Moving across the world in pursuit of a new life

Olga Steblyk/ Lead Photographer

As the world’s attention is captured by the ongoing election campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, a lot hangs in the balance – for whoever controls Washington within this age of Pax Americana effectively controls the world. The reach of this century’s current sole superpower may be waning, but it still has a massive impact in shaping political, economic and social trends across the world, particularly within the Western Hemisphere.  

Love him or hate him, one thing that cannot be understated is the effect Donald Trump has had on world politics. He has effectively revived the populist politician archetype and his policies of anti-immigration, conservatism and a return to a “greater national past” have echoed all across the world from Le Pen in France to Meloni in Italy to arguably our own Poilievre here in Canada. 

I say all this to highlight just how much of an impact American politics has on world politics, albeit indirectly through shaping the zeitgeist or through more direct means like their foreign policy, the ongoing situation in Gaza being a perfect example of how those policies are directly affecting us all. Despite an immediate ceasefire being overwhelmingly popular all over the world, as expressed through national representatives within the United Nations’ General Assembly, America’s veto powers are why Israel continues to operate with impunity to this very day. 

Alas tis not the point of this piece, this piece seeks to observe a recent development within the American electoral process, as gambling and betting has seemingly been legalized. As of now, millions and billions of dollars are circulating within sport betting marketplaces as Americans are now voting not only within the ballots, but with their very wallets, putting their money on who they believe will claim the oval office. 

Democracy has finally been gamified. What an age indeed. 

Just when we thought capitalism couldn’t find any new markets to exploit, it surprises us yet again.  

It’s just the gift that keeps on giving, isn’t it? 

Now, my fellow capitalist, this isn’t an argument about our beautiful system’s flaws and strengths. No, instead, I posit us to wonder about the possible effects to democracy this new improvement can bring upon us, and I mean all of us, as the beginning of this piece has shown. 

When I watched the presidential debate between Harris and Trump, the show began with both candidates entering the stage like wrestlers in a PVP matchup. Little did I know this was exactly the case for some, as many had hedged bets predicting possible arguments, lines and the eventual winner. 

Is this really what democracy has come to? 

In the spirit of discussion, arguments are made that gamified elections could inspire more engagement among the populace. It’s one thing to vote, but also getting paid for your decision could be what inspires more people, particularly younger demographics, to vote, as many don’t. Yet paradoxically, this could inspire the same negatives inherent in sports betting as match fixing and insider trading are plausible fears. When translated to elections, those fears, if realized, could mean the very end of democracy. 

But alas, as the saying goes, it’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.  

I’ve got my fingers crossed. 

This article was originally published in print Volume 24, Issue 3 on Thursday, November 7.