> But capitalism cannot tolerate “free” time and space. And, so, at last, we have the iPhone. A device that forces us to look down and ignore changes in light.
Perhaps things are different in different cities, but having one's gaze fixated upon a screen while walking is more of an exception than a rule. Even going about life with earbuds firmly implanted within one's ears is far from universal. Yet that does not make people watching any more interesting. You can attribute that capitalism not tolerating free time and space if you like. Personally, I think it has more to do with our streets being conduits for transportation rather than being appreciated as public spaces. It is not as though capitalism forbids free time. Indeed, much of it depends upon free time. Yet we still live in a world where many people won't go out unless they have a purpose, may that be going from point A to B or going for a jog to get/stay fit. Appreciating one's surroundings appears to be reserved for tourists.