The effects of neoliberalism have been fast-forwarded ever since the beginning of the pandemic. Specifically, as a resident of New York, I have witnessed how some businesses took it within their hands to take advantage of the pandemic. The prices of covid masks, tests, and other necessary personal protective equipment have been soaring without government oversight. Masks and the PPE’s were selling for more than double the price as supply staggered and demand soared. Until recently, the government has finally moved into action by making these prices more affordable. The government recently introduced free covid tests and masks for Americans. Although government intervention has increased, many private businesses are still capitalizing due to insufficient government regulations. I have also witnessed gentrification in the community I live in. From more Citi bikes to more parks, etc., has also allowed landlords to increase the rent price as neighborhoods become more modernized and accessible, driving out people who were once able to make a comfortable living. This relates to what Dickinson mentioned what the mayor was doing in the 1970s-1980s. New York state was driving out poorer people from areas such as Time Square to make it more appealing to tourists and safer for the middle and upper class.
Additionally, I have noticed the prices of many goods and commodities soar. Many corporations blame the rise in prices on supply and chain issues and inflation. The poor regulations have allowed the corporations to continue to raise these prices, affecting many people financially.
Furthermore, the meme above, “Deviation from the norm will be punished unless it is exploitable,” reinforces the idea of how the government usually shuts down ideas they can not profit from. Once the government notices how they can capitalize from something, they typically support it by helping them fiscally or expanding the concept themselves.
