Marxism and Capitalism
Marxism is an economic, political and societal philosophy that scrutinizes the impact of capitalism on the workforce, output and economic growth. Marxism maintains a perspective that the brawl between entrepreneurs and labor providers outlines the development status of the country and their power to regulate the factors of production to impact the public behavior and conduct. Marx stated that capitalism is a tool for the historical advancement of economic structures. He argues that the intrinsic disproportions of utilities between employers and employees cause tension. The resulting struggle will result in a revolution which will see private ownership of property abolished to collective ownership. Marx stated that capitalism is enabled by the availability of goods and services to trade (Pennock, and Chapman). Employees have a minimum effect on the capitalist economic structures since they do not possess rights to modes of production. They are also easily replaceable in a state that experiences high unemployment rates.
Inequality and Exploitation in Capitalism
This form of inequality placed the workers at a disadvantage since their employers perceive them as disposable reducing their worth. The workers are exploited by being allocated maximum responsibility and compensated with minimum remuneration. The capitalist also has rights over the final products and can determine their desired profit margins when setting the commodities prices. Marx believed that capitalism crafts a biased affiliation between employers and employees. He stated that the exploitation of employees affects their perspective on their responsibilities. He believed that employees could see their job as a means to survive and become less motivated to perform effectively since they have no personal loss if the company does not operate at its maximum capacity (Pennock, and Chapman). They could also develop resentment towards their employees and act towards sabotaging the company. According to Marx, there is a close relationship between economic factors and social classes. Capitalists are focused on wealth accumulation as laborers aim to meet their basic needs which generate social complications that can be resolved through social and economic insurgency.
Marxism Themes in Films by Frank Capra
Frank Capra was born in Italy in the year 1897, but his family relocated to America in the year 1903 which is where he grew to become a prominent film director. He received three awards recognizing his work as the best filmmaker. Most of his work was done during the great depression embraced the theme of patriotism and celebrated the virtuous individuals who advocated for the rights of the less disadvantaged in the quest for the common good. His works aimed at protecting the interests of the majority and also expose the suffering of the less fortunate. Franks work can be examined to see the development of Marxist themes.
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)
In the year 1936 launched a film titled Mr. Deeds goes to town the film featured Longfellow who was living a simple life until the demise of his uncle left him with a hefty inheritance. He moved into the city and fell in love with a reporter who took inspiration from their relation and wrote articles about him. The film featured Longfellow rising against institution pressures when he used his wealth to help others (Riskin). He also judged people by their characters and not their social setting as is common with most capitalists. The decision of Deed to share his wealth was aimed to convey a message to discourage capitalism during the depression time. The film shows deed as an individual who does not have complete understanding of his wealth. Deed realizes that he has not been utilizing his wealth in a way that added value to his life or those of others when he is confronted by a homeless man. The condemnation of the homeless man signifies revolution which Marxism philosophy advocated for as a way of resolving the inequality between social classes.
You Can't Take It with You (1938)
In the year 1938 Capra worked on a film by the name You can't take it with you which title means that money is only worth to a person when they are alive. Money was everyone's priority during the great depression, and the film was a scolding to the rich for hoarding money and investing so much time in work when the poor had no work (Harris et al.). It was also an assurance to the poor people that money did not measure someone's worth and all that they needed to be happy are friends. The film encouraged dreams, hopes, and plans through hard work and perseverance and stated if one's dreams were all about money their life was boring. It also emphasized the importance of family and keeping them close. The filmed supported Marxism theory of communism by trying to reduce the feeling of inequality between the poor and the rich by changing their perspective during the great depression era.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra was back in the screens with It's a wonderful life in the year 1946. The film features George Bailey who has a charming personality who finds himself at his lowest point. George gave up on his childhood imaginings and decided to salvage his family's business. His brother goes ahead and finishes his studies and lives a comfortable life while George is struggling with his business and the stiff competition from a wealthy guy is about to push him into bankruptcy. He becomes desperate and even things that his death will save his family from the life of misery (Goodrich et al.). As he was dejected, he thought of a film about a father and a son struggles in an aim to survive. He identified with the beautiful aspect of fatherly devotion in the film, and he realized that he was more than his accomplishments. He realized that his life has been delightful and he had developed a lot of meaningful relations with his friends and kin. He realized that he had made a positive impact on the lives of those around him and he was adored by those who mattered. The films showed that a man's worth is measured by his ability to positively impact those around them even when they appear to be mediocre.
Marxism in Changing the World
The application of Marxism life of thought is reflected in films of Capra where he is seen advocating for responsibility among leaders. He seeks to separate self-worth from an individual's capacity to accumulate wealth. He seeks to eradicate capitalism which is a social and financial supremacy structure which raises and perpetuates disparity among individuals. Capra seeks to correct the exploitation of workers by the individuals in power. Capitalism creates an avenue for the rich to become richer by allowing them to control consumer markets allowing them to maximize profits at the expense of their employee and customers. The fight against capitalism and the adoption of communism which encourages responsibility, sharing and equality among individuals despite their social classes is an essential tool for changing the world.
Works cited
Goodrich, Frances et al. It's A Wonderful Life (1946). Alexander Street Press, 2004.
Harris, Sam et al. You Can't Take It With You. 1938.
Pennock, J. Roland, and John W Chapman. Marxism. New York University Press, 1983.
Riskin, Robert. Mr. Deeds Goes To Town (1936). Alexander Street Press, 2003.
