Has capitalism evolved to aid more people or cause more inequality?

 Is capitalism a system that has become transformed as suggested by Professor Reich? Does capitalism merit the reverence it once did or has it become outdated? Prof. Reich suggests that meritocracy is no longer in place as it once was. What is your take on Prof. Reich's ideas? As he ends, he asks the question: Is the system fair? To complement this question also watch this Ted Talk video on whether or not capitalism will always have inequality at the core of the system. Respond with your position on this question, and please remember to back your thoughts with links and coursework content. Prof. Reich’s video can be found here .  When considering your position and defence watch both videos to help you shape your response. Please don't forget to add a link to a video that will aid in your defence of your paper.

 Liberalism vs Neo-Liberalism

Define Neo-liberalism and liberalism with examples of each term. How are the two definitions similar yet quite different. In the video Chomsky proposes that neo liberalism is anti-democratic and we should be cautious of those who propose this is the way to go. On the other hand, those who believe liberalism continues to offer the path to a better society. What side are you on and how do you support your position. Use course content and/or examples we’ve viewed/discussed to respond. I will not expect you to research as much as as the last blog response but nevertheless, your response should be around 300-500 hundred words. Please place your answers in the space provided as usual as I don’t want the responses emailed to me.  You can find the main video here and for more ideas to think about, watch this one.  TY

How Wealth Inequality Spiraled Out of Control – Robert Reich

 

Capitalism (Classic Liberalism), as A. Smith saw it, was to allow all people to create wealth. According to this video, why isn’t this so? What are some roadblocks to achieving a share of the country’s wealth? Why is wealth associated with political power? How does Professor Reich see meritocracy being destroyed by increasing gaps in wealth throughout society? What steps did Teddy Roosevelt take to create a more equitable society? If people like A. Smith or JS Mills were to comment on this video, what would they say about the wealth gap? What should be done, according to Reich? The video link can be found here and if you want a deeper dive, then use this one.

Discuss the pros and cons Reich of the video message. Then, take a stand (position) on the video and discuss it with evidence from the two included links.

Private vs Public Schools

 

The use of private vs public schools is controversial. There are pros and cons in either case but which is better if you had to choose to design a system of education. Who wins/loses in either case? Take a position on what kind of school system should be promoted and why. Remember to link ideology you’ve studied (economics and politics) in your argument. You can find video links to the information you need here and another one here for video and this article for a discussion on the effectiveness of private (charter) vs public schools. Remember to add two of your own links to support your position on this subject.

The Shock Doctrine - Naomi Klein

Noami Klein believes that the shock doctrine is advocated as a means to disrupt societies and put in policies that are against the will of the people. Describe how this is done according to the video. Given what we've studied in class what parallels can you see between what you viewed in the video and in today's society. Take a position on the video and if you support it, describe why you do and if not, also describe why you do don't. You can find the video here but you can look up Klein on a good search for more information if needed.

Indigenous Issues and Contributions to Canadian Nationalism

 Indigenous Issues Blog Response



How does Indigenous issues impact Canadian nationalism? Why should all Canadians care about the issues facing indigenous people’s? What values have indigenous culture added to our understanding of ourselves as a country?  How can we use our knowledge of past historical actions with the indigenous people to push our country forward?  In the video attached to this article, PM Harper apologies for the residential school system. Do his words have meaning in our understanding of struggles faced by our indigenous peoples?

Ask yourself these questions after your above research.  How have the Indigenous People aided in the development of Canadian Nationalism. Has Canada provided enough retribution and incentive for indigenous people to keep moving forward in the future?

Start your research buy clicking here.

Is privatization a positive step for society?

 We live in a capitalist society and as such we rejoice in the freedom of the market place. The standard argument of greater efficiency and lower taxes in the bait used to convince people that privatization is in their interest; or is it? Professor Reich argues that their are 5 reasons to privatize. Evaluate the rationale provided and ask yourself if it holds true or not. You can find his video here.  For more information, Professor Chomsky, a world renowned intellect adds his reasoning to whether or not privatization is a natural phenomenon of capitalism or if it makes capitalism less appealing for the common good and his video can be found here.  Take a position on privatization and support your thesis using course activity and link/s you have found. 

How much freedom do we have under capitalism? Myth or reality?

I used the following source on purpose as it is very hard on capitalism as an economic system. The perspective of this source is certainly from the left but is it fair? What are the best couple of arguments that are used against capitalism and what can you counter those arguments with? Surely, an economic system which has brought to us standard of living and longevity cannot be all that bad? Sort out for yourself what side you would fall on. Do we keep the system as is, or, do we replace it with something else? What ideas do you have and how will you support those ideas (citations) ? The video can be found here. If you want more on this topic, check out this short article here.