What is capitalism? Capitalism is the belief that anyone can pursue their desires in order to obtain economic success. In theory this idea works. Everyone should be able to have their chance to create their own success story; but what happens to the people who must be pushed down in order to push these innovative individuals up? What becomes of the “little people” who make up the body of the corporate giants?
Just recently Air France has been witnessed what happens when their “blue collar” workers realize just how much they are being taken advantage of. Air France executives — in the middle of trying to enact budget cuts — decided to meet on 5 October in order to discuss potential lower level layoffs after failing to cut a deal with the Air France pilots. On average Air France pilots are paid 25% more than Air France’s European competitors. When the pilots were approached with a possible plan that would lower their pay they heartily rejected. When the workers caught wind of this they began picketing outside the meeting location and when the executives emerged the picketers pounced, ripping the shirts off two rather flustered company officials.
So how then when this scenario is taken into consideration is capitalism fair? The corporate heads have the ability to dismiss workers at their leisure without consequence. These workers are the very reason that the owner is in possession of anything. They produce the products and deliver the services that build the owners empire. And also consider the relationship between the pilots and the other employees. The pilots — who earn much more than average — are able to maintain their wealth at the cost of the jobs held by individuals who are lower in the pay scale. Why are pilots more valuable than ground crew, gate agents, and flight attendants?
So it is clear that capitalism is not fair, but it’s unfairness is also indication of how it does not work. Capitalism is based on the thought that anyone can have the opportunity to succeed in the global market. But in this scenario if you are not a “higher up” then your are subject to those above you, which limits your ability to overcome. This makes capitalism counterproductive. The very idea that capitalism benefits everybody is impossible because someone will always be pushing others down to build themselves up.
It seems uncertain what will happen with the Air France situation, but one thing is made clear by this situation. Capitalism is not freedom for all, it is liberation of some at the cost of oppression of others.
