Modern Pyramids in North America: How Capitalism Repurposes Ancient Symbolism
By
Ben Dreith
If you only eat one bagel today, this is the bagel.
Summary
The article explores photographer Ian James' book 'The Pyramids: Special Economic Vortex Zones of North America,' which documents modern pyramidal structures across the United States and Canada. James has spent years traveling to document these architectural oddities, examining how capitalism repurposes ancient pyramid symbolism for modern commercial and cultural purposes. The article highlights ten specific examples that demonstrate what James calls 'capitalism's penchant for nostalgia' - the way businesses use pyramid imagery to evoke mystery, power, and ancient wisdom to sell products and services in contemporary society.
Key quotes
· 5 pulledThe Pyramids: Special Economic Vortex Zones of North America explores pyramidal structures throughout the continent.
Photographer James has been travelling around the United States and Canada documenting modern pyramids for years, stringing together road trips to visit both iconic and obscure examples.
The book examines how capitalism repurposes ancient pyramid symbolism for modern commercial and cultural purposes.
James calls this phenomenon 'capitalism's penchant for nostalgia' - the way businesses use pyramid imagery to evoke mystery, power, and ancient wisdom.
These structures represent how contemporary society appropriates ancient forms for commercial gain and cultural expression.
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