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:
Watch this clip from the VERY powerful film called 13th (by Ava DuVernay). For the purposes of this assignment, please watch from minutes 51.00 - 1.09.30 of the film to begin learning about ALEC.
Read:
- "What 'Capitalism' Is and How It Affects People" (teenvogue website)
- "Is Capitalism Racist?" by Nicholas Lemann (The New Yorker website)
Then post a 350-word response that answers the following questions in ESSAY FORMAT:
1. What are your thoughts after learning about ALEC?
2. 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?)
3. If so, whom does this collusion benefit and whom does it harm? And how does it impact or exacerbate global inequality?
4. 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!)