Global inequality and the role of government in the culture of capitalism.

Question

Instructions

Are You Pro- or Anti-Capitalist?

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This week we are learning about global inequality and the role of government in the culture of capitalism.  Your text does a good job of analyzing some of the roles and how they are carried out in discussions of language, education, violence and genocide, spin, and markets and free trade. 

Drawing on information around the consumer, laborer, capitalist/merchant, and the nation-state, you will think about what the government’s role in capitalism is, and should be. 

We will start by learning about the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC).

INSTRUCTIONS:

First, be sure you have read eText Chapter 3 (Rise and Fall of the Merchant, Industrialist and Financier) and eText Chapter 4 (Nation-State in the Culture of Capitalism) and the Week 3 Powerpoint Lecture.

Then watch this clip from the VERY powerful film called 13th (by Ava DuVernay). I highly encourage everyone to watch the entire film! But for the purposes of this assignment, please watch from minutes 51.00 - 1.09.30 of the film to begin learning about ALEC:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krfcq5pF8u8 (Links to an external site.)

Then watch these other clips that explain the function of ALEC a little more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3yIbxydlHY (Links to an external site.)

(NBC News)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4q4meltt9I (Links to an external site.)

 (NPR, Democracy Now)

Next, read the following two articles to get an understanding of the pros and cons of capitalism:

What Capitalism Is and How it Affects People (Links to an external site.)

Is Capitalism Racist? (Links to an external site.)

Then post a 350-word response that answers the following questions in ESSAY FORMAT:

What are you thoughts after learning about ALEC?

Do you feel that there is collusion between the nation-state (e.g. government) and the capitalist (e.g. big business or corporations)? (Why or why not?)

If so, whom does this collusion benefit and whom does it harm? And how does it impact or exacerbate global inequality?

After reading and watching everything this week, the big question is: Do you consider yourself to be pro-capitalist or anti-capitalist? Why?(please refer to the two capitalism articles above, plus the eText to support your position!)

BE sure to CITE EVERY FACT and include a Work Cited at the bottom of your post.  Refer to arguments in the articles, videos and in the eText.  Support your position with evidence, facts, examples, and logical reasoning.