#CapitalismCritique

[thedearlydepart]

Consumerism and the American Dream

How Communitarianism Offers a Better Path

I identify most with communitarianism. Communitarian cultures prioritize the collective good over individual desires, emphasizing harmony and cohesion within society. While Thought Co. states that "Communitarianism is often considered the opposite of liberalism," (Longley, 2020) modern liberalism, particularly in leftist communities, seeks a balance that allows for self-expression while addressing societal needs to exist peacefully. In contrast, individualist cultures hold self-reliance and personal success in high regard, even if it comes at the expense of the broader community.

In communitarian societies, individuals are considered integral parts of a larger social construct, expected to contribute to the community’s well-being through social, family, and civic responsibilities. Individualist cultures, however, place the highest value on individual rights—such as freedom of choice, speech, and action—even when these rights conflict with the common good. As described by both Thought Co. and the Foundation for Economic Education, classical liberalism embodies these principles, which became the foundation of "liberal democracies" in the free world.

“These individualistic principles became the pillars of the social institutions that now characterize what we call the “free world” (hence the term “liberal” democracies).” (Carroll & Sanchez, 2022)

While individualists believe society exists to support personal freedom and autonomy, communitarians believe in acting in ways that benefit the group. Communitarianism does not reject individual rights like freedom of speech and action. Still, it insists that these rights should not supersede the safety and well-being of the community.

In today’s American society, particularly in Black communities and in the broader cultural context, individualism dominates. This aligns with our focus on capitalism and the "American Dream." While Etzioni points out that tightly-knit communities can hinder individuality and creativity, we've moved beyond that. We now operate in a society where, unless something directly affects us, we often choose not to engage—even within our families. This has led to a culture that breeds widespread unhappiness. One critic notes, "...Our idea of happiness has been transformed to make us better consumers... these values have been co-opted and used to normalize a deeply unjust and undesirable situation." (Illing, 2018)

References

Carroll, P., & Sanchez, D. (2022, July 2). Individualism: A Deeply American Philosophy. FEE.org. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://fee.org/resources/individualism-a-deeply-american-philosophy/

Etzioni, A. (2002, May). "The Good Society" by Amitai Etzioni. Seattle University School of Law Digital Commons. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/sjsj/vol1/iss1/7?utm_source=digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu%2Fsjsj%2Fvol1%2Fiss1%2F7&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages

Illing, S. (2018, September 4). A history of happiness explains why capitalism makes us feel empty inside. Vox. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2018/9/4/17759590/happiness-fantasy-capitalism-culture-carl-cederstrom

Longley, R. (2020, June 29). What Is Communitarianism? Definition and Main Theorists. ThoughtCo. Retrieved October 6, 2024, from https://www.thoughtco.com/communitarianism-definition-and-theories-5070063

[haveacupofjohanny]

Capitalism and Corporate Responsibility: Examining the Discarding of Unsold Merchandise

Why are corporations turning a blind eye to helping others? 🤔 This Sunday’s Hot Topic dives into how capitalism pushes profit over people. Join the conversation on ethical business practices! 🌍💡 #SundaysHotTopic #Capitalism #CorporateResponsibility

The Reality Behind Disposing of Unsold Goods In a recent Google search inspired by a conversation on Threads, I uncovered some troubling insights about how corporations handle unsold merchandise, such as remainder books and school supplies. Instead of donating these perfectly usable items to those in need, many retailers opt to discard them. Why is this happening, and what does it say about our…

[normally0]

Harmony Amidst Disruption: Hans Hollein's Architectural Reflections

In the heart of Vienna, amidst the bustling streets and historic architecture, Hans Hollein, the visionary architect, pondered over his latest creation. With a mind fuelled by innovation and a spirit unbound by convention, he sought to challenge the very essence of architecture itself. As he gazed upon his collage of New York City, a city that seemed to pulsate with energy and ambition, he couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency in his work.

The recent earthquake that rattled the eastern seaboard had stirred something within him. It was as if the earth itself was crying out for change, for a new way of thinking about our relationship with the built environment. And so, in his collage, he depicted a daring vision—a superstructure towering over Manhattan, a symbol of resilience and defiance against the forces of nature.

But as he delved deeper into his creation, he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of unease. What if his vision was misinterpreted? What if instead of a symbol of hope, his superstructure became a target for those who sought to sow fear and destruction?

In the midst of these troubling thoughts, he remembered the words of his mentor, Clemens Holzmeister, who had once told him that true art lies in understanding the delicate balance between man and nature. And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, Hans Hollein set out to re-evaluate his design, to imbue it with a sense of harmony and reverence for the world around us.

As he worked tirelessly on his collage, he couldn't help but ponder the complex relationship between Austria and America, two nations bound together by history and yet divided by ideology. In the great war of architecture and enlightenment, where capitalism reigned supreme, how could he bridge the gap between these two worlds?

And then it hit him—the key lay not in grand gestures or bold statements, but in the subtle nuances of his art. By harnessing the power of the reversed motor scraper, the very symbol of man's mastery over the earth, he could create something truly revolutionary—a structure that not only defied gravity but also embraced the natural rhythms of the world.

And so, as he put the finishing touches on his collage, Hans Hollein couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. For in that moment, he had not only created a work of art but also a testament to the enduring power of architecture to shape our world and our destiny.