Whilst barbarism predates capitalism, and the pre-secular psyche was dominated by a transcendent Master (of the Gods and religions) and immortality (a form of surplus-value) via sacrifice, capitalism with its immanent and earthly source of immortality (profit, surplus-value via the surprisingly compliant and enslaved – and earthly – waged labour-force) may manifest a different kind of barbarism: possibly a barbarism directed, in the end, at the ‘self’; wherein the self (and castration) is rejected in favor of its replacement by lack posing as Master.

This is consistent with the (impossible fifth) capitalist discourse, of Lacan)

https://ojs.zrc-sazu.si/filozofski-vestnik/article/download/9838/9002

impossible, perhaps, in the sense that it leads to self-destruction and the death of humanity. It is also consistent with a psychic structure (structure may be too strong a word) for narcissistic perversion.

If capitalism (neoliberal economic radical empiricism), incites a turn to narcissistic perversion, it may also incite a turn to bureaucratic perversion – the rejection of castration in favor of both radical disavowal of the unconscious and self-instrumentalised identification with the law (as in an Eichmann like radical banality of evil): the Totalitarian psyche.

Is capitalism responsible for a ‘strict’ law inciting fascism and a demand for racist destruction of the other? Possibly, yes, because the fantasy of endless economic-growth, limitless personal wealth and even immortality, structures the capitalist psyche of today, and demands, strictly, exploitation and consumption.

Capitalism is a Strict Master: strict, in that:

◦ It bans dissent (mainstream media obeisance to the billionaire oligarchy)

◦ Controls the public psyche (advertising)

◦ is hyperbolic (the empty signifier ‘Growth’ dominates public/political discourse)

◦ Threatens with nameless punishments without end – destitution and exile

◦ Preaches xenophobia – the worthlessness of the economically non-productive unemployed and elderly, and hatred of the foreigner.