R.G. is a white woman who was born in Texas but raised in Jersey. She attended some university before and during her previous job at a HMO. R.G. enjoyed her job, however she decided to stay at home to care for her children for 15 years before going back to part-time work. She currently works as a receptionist in Hamilton, and lives in Pennington. She sees capitalism as an economy that has lost control.
How would you define capitalism?-
I define Capitalism in a microcosm like a person having a business to profit. The profit they receive belongs to them, and does not have government involvement.
What has your personal experience with capitalism been? What is your relationship with capitalism?
My personal experience was growing up with two parents that worked. They taught us kids how to achieve a certain level. I participated by working and I believe I surpassed them in a material setting.
What do you think are some alternatives to capitalism? What do you think about them?
One alternative is the Barter system where one person trades something they need for another.This system was based on substinence, and more primitive. I believe this system was better because of how much our system has grown out of control.
How does capitalism influence America? How has it influenced America in the past?
The influence in the past gave people goals, and a new start in the U.S. The economy impacted the idea of the American Dream. People came to the U.S. to start their own business, and achieve new goals.
The influence present day is that it is too extreme. Companies are outsourcing jobs to other countries leaving no employment for the people in the U.S. The companies are still making a profit, however the system no longer works for the people.
What do you think are capitalism’s origins? Both globally and in reference to the United States?
The origins are people always wanting more, and their innate greed. The system works for people who want more. An example of these people are the Captains of Industry.
How do you think social issues have been affected by capitalism, both now and in the past?
The social issues in the present that have been created are unemployment, and a bigger gap in between rich and poor.
The social issues in the past were class tensions, and competition for social mobility.
How do you think capitalism has changed over time? What are some examples?
Capitalism has been around since the beginning of time people always want to accumulate more wealth. The idea was great when it first started because anyone could do it. People always get too greedy , for example, when the railroads were being built on the backs of people who would never ride a train. The capitalist economy we have now has gone too extreme, people no longer have the American dream, most of that hope it lost.Many people are in debt or lost their homes like in 2008. The companies are the biggest beneficiaries, and the people keep losing.
Do you think capitalism is a natural fit for human nature? Why or why not?
Capitalism is a natural fit because it helps people have goals and achieve them. The system also benefits people who strive to compete. I believe that the system needs to be regulated.
How has capitalism been taught to you at different levels of your education?
Capitalism was first taught when I was child through allowance. The allowance taught how much I should save or could spend. When I got older I was taught how the system worked and that it feeds into goals. The high school education I received taught that if I went to college or not , even if I just worked hard I could achieve anything. The system was still instilling the American Dream in my head as I was leaving High School.
