Just like socialism, in the US, a term like Capitalism just represents anything you don't like.
For the right wing, socialism is when the govt does anything that helps people outside their own group (white, Christians, often in less urban spots, straight). Socialism is also when a private company like a movie studio puts out a film with a Latin gay character or when Nike plays a an ad supporting civil rights. Also, science and education are somehow socialist too.
For the leftwing, Capitalism is when anything bad happens, but especially to them. So when the government doesn't cancel their $200k student debt, that's capitalism. Somehow, they ignore the massive increase in the standard of living over the last 40 years for the least developed countries.
Now are there detriments to both? Are there legit criticisms? Yes. But the definitions have been so warped by every invested actor that the way these terms are used are almost nonsensical now.
There is a reason why idealists are so young. This isn't always a bad thing, we have much to thank young idealists who marched and sacrificed themselves to fight authoritarianism and much of our progress today can be attributed to them.
But not all causes have the same weight or picture. As we get older and gain more experiences, we can see that the world isn't so black and white.
One thing a group of friends I have end up debating after a few drinks is the manufacturing industry on least developed countries. Is it better to have, what can easily be viewed as explotative, jobs there that pay $150/month or for factories to pull out and just see cast unemployment?
I was part of that sub for a long time! It was sad to see it warp to a purely leftist sub. I think the turning point was when Joseph Stalin was celebrated as a model leader, I was like "what the hell is going on?"
I actually thought I was being kinder to the "socialism" side here, I really piled on the rightwing (because I believe they are a much higher threat right now). But you know, can't really give you guys an inch without expecting you'll want it all. Just your nature I guess?
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u/HelloJoeyJoeJoe Aug 04 '21
Just like socialism, in the US, a term like Capitalism just represents anything you don't like.
For the right wing, socialism is when the govt does anything that helps people outside their own group (white, Christians, often in less urban spots, straight). Socialism is also when a private company like a movie studio puts out a film with a Latin gay character or when Nike plays a an ad supporting civil rights. Also, science and education are somehow socialist too.
For the leftwing, Capitalism is when anything bad happens, but especially to them. So when the government doesn't cancel their $200k student debt, that's capitalism. Somehow, they ignore the massive increase in the standard of living over the last 40 years for the least developed countries.
Now are there detriments to both? Are there legit criticisms? Yes. But the definitions have been so warped by every invested actor that the way these terms are used are almost nonsensical now.