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Comment on Capitalism isn't the problem, THIS is the problem, and I've watched it roll over us for 40 years. [3 min. video]

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cmhe@lemmy.world ⁨6⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

I really don’t think it’s just “economic culture” as you’ve described.

I didn’t say it is just economic culture that is the issue here…

I really don’t think people are accurate about the feeling that “Obtaining and hoarding valuable things” is an act borne out of the laws of our current society.

Also true, but what is? Is your point that it is human nature? I would disagree there, humans have the capacity of acting against greed and selfishness. Question is why they are so often acting greedy and selfish then?

My answer would be two options with both apply to some degree, and there might be more:

Resources are scarce and distributed non equally. So hoarding gives power over others
The system incentivizes greedy behavior, by it’s structure and rules. Either by actively, by giving greedy people direct rewards, or passively by not punishing greedy behavior.

Other ideas?

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Katana314@lemmy.world ⁨6⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago
The point being, it’s pretty specifically American culture. Disregard politics, and only obsess over it when enraged about an issue. Hate on anything that might benefit people you don’t know.

There are millions of humans on this planet to which those behaviors are bafflingly mad. Many of those places essentially operate under capitalist structure, with rules and safeguards in place to ensure government stays responsible for basic safety and competition remains fair. The battle to keep that structure stable is constant, but gets easier when people at all levels care about it.

Basically, I couldn’t claim capitalism is perfect, but whether replacing the system or not, you need to address the greedy human culture beneath it.

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- cmhe@lemmy.world ⁨6⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago
  
  Basically, I couldn’t claim capitalism is perfect, but whether replacing the system or not, you need to address the greedy human culture beneath it.
  
  Chicken, egg.
  
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shalafi@lemmy.world ⁨6⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

system incentivizes greedy behavior

Got one that doesn’t? And I don’t mean communism in small tribes. I need something to rule 10’s of millions.

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- cmhe@lemmy.world ⁨6⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago
  No. There are no perfect systems. Every system will require constant vigilance and adaption to work. The point is that the goal of disincentivizing greedy behavior is actually clearly stated and done.
  
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