In the last class we discussed Karl Marx and his criticisms
of the capitalist system. In his theory, Marx divides the population into only
two opposing class systems, the proletariat (workers), and the bourgeoisie
(owners of production). His main argument about capitalism being that it is a
system based on the exploitation and abuse of the workers in order to produce
the most surplus value. Consequently, while wealth is being distributed to
fewer and fewer hands, poverty is becoming more and more people. With a guest
from Dr. J, we were able to get an inside look into a part of the entertainment
and all of its “evils.” It was said that the entertainment industry is in a way
allowed to abuse its workers (For example, 21 hour days well below minimum
wage) at the understanding that there are a thousand others that would love
your job. This idea creates the sense that unfair labor and abusive hours are a
right of passage in the industry to make it up the ladder. Once at the top,
little sentiment is given to starting out workers, as the top “has already been
through it because everyday takes their turn,” leaving the idea that the
industry somewhat mirrors a hazing sort of mindset.
While most people readily condemn hazing in its abusive
manners, I dare to question if whether or not these working conditions are
ultimately more helpful in developing a stronger workforce, contrary to its
common consensus of immorality. Is it possible that hazing, or absurd work expectation,
that every new kid on the block has to overcome, actually benefits society?
After all, it is the old saying that struggle promotes strength, wisdom, and perseverance.
Can you compare the workforce to say the joining of a fraternity, in that the
new members are considered “scrubs” who have yet to earn the respect that
equality brings.
Shannon, that is exactly what I thought of when the exec mentioned "paying her dues" to the show in order to make it to the top. Fraternities (and some sororities, at bigger schools especially) are selective and exclusive. If you want to be a part of the group, you have to suffer through pledgeship. If you want to be successful in your career, you must suffer through an internship. I also thought of the psychological theory of cognitive dissonance, which states that "you come to love that for which you freely suffer." Ambitious workers throw themselves into their job by working overtime, with no real motivation (higher wages). This is hardly pleasant work, and so in order to reduce the cognitive dissonance that they feel, they must change their cognitions about the activity - i.e. the extra work - into something positive. They come to love the job, and believe that it was the right choice, whether or not they get that promotion or not. I think Marx would agree that it is this sort of mindset that cripples the workers and blocks them from forming a class consciousness.
ReplyDeleteI think that when it comes to the work force, especially the growing and competitive workforce that exists today, it becomes necessary to separate the ambitious from the half-hearted. Just as Megan stated, ambitious workers are going to go above and beyond expectations with very little prevailing compensation. Once these ambitious workers have been identified, the bosses and earners of such places are going to be more than willing to reward and pay the appropriate amount. There is always a sort of rites of passage that comes along with work force hierarchy. When it comes to hazing, however, there is a very crippling aspect to it that I do not agree with in any setting. While a little tough love to encourage hard work and discern the hard workers from those that aren't genuine is good, hazing for pure enjoyment of suffering gives no contribution to society.
ReplyDelete- Jessica Ealy
I definitely agree with Megan. Karl Marx believed that a man’s freedom, dignity and activity are the building blocks and structure of a good society. Although working your way to the top proves dedication and perseverance, while separating the slackers from the hard workers, the tasks and crazy schedule detract from the freedom and dignity of an individual; therefore I do not think Marx would condone this behavior. He would not say it is right for the TV industry to participate in these practices nor would he support America’s next top model’s producer in making those below her “pay their dues” just as she had to do. Although I understand feeling like you worked hard to get where you are and that it’s only fair to make others work just as hard, it’s also important to separate from the system if it means not detracting from man’s freedom, dignity, and activity.
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