The phrase "human nature" often
comes up in class, and recently some students have mentioned the concept of
human nature in regards to humans' "natural" desire to own private
property or humans' "natural" selfishness. Dr. J has explained how
embedded capitalist concepts are in all of us from birth, emphasizing how we
have been socialized in an overtly capitalist system. Therefore, we cannot even
imagine how life without capitalist ideas would be, because even our
imaginations of such a non-capitalist system are framed within capitalist
ideas. Because we are so socialized to accept capitalist ideas as
"natural," we cannot truly know or really begin to speculate on what
is "human nature," because even speculation takes place within the
framework of capitalism.
I would like to compare the socialization and deeply embedded-ness of capitalism to the deeply ingrained system of patriarchy that shapes so much of our lives. Until we become aware of the dominance of patriarchy in every realm of society, we believe that the system is natural, because that's "how it is." We do not recognize any oddity in male-dominated workforces, homes, families, religious groups, etc., because from birth we have been trained to accept these things as normal. Men have certain roles; women have different roles. When something happens to trigger our consciousness about the existence and oppressive nature of patriarchy (taking a Gender/Sexuality Studies course, for example), we begin to realize that we have lived within this system our whole lives and that it is not natural; it is socially constructed. Even when we gain this awareness, though, we cannot escape the system, because it is far bigger than any of us. We can make personal choices to refuse to participate in certain elements of the system, but we cannot escape the macro-level, global dominance of the structure of patriarchy.
In the same way, we can become aware of the way in which capitalism oppresses us, but we cannot escape the system. It is both too ingrained in our own psyches and also too macro of a system to escape on our own. This is where I think Marx's class revolution theory enters the picture. Social and political revolutions are key to overturning macro systems of oppression. We can make personal choices to rebel against capitalist or patriarchal ideas, but we must remember that we are still operating under the macro system that exists regardless of our individual decisions. Widespread, united rebellions versus global systems of oppression seem to be our best hope for human equality. Do you agree?
I would like to compare the socialization and deeply embedded-ness of capitalism to the deeply ingrained system of patriarchy that shapes so much of our lives. Until we become aware of the dominance of patriarchy in every realm of society, we believe that the system is natural, because that's "how it is." We do not recognize any oddity in male-dominated workforces, homes, families, religious groups, etc., because from birth we have been trained to accept these things as normal. Men have certain roles; women have different roles. When something happens to trigger our consciousness about the existence and oppressive nature of patriarchy (taking a Gender/Sexuality Studies course, for example), we begin to realize that we have lived within this system our whole lives and that it is not natural; it is socially constructed. Even when we gain this awareness, though, we cannot escape the system, because it is far bigger than any of us. We can make personal choices to refuse to participate in certain elements of the system, but we cannot escape the macro-level, global dominance of the structure of patriarchy.
In the same way, we can become aware of the way in which capitalism oppresses us, but we cannot escape the system. It is both too ingrained in our own psyches and also too macro of a system to escape on our own. This is where I think Marx's class revolution theory enters the picture. Social and political revolutions are key to overturning macro systems of oppression. We can make personal choices to rebel against capitalist or patriarchal ideas, but we must remember that we are still operating under the macro system that exists regardless of our individual decisions. Widespread, united rebellions versus global systems of oppression seem to be our best hope for human equality. Do you agree?
I agree with you for the most part. However, a revolution still might not be the only thing capable of overthrowing a system like capitalism. It could be multiple unrelated decisions by different people that match up in a way that could potentially alter society. This would be a way that is outside of our control, but it's still a possibilty.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you. The only thing I have trouble accepting is the idea that consciousness can change the way we look at the world. When something is deeply engrained, knowledge of the truth won't necessary stop you from thinking that way. Even when people become aware of patriarchy in an academic class, I still think that it is hard for them to recognize every aspect of oppression because it still seems normal to them. I think that study is a step in the right direction, but like you said, it's still really hard to rid yourself of that mindset, no matter how hard you try. I think the same goes for capitalist thought.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting and apt point. I think you are completely correct in that capitalism and patriarchy are so deeply-ingrained in our society that we cannot think around them. However, because of this, I feel that Marx's revolution is a bit romanticized. When you have spent your whole life living in a certain system, a certain way, how can you fully overthrow it and start anew without some aspects still clinging on? For instance, as we've been relating Marx to the OWS movement, although many are upset about the effects of our capitalist economy, how many of those do you think want to give up the whole idea of private property? As Michelle said, it's difficult to even recognize every manner in which a system affects our lives. While overthrowing the system may be impossible alone, I don't think it's all that much easier en masse.
ReplyDelete@Michelle- I agree that even when we become aware of our own oppression, it is still nearly impossible to rid ourselves of EVERY facet of the system in which we were so thoroughly socialized. For example, even though I feel as though I have had a significant consciousness-raising experience throughout college in regards to gender & sexuality, I still subscribe to several "normative" gender norms. In the same way, even though Marx was surely conscious of the oppressive-ness of capitalism, he still owned private property and subscribed to the system. Even though we are aware of the evils of the macro systems, we cannot overturn those structures on our own. We can, however, work at an individual level, an organizational level, a familial level, etc. to build momentum that can, ideally, eventually reach the national and global levels. We must start somewhere!
ReplyDelete