This chapter provides this capitalist context through a brief, illustrated history that brings together deep-rooted ideas and tendencies within capitalism that blossomed in the post–World War II political economy of the United States, particularly in the (re)emergence of financialization. It compiles a number of charts to demonstrate the broad outlines of a capitalism in decline. (The new forms of financialization and violence that are maturing in this young century are the focus of the next chapter.) The cultural industries are being reshaped by these larger shifts in the political economy—such as profit rates, investment rates, tax policies, wealth disparities, and financial instruments—and understanding their long-term trajectories is essential.

Andrew deWaard, Derivative Media, loc. 58