In Pursuit of a Perfect World

Karl Marx is famous- or infamous depending on your viewpoint- for the writing of the Communist Manifesto and setting the foundation for the rise of socialist thought. He believes that the worker is being exploited by the modern capitalist system and that through his work the worker is gradually being dehumanized. The alternative to such a capitalist system is that of a communal society which is run by the state. In such a society, in Marx’s view, workers and their work would be valued not in a monetary way, but as a part of the contribution to the larger community. In this way the worker’s creating of value ceases to weaken the worker, but strengthens him/her through the strengthening of the community as a whole. My question is whether or not the worker is truly being “exploited” by the capitalistic system and if so how does the worker respond to such exploitation? Also, is there an ideal capitalistic system, and if so, what is it? The discussion today focused around the idea of profit and private property. The main point against capitalism it seemed was the idea of “created value” in which profit was established after the minimization of cost. This idea of created value strikes to heart of capitalism and is often cited as its virtue by its proponents. The worker’s ability to physically create something that has value and the owner’s power to envision and design the item are the two pillars upon which capitalism stands. This idea of a symbiotic relationship between owners and workers is an ideal exposed by many capitalist philosophers and thinkers such as Ayn Rand among others. However many have perverted this relationship. Across the world, business leaders are now utilizing what is virtually slave or substance labor in order to maximize already outrageous margins of profit. In addition to what is the physical subjugation of these workers, often times agreements are made with governments to overlook potential educational development amongst the workforce. This is done to keep the workers on an almost animal level of intellect and to prevent them from organizing. Eventually this system of big business and ignorant labor will lead to conflict if not all out revolution. This was never how the capitalistic system meant to operate. The ideal capitalistic system is one in which innovation is encouraged and nurtured through education. In this way all workers are allowed to reach their maximum potential and reap the just rewards of their struggle. In the same way the owners at the top remain or fall based upon their work and success, not upon government intervention. In order to right the wrongs of the previous centuries workers need to organize. While the notion sounds simple, in truth it is a much greater challenge then most could imagine. The modern union system is corrupt and arguably as much of a political machine as the big business they claim to stand against. In order to reform the system the best of both sides must organize and seek to reform their respective halves. The owners must detach themselves from politics and begin moral policies while the workers should organize education and training programs. Only then will both groups co-exist peacefully as they were intended to do. After reading over this I’m curious. Is this a Marxist ideal I strive for? Is a content business world possible? Also, how does modern politics fit into the strive for recognition of worker’s rights and progress?