Survival of the Fittest

This week in class we started discussing the faults of the Capitalistic system and how such a system reduces people to a mere two classes: the bourgeoisie (the owners) or the proletariat (the workers). In doing so, the workers have been forced into a state of mere subsistence living and have nowhere to direct their anger but towards the owners who dictate their lives. Initially, when hearing about Marx concepts, I could not help but be reminded of the term Social Darwinism . Essentially, this term states that those inherently gifted with the skills necessary to thrive in society will rise to the top while those less fit will wither and die off. This mindset is commonly referred to as “the survival of the fittest” or natural selection when in relation to animals, but now has been used to justify that some people are meant to succeed while others are not. While I personally find such theories to be irrational and egotistical, there is no denying the basis of such a system in America’s political and economic sectors. I would even go as far as saying that such behavior is glorified in America; the idea of going from rags to riches is the American dream after all.

Regardless of your beliefs, there is no denying that Marx makes some good points about modern Capitalism. The real question I want to know is if his theory is correct, when will the era of Communism will arrive, and is such a transition is already occurring without even realizing it? Over the past century, there has a noticeable effort to secure the rights of the working class and the ever lingering distaste for the wealthy one percent. Therefore, it seems to only be a matter of time. So, when do you think this new era will occur? Will it be in our lifetime or do completely disagree that this transition is even happening?