Democracy and Capitalism

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Democracy and Capitalism

Those who live in America enjoy freedom because America is a democratic nation in which the people hold the power. Is this statement truly a reality? One must consider the fact the United States is also a capitalist society and this has changed the face of democracy. Can we honestly say that the citizens of the United States hold the power when we consider the actual state of the political system? Upon closer examination, it appears that the majority of decisions made in this country are based in the interest of capitalism. From corporate funding for political candidates to the monopoly of ourinformation systems, the current political system in America is deeply rooted in capitalism which has taken power away from the people.

Private ownership is at the core of capitalism and this has lead to an individualistic and profit driven society, though it is not inevitable. The capitalist system in the United States has become one of corporate ownership rather than that of the people. Those in control of our major institutions exercise great power when it comes to decisions that impact the nation. A centralized system of power is in sharp contrast to that of democracy because in a true democracy a few would not have power over the masses. "Can we expect these megacorporations to exercise their power democratically, with the public interest in mind?" (Szykowny, 1994, p. 16)

The alternative to state or private power is democracy. Really functioning democracy presupposes relative equality...it also requires the dissolution of concentrated power, state or private. Like other institutions, the media should be under the controlof the workforce and the communities in which ...

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...the role that technology and capitalism play in democracy. The resistance to democracy in Asia is addressed. And it concludes with a discussion of the issues being faced in the United States today regarding democracy.

9. Szykowny, Rick. (1994). The Threat of Public Access. An Interview With Chris Hill

and Brian Springer. Humanist, 54(3), 15-22.

This interview focuses on the public's access to mass media. A good background of public access and democracy is provided. Both Hill and Springer have been involved with issues surrounding this for several years. Their focus seems to be on the role that cable television plays in public access. Media ownership and its reduction into the hands of a few is a major issue that they discuss.

10. Turow, J. (1997). Media Systems in Society: Understanding Industries, Strategies,

and Power. New York: Longman.

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