Call for submissions: Briarpatch breaks the bank to expose the politics of debt

“The new road to serfdom begins with a loan,” wrote Michael Hudson in his 2006 Harper’s article on the then-pending collapse of the U.S. housing market, which is now in full swing. By that estimation, Canada is a nation of serfs that still believe it’s free, as we continue to spend our way deeper and deeper into debt.

Household debt in Canada has been increasing annually by 4.7 per cent for the past 30 years, while the personal savings rate has fallen to near zero. Average credit card debt in Canada climbed 90 per cent between 1997 and 2001. Incomes have been flat since 1980. Canadians are borrowing more and saving less, leaving us dangerously unprepared for unforeseen events or economic downturns. And the consumption binge that this easy debt fuels is taking its toll on the planet.

In an effort to make sense of Canadians’ apparent lack of financial good sense, Briarpatch Magazine invites contributions to our May 2008 issue, which focuses, in the broadest terms, on money and debt. We are looking for feature articles, provocative essays, investigative reportage, news briefs, reviews, interviews, profiles, poetry, humour, and artwork that explore how we use money—and how money uses us.

Possible topics could include the growing student debt burden and its consequences, a critical assessment of “ethical” stock market investments, the dangerous growth of credit card debt, real estate bubbles in Canada and the U.S., unscrupulous banking practices, credit unions vs. banks, alternative financial arrangements, and voluntarily simplicity (i.e. a voluntary reduction of both income and debt). We also seek to provide readers with tips for modest financial independence and tools for fostering non-participation in the debt racket and stock market—how to get out of debt, tips for truly ethical investing, advice for effective small-scale altruism (how to make your small donations count), etc.

Queries are due by Monday, January 21. If your query is accepted; first drafts are due by February 22. Your query should outline what ground your contribution will cover, give an estimated word count, and indicate your relevant experience or background in writing about the issue. Please provide a brief writing sample.

Please review our submission guidelines before submitting. Send your queries/submissions to editor AT briarpatchmagazine DOT com.

We reserve the right to edit your work (with your active involvement), and cannot guarantee publication.