocks the concept of 'efficiency' by questioning why even make an effort with quality visuals, scripts, or production when quick, shallow results can suffice.
• 😀 The creator reflects on the irony of using 'efficiency' in a medium that thrives on creativity and effort, calling into question whether we should really value efficiency over genuine effort.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the show 'The New Norm'?

The show focuses on a conservative family struggling to adapt to what they perceive as an increasingly 'woke' America, using humor to address cultural and political issues. It has been widely discussed for its controversial themes.

Why does the author describe 'The New Norm' as a marketing device rather than a traditional web series?

The author argues that 'The New Norm' is primarily a vehicle for engagement farming and marketing, rather than an artistic or narrative-driven web series. Its creators, political consultants, and influencers, focus on maximizing ad revenue and viral potential rather than creating deep storytelling.

How does the show's short runtime contribute to its purpose?

The show's short episodes serve the purpose of maximizing viral engagement through quick, attention-grabbing content. This format allows for more frequent distribution of clips, which is more effective for generating buzz and engagement on social media platforms.

What is the connection between the show’s creators and conservative political circles?

The show's creators, including Michael Prel, are linked to conservative political circles through their marketing firm, which specializes in political consulting and ad campaigns. Their work includes shifting voter demographics and creating content that aligns with conservative ideologies.

What role does Elon Musk’s 'Department of Government Efficiency' play in the script?

The author critiques Musk's 'Department of Government Efficiency' as part of a broader effort to shift public resources and responsibilities from the state to private corporations. The cuts and efficiency measures are seen as a pretext for consolidating power and undermining public institutions.

Why does the author describe efficiency as both a tool and a justification for harmful policies?

The author argues that the concept of efficiency has been weaponized by figures like Musk and Trump to justify policies that harm public services and social safety nets. While claiming to streamline government and reduce waste, these actions ultimately serve to consolidate corporate power and reduce public welfare.

How does the author link the cuts to essential services, like weather forecasting and education research, to the broader narrative?

The author emphasizes that the cuts to critical services like weather forecasting and education research under the guise of efficiency will have long-term negative impacts on society. These cuts are portrayed as part of a neoliberal agenda that prioritizes short-term financial gain over public well-being.

What is the significance of the show’s theme song, according to the script?

The show's theme song, described as having an AI-sounding quality, reflects the low-effort, cost-cutting nature of the project. This is in line with the show’s broader focus on efficiency and viral marketing rather than artistic or narrative depth.

What critique does the author make about the concept of 'efficiency' in modern society?

The author critiques the neoliberal obsession with efficiency, arguing that it reduces the richness and complexity of society to a streamlined, business-like model. This approach is seen as detrimental, stripping away the value of effort, creativity, and human connection in favor of cold, economic calculation.

How does the author address the issue of government and corporate power in the script?

The author links the erosion of government functions and services to a broader shift towards privatization, where corporate interests control public life. This trend is framed as a dangerous consolidation of power that weakens democratic institutions and public accountability.