A Criticism on Capitalism

“Stardew Valley” was released on February 26, 2016. Since its release, “Stardew Valley” has captured the hearts of many video game fans. The characters, style and color, and pixel art style work together to really bring the game to life. Some fans would go as far as to say that the game is a relaxing and therapeutic experience and allows them to step away from the stressors of everyday life.  

Although Stardew Valley may present as your typical open-ended RPG, the argument within the game separates it from the others. The game starts with a monologue from the player’s late grandfather. He has decided to pass his farmland down to you, and now it is your turn to create a functional and fruitful farm!  

The game itself is slow paced, and you can really do whatever you want. There are missions, tasks to complete for the townspeople, festivals, and more! You will never be unoccupied, and that is what so many players love so much about it.  

However, I would argue that the most important aspect of the game is the criticism the game developer is making against capitalism. ConcernedApe, the game developer, uses the dialogue between players, the main task: completing the “Community Center”, and events to display his distaste for exploitation of consumers.  

JoJa Corporation, the company that the player leaves in the beginning of the game, also has developments in your new community, Pelican Town. JoJaMart, a direct competitor of the town’s grocery store, is actively competing with Pierre, the store owner.  

You have two choices here: buy a JoJa membership, and in turn, support capitalism, or refuse to support JoJa Corporation and only buy your goods from Pierre’s. However, throughout the dialogue the player shares with Pierre, we discover that Pierre is not much better than his competitor. For example, when talking with Pierre about his business, he claims that “My dream is to keep opening new stores until I become extremely wealthy”. Most of the townspeople reject JoJa and their twisted ideas about wealth, not knowing that their neighbor, Pierre, is just as rotten. 

It is my belief that ConcernedApe’s “Stardew Valley” is asking us to be cautious about the people we are supporting. Although they may seem as though they have better intentions than their larger and wealthier counterparts, they could possibly be just as deceiving. Caution as a consumer is incredibly and increasingly important, as we move into an age where even life’s necessities are becoming inaccessible the average American.  

There are many ways to interpret ConcernedApe’s message, and even more lessons that if I had the time to, I would love to share. I encourage you to investigate “Stardew Valley”, I am confident that there is something for everyone to enjoy!  

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

I have always been passionate about traveling. I have visited every state on the east coast, and I am slowly working my way into the west. However, my most desired venture has always been the Outer Banks. While I have visited my family in North Carolina many times, I have never had the opportunity to visit the islands. That all changed when my boyfriend’s family invited me to go with them in July.  

On July 9^th, we began the four-hour drive to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The drive was so peaceful, I began to smell the salty air once we reached Virginia Beach, and it made me grow more excited about what was to come.  

Once we had arrived, we quickly headed to a local dinner spot. The food was just alright, but the view from the restaurant was incredible. I had not been on the beach just yet, and the restaurant had a perfect view. I watched the beachgoers eagerly until we finally finished dinner and headed towards the water.  

We spent the entirety of the next day at the beach, and I earned the worst sunburn of my life. I would do it ten times over. My boyfriend’s family and I took turns boogie boarding and bodyboarding until we each experienced our own nasty wipe out. We packed up our beach day and headed for the beach shops that were just around the corner.  

The next day, we woke up early and headed for the acai bowl place that everyone raves about, The Spot. It lived up to all of the hype. We went back for the next three days; it was just that good. It was the first time I had ever tried an acai bowl, and I have craved one ever since. It was July 11^th, 7/11 day. We hurried to our nearest 7/11 gas station and got our free Slurpies. We drove around for a bit and visited some of the local shops. My favorite was a small eclectic shop that sold neat trinkets, plants and crystals. That night, we visited the sand dunes just in time for the sunset. July 11^th was the day my boyfriend told me he loved me for the first time. I will never forget the views, or the feelings this day brought me. 

The next day we visited not one, but two ice cream shops. Surprisingly, I had some of the best french-fries I’ve ever had at an ice cream shop. We ventured out into the ocean and did some offshore fishing, which was such an incredible experience. I did get seasick for the first few hours, but it was so worth it. I even caught a fish! 

The next day, my boyfriend and I went on a breakfast date, and had some incredible food. We spent the rest of the day exploring and picking up small gifts for family and friends back home. We were sad because we knew that would be our last day, and we would have to pack up later that night. He made it the best last day I could ever ask for. 

We headed back home that night and sang along to our favorite songs the entire trip back. I have thought about that trip often since. I truly hope we can go every year! If you ever have the opportunity to visit, you have to go! 

P. S.

Please see my Photo Essay for pictures of the incredible sunset progression in Kitty Hawk, it is truly incredible to see.

Rebellion Bourbon Bar

Downtown Fredericksburg Virginia is renowned for its rich history, eclectic art, year-round events, and most importantly, its cuisine. William Street boasts some of the finest restaurants in the Fredericksburg area. Among these restaurants is one of my all-time favorites, Rebellion Bourbon Bar. Between the friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and of course, the amazing food, I believe Rebellion to be one of, if not the best, in the area. 

During my most recent experience, I enjoyed the Phancy Philly with a side of their Tots tossed in ranch seasoning. You’re probably thinking, what’s so special about a Philly cheese steak? I can assure you; this sandwich is unlike any Philly you’ve tasted before. The crushed pork rinds, combination of Swiss and mornay cheese, smoked mayo and the banh mi bun take the sandwich to another level. 

I have had the pleasure of working with the Rebellion team since the end of May. After a few visits to the restaurant, I made the decision to apply for a position. It is absolutely the best job I have ever had, and I have been able to try so much of their incredible food! I cannot recommend everything enough, I have yet to try something I did not absolutely fall in love with. I have never had a customer complain about the taste or quality of our cuisine, in fact, I have only heard wonderful things.  

Our customers come back for our food, but also for our atmosphere. We can promise incredible service every single time, which is not something that all the restaurants on William Street can offer. We have events often, and our staff is incredibly involved in the community and the traditions that Downtown Fredericksburg prides itself on.  

Rebellion is unlike any of the restaurants I have tried in Fredericksburg. One of the most unique features about Rebellion is the not-so-secret speakeasy. It is open Thursday through Sunday, and you are also able to rent out the space for private events. I mean, what other restaurants in the area can offer you that? 

If I had to recommend a few of my favorite dishes, I would recommend the Phancy Philly (obviously), the Says Juan, a crispy buttermilk chicken sandwich, and the Loaded Nachos. Rebellion is worth the trip. If you cannot make it to the one in Downtown Fredericksburg, there is also a location in Leesburg that is worth trying out! 

Sunset Progression in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

July 11th, 2023

Introduction

Hello world!

Photo Essay

Sunset Progression in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Review

Rebellion Bourbon Bar

Travel Experience

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina

Video Game Argument

Stardew Valley, A Criticism on Capitalism