Russell Brand has been some small part of my life for a long time now, since before reading his My Booky Wook when I was 14 years old. His turn towards politics was in no small part responsible for my now deep interest in the machinations behind our lives.
As liberal people we attempt to extend our considerations to those outside of our bubbles, but this often falls shot when it comes to those we have deemed 'the evil behind the scenes' or 'the 1%'. Mind you, I can't think of much defense for the latter.
My problem is that I believe Russell (the proxy for general liberalism) is in danger of losing sight of the people behind these companies he so vehemently criticises. I suppose, as an iOS developer, I am bothered most by his unreasoned dislike for Apple.
Apple undeniably exploit tax loopholes, but Tim Cooke, the CEO, has actually asked to work the the policy makers in correcting these loopholes. As a publicly owned company unfortunately we live in a world where the bottom line means more to the shareholders than morals. Until the laws change to prevent companies from exploiting the system, they effectively have to do so or are deemed irresponsible and will lose their shareholders and crumble.
Tim Cooke, as a gay man himself, has led Apple's involvement in human rights to an astonishing degree. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdjAX5A-6qE
All aspects of inclusivity are considered by Apple as they do more to push accessibility (the use of their devices by everybody, no matter their impairment) than any other technology company in the world.
On the topic of the world, they are currently a leader in the market in the use of renewable materials, renewable energy, and are working with their partners to help them do the same. https://www.apple.com/uk/environment/
It seems to me as liberals we default to a mistrust of any large company, and I feel it's important to keep an open mind with this as we try to do with so much else.