Sumblog 13- Wallerstein

“It is and has always been a world-economy. It is and has always been a capitalistic world-economy”. These were the words of Immanuel Wallerstein, a man who saw society as a machine. He thought that every individual needed to fill a role and within a society there was a need for “winners” and “losers”. Individual profit is a goal in a capitalistic economy- this seems to always take precedence over one’s well-being in a capitalistic economy. Competition is also important for survival in a capitalistic economy. I thought these very simple theories did a great job summing up living in the United States. I think although it may not seem fair to have a gap between the rich and the poor, or winners and losers, it is very necessary in the success of a society. If everyone were equal it would be harder to have the tasks that were not desirable done. If doctors were paid the same amount as a cashier, would we live in a world where people strived to achieve more in their lives? It is hard to say, and I hope we never find out. I also think competition is an important piece of a capitalistic society. Without competition comes a monopoly. I think it is very dangerous to have very few in control, perhaps which is when a society collapses on itself.

I choose this cartoon for my sumblog because I think it does a great job showing how messed up our priorities become in a capitalistic society. Everyone is out for themselves and money, while few people are interested in “truth” or what is right. I think this kind of living may be contagious within a society. It would be harder to live a life not focused on money in a world that revolves around it.