Both Capitalism and Socialism have negative and positive connotations. Many believe and support one while seeing the other as evil. That is no different a perspective than “you can’t see the forest through the trees”. You need a higher view.
Caring about others
The theme of Socialism is caring about others, but an imbalance of it creates limits to both what one can achieve, and the incentive to work at trying. One needs to know their efforts matter. Even those receiving the least amount of compensation and respect.
It is essential that we care about those around us. Judging others as not worthy is a continuous wound of our society. The belief that others are not deserving of help with food is one of our biggest, along with the sting of student loans that crush the reality of millions in our country.
The Freedom
Capitalism is a freedom – it can be used to show the world what we’re capable of. The most amazing products as well as non-profit organizations and foundations have been created with the help of that freedom. What would you do with the chance to impact the world, if you were the steward of abundance? Answer that with definite purpose and then the next question is what steps do we take to make it a reality. That’s the freedom of Capitalism.
The Responsibility
But with great abundance comes great responsibility. It can create a great light for others – or it can enslave others with the darkness of poverty.
From the wealthiest family in the country, as the largest employer – to their workers being paid so low they qualify for food assistance. The workers need to shop at the very place that enslaves them because they can’t afford other choices. They work hard but live in survival mode. That freedom of Capitalism takes away the freedom of those who build it.
It’s a freedom that adds the freedom to care or not to care. Either way it will still affect others – positively or negatively by the choices that are made and the integrity of the business.
Business or Corporation
Small businesses are built with pride, reputation and caring about others. They are successful when they have character and soul. But corporate and franchise has become a breeding ground for the mindset of “it’s just business” because it focuses on the bottom line of monetary profits. They become numbers instead of people, where they no longer matter – even though they do.
The bigger your business – the more impact you have, and it’s your responsibility to see it for what it really is. Do the majority of your hard workers have what they need for a fulfilling life? Are they able to earn the extra things in life when they put in extra hours for you? Or does that even lack the ability to cover the necessities?
Creating the Balance
We need a balance of Capitalism with caring about those we affect. But that starts with our own freedom and choices. It doesn’t start with rules and regulations because that’s where the loopholes are. It is shaped by our integrity. What we create is a reflection of our soul.
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the words of Danielle from the movie Ever After, “A country’s character is defined by those everyday rustics as you call them. They are the legs you stand on and that position demands respect…” So perhaps this is the view that needs reflection and change.
Written by Melody Belliveau
The Social-Commentary.Com 