An article about how in the GDR a state-owned firm developed a damn-near unbreakable glass. Of course as with most other industries in the GDR, the plant got bought out by western interests and stripped for parts. We’re told it’s because “socialism is inefficient” but this is a good example of how that’s bullshit - the commies made something of such high quality it was deemed “unmarketable” because retailers wouldn’t have more repeat purchases of people who broke their glasses. Not even because they were too expensive! As the article states these glasses were ubiquitous across the GDR.

The article is mostly free a brainworms except one odd digression where the author states that no one knew who the glass designers were because in the GDR they valued the collective over the contributions of the individual. Hey, without Googling, can you tell me who came up with idea for Yeti mugs? Or the Stanley cups? Just a weird point to make, like in any society people have any clue who is designing fucking drinkware.

  • BelieveRevolt [he/him]
    ·
    1 month ago

    no one knew who the glass designers were because in the GDR they valued the collective over the contributions of the individual

    Total projection, nowadays for the most part you don't know who designed anything because the company owns the design.

    • GenderIsOpSec [she/her]
      ·
      1 month ago

      In the case of the Superfest glass, the anonymity of the makers was also politically desired. The GDR’s regime preached solidarity and unity.

      also

      soviet satellite state

      just joker-amerikkklap all around

      • Roonerino [they/them]
        ·
        1 month ago

        God fucking forbid a regime should value solidarity and unity over division and "fuck you got mine".

        • GenderIsOpSec [she/her]
          ·
          1 month ago

          also notice the "preached" as in they definitely didnt believe it, but they told the masses that, because socialism is when capitalism actually. theory-gary

          • Hexamerous [he/him]
            ·
            1 month ago

            Right, Edward Bernays even talks about this shit. Preaching to the masses like they're children that needs to be told what to buy and "fostering" an image etc. And that's what marketing is today, at least in the west. It's insane how obsessed the liberal meritocracy is with looking professional, right decorum and all that jazz. Like media today is 90% packaging and 10% content at this point.

            Just pure projection

    • huf [he/him]
      ·
      1 month ago

      i totally know who designed tesla cars and rockets. it was all musk.

    • tombruzzo [none/use name]
      ·
      1 month ago

      People sign employment contracts saying the company owns any IP you develop whilst working for them, and I guess that's OK because it's not communism