Voices of the Era v4.0
A platform bridging academic theories and real-world issues.
Have a Voice?
Share your insights on politics, economy, culture, and more. Your essay could spark the next big conversation.
The Invisible Chains: A study on Economic Inequality and the Commodification of Rights within the Modern Democracy
Introduction Historically, the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1897) was defined by a rigid, hereditary system. One of the most striking observations made by foreign visitors from the peninsula during this era was the existence of a deep-seated domestic slavery system. Unlike Western Societies, where slavery was often tied to racial and indigenous differences, Joseon's hierarchy was intra-ethnic, where members of the same nation lived as masters and slaves as a natural social order. Although the Gabo Reform of 1894 legally dismantled this caste system, a new form of 'invisible class' has emerged in the 21st century. This modern hierarchy is not defined by legal title, but by the binary logic of extreme wealth and absolute poverty, arguably becoming more polarized and ruthless than its historical predecessor. Spatial Segregation and the Erosion of Civic Agency The gravity of this economic divide is reflected in the 2022 World Inequality Report by the World Inequality Lab. According to the study, the top 10% of the global population currently captures 52% of global income and 76% of all wealth, while the bottom 50% earns an average of just $3,920 per year. These statistics illustrate a world bifurcated by capital. Within this structure, those in the lower strata find themselves in a "poverty trap", a state where the daily struggle for survival precludes any opportunity for education or political engagement. This phenomenon leads to a critical paradox in modern democracy. While 18th-century Enlightenment thinkers proclaimed that all men are born free and that the state exists solely to protect the interests of its citizens, this "freedom" is increasingly becoming a commodified asset. When the right to dignity and bodily autonomy is traded out of economic necessity, as seen in the global sex trade, the line between "free choice" and "economic coercion" blurs. This research paper aims to analyze the structural flaws of this economic binary through a comparative study of urban segregation in Manila and a philosophical critique of the commodification of rights, ultimately questioning the true realization of democratic values in an era of hyper-inequality. The starkest manifestation of this economic hierarchy is evident in the urban landscape of Manila, Philippines. The Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a premier financial district, stands as a symbol of late-stage capitalism, characterized by high-tech infrastructure, international schools, and luxury commercial centers. However, just a few kilometers away lies Baseco, one of the city’s largest slums. This proximity creates a "divided horizon" where two different centuries seem to coexist. From an International Studies perspective, this is not merely a matter of urban planning; it is a crisis of Civic Agency. In Baseco, the inhabitants are trapped in a hand-to-mouth existence, where the immediate necessity of survival dictates every waking hour. This "time poverty" functions as a barrier to education and political literacy. When an individual must prioritize bread over the ballot, democratic participation becomes an unaffordable luxury. Consequently, the elite in BGC, who possess the leisure and capital to influence policy, consolidate their power. This creates a feedback loop where the wealthy influence the government to maintain the status quo, while the marginalized remain invisible in the political process, a phenomenon scholars call "Political Alienation." The Commodification of Liberty and Ethical Paradoxes The most disturbing aspect of this divide is the commodification of rights. Modern liberal democracy is built on the Enlightenment premise of inalienable rights. However, extreme economic disparity forces individuals to treat their fundamental rights as tradable assets. This is evident in the global sex trade and organ markets, where poverty leaves individuals with no choice but to "sell" their bodily autonomy. This raises a profound ethical question: Can a choice made under the threat of starvation be considered "free"? If the market becomes the sole arbiter of value, even human dignity becomes a commodity. This mirrors the "intra-ethnic slavery" of the Josun era, but in a more insidious form. In the past, the chains were made of iron and backed by law; today, the chains are made of debt and backed by the "market necessity." The "freedom" celebrated in contemporary society is thus a hollow promise for those whose economic reality dictates a life of semi-servitude. Toward a Substantive Democracy In conclusion, the transition from the legal caste system of the Joseon Dynasty to the modern economic hierarchy indicates that while the form of oppression has changed, its essence remains. The binary logic of the "Haves" and the "Have-nots" has created a world where democracy often exists only in name. The case of Manila’s spatial divide and the commodification of individual rights serve as urgent warnings that extreme inequality is a systemic threat to the social contract. True democratic realization requires more than just the formal right to vote; it requires Substantive Equality, a baseline of economic security that allows every citizen to participate in the public sphere without fear of hunger. As the 18th-century Enlightenment thinkers once challenged the "Divine Right of Kings," 21st-century global citizens must challenge the "Divine Right of Capital." Only by decoupling human dignity from market value can we hope to break the invisible chains of the modern era and fulfill the true promise of a free and equal society.
The Convergence of Science and Spirituality
In the past, humanity sought to explain phenomena occurring in the natural world through religions such as shamanism and totemism. They worshiped natural objects, and by offering sacrifices and doing their best for those things, they wanted to avoid the disasters of great nature that would befall them; this is also the beginning of the religions that exist today. These religions eventually develop into religions that believe in a God who created the natural world and religions that believe in gods who rule over natural phenomena. Religion refers to a cultural system that resolves the suffering of human life and pursues the ultimate meaning of life through belief in God, a supernatural absolute being, or power. As can be seen from its etymology, religion is based on trust in a supernatural absolute being, even if it is not called God. These days, science is emerging as a new boundary of religion. The reason science is drawing attention as a religion is because science proves natural phenomena and gives answers to them. In other words, science, which proves the natural world, is the supernatural existence.
World-Class Excellence: The Necessity of Rigorous Discipline
Recently, soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo set a record—the first in human history—of 900 goals. Growing up under a father addicted to drugs and alcohol and a mother who worked as a cleaner, he spent a childhood that was not very well-off. He could not mingle with his peers because he was poor, but he started soccer through the pure joy he felt when kicking a ball. Like other players, his effort truly transcends imagination. According to his former Real Madrid teammate Gareth Bale, he was the player who arrived at the training ground first and remained there last. To become a world-class figure like Ronaldo, not only in sports but also in other fields, an effort that no one else can do is required. Such effort is not just a problem of one's own. A unique desire to become world-class can create such effort, but most people cannot achieve the effort worthy of a world-class name on their own. Because one cannot achieve such effort alone, help from those around them is necessary.
The Merit of Fairness vs. The Power of Connections
Personal Connections Everywhere Personal connection (In-maek) refers to the ties formed between people in fields such as politics, business, and academia. Looking only at the meaning, it seems like just a bond between people. However, in modern society, these personal connections are often used as a means to trample on fairness and crush the opportunities of many people. Then, are these connections a means for success? Or are they an obstacle that hinders the growth of talented individuals? In our society, personal connections are so powerful that there is almost nothing that cannot be done through them. For example, there is the case of Minister Choo Mi-ae's son. This case is a story that happened during the military service of Minister Choo Mi-ae's son. At that time, fellow soldiers serving with him said, "I wish my mom was Choo Mi-ae too," showing how severe the corruption was. Looking into the case, he did not return even after his leave ended, and there were many other military-related solicitations. Do such things happen to ordinary soldiers? Not at all.
Marketing Mid-term project: AVA CR7
1. Introduction If I were to choose the most popular and influential sportsman, I would choose Cristiano Ronaldo, the most iconic and record-setting football player in history. Ronaldo holds the record for the most goals scored in the world and also has the record for the most goals in the Champions League, an annual football tournament where the best clubs from across Europe compete to determine the continent's top team. He also won the Ballon d'Or five times, a yearly award given to the best football player in the world, based on their performance throughout the year. The award is given to the player with the most outstanding performance of the year, and he received it in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017. Beyond his achievements on the field, Ronaldo inspires millions of fans worldwide with his dedication to the club, Real Madrid, discipline, and charisma. The CR7 brand, created by Cristiano Ronaldo, offers stylish and high-quality products, including underwear, footwear, and clothing, that reflect his image of confidence and excellence. As I found the CR7 brand on the website, I was intrigued by how it successfully connects Ronaldo's global influence with its marketing strategy, which inspired me to choose it as the topic for my marketing midterm. This report analyzes the marketing strategy of AVA CR7 which stands for ‘Advanced Recovery for Athletes’ a global lifestyle brand created by Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. (A marketing strategy is a business's overall plan for reaching potential consumers and turning them into customers of their products or services.) Known for its premium line of clothing, footwear, and fragrances, CR7 has successfully expanded beyond sports to become a symbol of confidence and a modern lifestyle. 2. 4Ps This paper examines how the CR7 brand utilizes the 4Ps of marketing (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion) to establish a robust global image. (The 4Ps of marketing refer to the key elements of a marketing mix: Product – what a company sells, Price – how much it charges, Place – where it sells, and Promotion – how it communicates and advertises its products.) It also examines the brand's position in the Product Life Cycle and reflects on key marketing insights learned through this analysis. (The Product Life Cycle describes the stages a product goes through from introduction, growth, maturity, to decline in the market.) First of all, one of the most advanced products from the CR7 brand is underwear. (A product is any item or service offered to meet consumer needs.) CR7 underwear is made from premium cotton and elastane, providing both comfort and flexibility. His underwear reflects his values and the purpose of his company, which is to offer high-quality products for athletes and everyday people. The design demonstrates Cristiano Ronaldo's personal style, characterized by minimalism, athleticism, and a modern aesthetic. The most impressive aspect of CR7's underwear is that it maintains its shape during activity, offering excellent moisture absorption and ventilation, making it suitable for both sports and everyday use. The price of CR7 underwear is considered reasonable compared to competitors such as Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, and Tommy Hilfiger. While the cost of Calvin Klein's underwear, which is known as a premium underwear brand, is fifty-two dollars per 3 packs, CR's underwear is forty-three dollars. A three-pack of CR7 underwear costs around forty-three dollars, which is slightly higher than some mainstream brands but justified by its quality and design. CR7 Underwear offers a variety of options, including different cuts (briefs, trunks, and boxers), colors, and limited-edition designs, with price differences based on the number of items in a set. Additionally, the brand offers gift sets featuring multiple underwear pieces, thereby expanding the range of price options available to consumers. While forty-three dollars for a three-pack might seem expensive for younger consumers aged eighteen to thirty-five or for professionals seeking everyday wear, the high quality, stylish design, and premium image make it acceptable. Considering that CR7's primary consumers are loyal fans of Cristiano Ronaldo who value his personal brand, the price is viewed as reasonable and worth paying. The selling place of CR7 Underwear is mostly online through platforms such as Amazon, Zalando, and ASOS, as well as its official CR7 Underwear website. The official online store provides a seamless and user-friendly shopping experience, offering international shipping and exclusive collections that are not always available elsewhere. In addition to online sales, CR7 Underwear is also available in high-end department stores such as El Corte Inglés in Spain, Debenhams in the UK, and Macy’s in the United States. Being displayed in these prestigious department stores strengthens the brand’s premium and luxurious image, making consumers perceive CR7 Underwear as a high-end and exclusive product rather than a basic everyday item. The way the CR7 brand uses its promotion is appealing, mainly featuring the central figure of the brand, Ronaldo. (Promotion means all the activities a company uses to inform and persuade customers to buy its products, such as advertising, sales, or endorsements.) The most beneficial aspect of the CR7 brand is that they don't need to pay for advertisements. The reason why Cristiano Ronaldo is the most influential person in the world is that they are not supposed to hire a figure to identify their brand. Actually, Cristiano Ronaldo has the most followers on Instagram (660 million). For these reasons, Ronaldo himself is the most powerful brand, and CR7 can appeal to them effortlessly. 3. Product Life Cycle In the introduction stage, CR7 was launched in 2013 through a partnership with textile brand JBS. Initially, the focus was on building brand awareness and directly connecting the product to Cristiano Ronaldo's image. Since Ronaldo was already a world-renowned athlete, his reputation immediately drew attention to the brand. However, because the market was highly competitive and the product was new, sales initially grew slowly, while marketing investments were substantial. During the growth stage, CR7 underwear gained popularity across international markets. Consumers began to trust the quality and design of the product, resulting in a significant increase in sales. Several well-known figures, such as footballer Alejandro Garnacho, legend David Beckham, and manager Jürgen Klopp, have been seen wearing or endorsing CR7 products, further boosting the brand’s credibility and appeal. The brand also expanded its product line to include socks, loungewear, and children's collections. Moreover, Ronaldo's strong personal branding and social media presence helped the brand grow rapidly without the need for enormous advertising costs. During the maturity stage, CR7 underwear has already reached global recognition and maintains a stable customer base. According to a 2025 study by the Portuguese marketing institute IPAM - marketing Business school, the overall CR7 brand was valued at eight hundred fifty million euros (approximately 1.25 trillion KRW), demonstrating its strong influence and profitability in the global market. However, competition with other premium underwear brands such as Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, and Tommy Hilfiger is intense. To sustain growth, CR7 focuses on product innovation, sustainability, and maintaining a strong connection with its fans through online platforms. In the future, CR7 underwear may enter a decline stage if it fails to adapt to new fashion trends or relies too heavily on Ronaldo's personal fame. As the brand's success is closely tied to Ronaldo's career, his eventual retirement may reduce its marketing power. Therefore, it will be essential for the company to continue expanding its target audience and building an independent identity beyond Ronaldo's image. 4. Conclusion As a brand closely tied to Cristiano Ronaldo’s global image, CR7 benefits from strong recognition. However, its underwear line now appears to be in the maturity stage of the Product Life Cycle. The brand has established itself as a leading name in the global market by combining high-quality products with the powerful influence of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, to maintain its long-term success, CR7 must continue to innovate and appeal to new generations of consumers.
The fragile calm between Israel and Hezbollah has been shattered.
A powerful conflict recently erupted between Israel and Lebanon, often called the powder keg of the world. The Israeli air forces launched airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled area in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the Israeli forces were balancing the power on the northern front. These airstrikes ultimately escalated into a war, resulting in more than 10,000 casualties. Initially, Israel had a conflict with Hezbollah. To find its origin, you should go over to the 2023 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict; this conflict originated between Israel and Hamas, which is a Palestinian terrorist group. At first, Hezbollah received military support from Iran, and they engaged in military conflict. In the midst of that, Hezbollah conducted a proxy war between Iran and Israel. And they have expressed support for anti-Israel sentiment to keep their political influence in Lebanon. Therefore, if Israel occupies the Gaza Strip, it might be a threat to countries like Lebanon and Syria. On the other hand, Hezbollah has struck against northern Israel, and they threaten civilians. In terms of actual military power, Israel is stronger. So, they target the deterrent effect by hardly retaliating. The most significant benefit of this attitude is that it can deter Iran's influence in the Middle East. Some people guess it is highly related to Benjamin Netanyahu's political influence. The Israeli military argued that the main targets of these airstrikes are Hezbollah infrastructure. However, video footage shared by local media shows the destruction of residential areas, and the enormous death toll reflects the scale and intensity of the strike. Regarding this, Lebanon’s representative to the United Nations General Assembly said there was a vast “exodus” of people fleeing. One Lebanese NGO said more than 100,000 people have lost their homes. Hezbollah is part of a Tehran-led alliance spanning Yemen, Syria, Gaza, and Iraq that has attacked Israel and its allies and is one of the triggers of the war with Hamas. The group has said it will continue striking Israeli targets as long as the war in Gaza goes on. The escalating tensions have once again brought the region to the edge of an all-out war. The most intense exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah is approaching the level of the conflict in Gaza. The Lebanese militant group fired projectiles deeper into Israeli territory than it had previously.
Why do people regret?
People often view regret as a negative emotion, but research suggests that it plays a crucial role from an evolutionary perspective. Regret is an important emotion that allows humans to reflect on their actions and make better decisions in the future. From a tanevolutionary standpoint, regret is not a negative thing; it's a universal human experience. This capacity to imagine alternative scenarios enables humans to navigate complex social environments, avoid risks, and ultimately form cooperative groups. According to Harari's gossip theory, humans use gossip to share information and strengthen social bonds, as seen in how emotions like regret may have helped foster group cooperation. The ability to create fiction has helped humans to survive. For example, when you hear a rustling sound in front of the bush, only humans can think there might be a beast and go around the bush. The merit of making fiction works is in surviving and creating a community. In nature, humans are one of the weakest species. Humans do not have strong teeth like tigers, yet they do not have long and fast limbs like chimpanzees. The critical ability for humans to survive is to build community through the ability to create fiction. The community lets them help each other and share their stuff. They formed a smaller community by backbiting others. It enabled stronger bonds between groups. Ingroup cohesion arises from the exclusion of outgroups. In conclusion, regret is a powerful tool that has played an essential role in shaping human behavior and social dynamics. By allowing individuals to reflect on past decisions and imagine better outcomes, regret helps guide future behavior and facilitate learning. This reflective process, combined with human ability to create shared fiction, has been essential to the formation of a strong and collaborative society. Just as storytelling and gossip strengthened social bonds, regret has served as a mechanism for self-development and social cohesion. By allowing individuals to predict the consequences of their actions and make more informed decisions, regret has helped humanity not only survive but thrive in complex social environments. Regret is a natural part of cognitive processes that move toward better choices, stronger communities, and ultimately greater empathy and cooperation. Therefore, regret is an adaptive feature that reflects human evolutionary success as a social species rather than purely negative emotions.