I really liked the history lesson at the beginning of the manifesto. I think it really helped explain what was going on in the world and how it came to be that way. I certainly don't view the world as black and white as Marx did, and when I say black and white I mean his characterizing the world into two classes; the bourgeois and the proletariat. I do think, however, that distinguishing the world into two class systems (those few who run the world, and the many that make it happen) really helped Marx to explain his world view.
Something I was thinking about when I was reading the history of capitalism was the idea of communism in its relation to primitive society. In one of the first foot notes, it mentions the idea of a commune society in primitive cultures. When I thought of this it reminded me of learning about cultures that would have community collections of grain that would be given out in equal shares to the members of that community. The manifesto went on to talk about defining people into two classes beginning in in feudal society, then later into guilds and modern industry. To my point of view it seems that capitalism was a social evolution that came about, it makes me wonder why Marx thought it best that society move backwards, more to the idea of a commune society. I understand that Marx was predicting the collapse of Capitalism, but to me, it doesn't make sense that society would take a step backwards, but would keep evolving.
I agree with your point on his classes. He viewed the society a little different in todays and the class systems.
ReplyDeleteEven though the reading was a little tough to understand, I also enjoyed reading this because I personally liked learning about Marx and communism back in high school. I think Marx's black and white views were a little weird too. The bourgeois and proletariat classes make society too simple and gives the poor no motivation to work hard because they know they cannot advance economically. When I read the text I automatically compare our system to Marx's theories. I'm just glad that in America the "sky is the limit" for everyone living here.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you CJ, I think you have it spot on. In a mixed market economy, the sky is the limit. Pure capitalism and pure communism are just not practical today. However, given the choice between the two, I would rather be in a more capitalist economy because I consider myself a driven and hard worker. That being said, I would like to see the benefits of my work, and I would like the ability to push harder than everybody else and make more. But, I do see the need for taxes and social programs to help some people get back on their feet and build roads and schools.
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