The Paradox of Anti-Capitalism Rhetoric

By Francis Aubee

Nowadays, “capitalism” has become a buzzword synonymous with billionaires, exploitation, greed, government inefficiency, environmental degradation, etc. For these and several other reasons, many people have repeatedly called for the “overthrow”, “boycott” and/or “replacement” of what is believed to be a very brutal economic system. Who is to say that they cannot voice their displeasure with a system that they perceive to be the source of many wrongs — economic, political, etc.? However, in critiquing, justifiably or otherwise, very few have actually done their due diligence to proffer a better, more viable, and comprehensive economic alternative based on empirical evidence. That is to say, only a handful have even attempted to come up with capitalism’s replacement, or better yet, an improved economic system that addresses the shortcomings of capitalism and makes everyone happier, healthier, and wealthier.

Is capitalism a flawed system? You bet it is. Should it be reformed? Most definitely, good reforms keep systems going. Does it produce winners and losers? You bet it does. Capitalism — the private ownership, exchange, and control of means of production with little to no government interference — is simply not perfect, and certainly not moral, and I don’t expect it to be. Today, it remains the predominant economic system and model globally — albeit with…