I have been struggling with the reality that as Americans we are conditioned to become productive members of a capitalist society. Over the past few years I have slowly expanded my awareness regarding the capitalist system that drives this country by studying, working, and observing my surroundings. I have averaged an internship per year and landed several jobs, yet the roles I have played in these various companies have been largely unfulfilling. When I take a look at my family and friends I can sense that they are also unfulfilled with their lifestyle. From youth I have been taught the norms that contribute to capitalism. I have been told what to do and when to do it. I have been told what not to do. I have been taught that a dreadful week at a nine-to-five office job, followed by a drunken weekend to escape the past and upcoming work week momentarily is normal.
I grew up surrounded by a lower class community that included a lot of people always struggling to get by. These are the workers whose well being I increasingly began to care for. I knew that they deserved fair wages, health care, that they …show more content…
The lower class is given little opportunity to lead a rewarding lifestyle and reach its goals. The upper class is given every opportunity to lead a rewarding lifestyle and reach its goals. I fall somewhere in between, however I am terrified that after doing everything right I will continue to work in an unrewarding job, lead an unfulfilling life, and never be able to reach my goals. I do not want to be a piece of the puzzle. I do not want to run on the capitalist treadmill. Capitalism fails to fulfill fundamental human rights because of the class system and the wealth gap between the top and bottom percent. This system is not something I want to contribute towards, however I was born into it, therefore it is my