In the era of capitalism, differences and superiority are welcomed and encouraged. It is natural for people to compare themselves with other people and recognize and acknowledge these differences as a part of the cognitive process. People compare their physical attributes, social status, income, intelligence, and skill levels and evaluate each other. Those who possess more value to society are more appreciated and presented with more career opportunities, higher economic benefits, and higher living standards. As differences motivate people to improve themselves, if humanity was able to equalize all people, there is a strong possibility that the outcome of such actions would be negative.
The topic of equality is a frequent theme in popular culture and media. People frequently ask themselves what if everyone was equal and how could the process of equalization be made. The discussion is a common topic in science-fiction-based literature focused on a dystopian society. Kurt Vonnegut (1961) draws a picture of a dystopian world where handicap devices of all sorts artificially equalize people in the story of Harrison Bergeron. However, the main characters can still differentiate other people’s excellence by the scale of the devices used to eliminate their superiority over other people. Although the story does not provide a wide background in terms of how people that possess so many artificial flaws are helpful to society, the overall picture looks depressing. The writer emphasizes that even though equalizing all people could be possible, it would not lead society to progress.
A radical solution to the problem is demonstrated in Rush’s song The Trees. The song depicts the picture of the forest and the issue of uneven distribution of light (Rush, 2012). The song notes the fact that oaks show no greediness to grab all the light; they just feel like they are made that way. This aspect of the song illustrates how the privileged groups of people do not acknowledge their privilege and hold other people accountable on the same criteria. At the same time, the song points out that oak trees are just made that way, and they are not guilty as they are not responsible for their differences. Eventually, both oaks and maples that desperately fought for equality fall at the hands of people. This metaphor answers the question of what will happen if society tried to achieve equality in a radical way, implying that fights for equality would not lead to anything but an end to everything. Although the song dramatizes the outcome, the authors’ message clearly states that there is nothing good about total equality.
Richard Wolff and Gene Epstein’s debate on capitalism and socialism provides valuable arguments for and against total equality, which is hypothetically achievable through the socialism system. As Epstein points out, capitalism is unstable: it is dangerously unfair and continues the lord-servant dynamics of slavery and feudalism (Reason Tv, 2019). Epstein states that American society fears to rediscover the idea of socialism, even though socialism is an advanced form of capitalism or what capitalism was originally meant to be. Although according to Epstein, capitalism is unequal and undemocratic, the constant stability of socialism could eventually lead to stagnation and overall deterioration of the economy and society. Capitalism encourages private property, which acts as a motivation for people to work and produce more. One could say that at least the financial benefits from capitalism for separate individuals and the country as a whole are worth facing the danger of possible consequences of capitalism. However, solving the issues of poverty, homelessness, and the protection of vulnerable populations requires help and regulations from the government.
An example of private property and how it motivates business owners is given in Atlas Shrugged through the story and trial of Hank Rearden. Rearden’s case focuses on his violation of the governmental regulation of the Fair Share Law. In his defense, Rearden emphasizes that the government should not decide what he can do with his own property; otherwise, the government could be perceived as a thief who asks for permission (Atlas Society, 2012). Rearden states his motives to his partner, saying that if Rearden does not get the deal, the manufacturing will stop, and then everything in his business would collapse. Rearden states that he is willing to take the risk and make the deal even if he is sentenced to jail time, and his partner agrees. The case demonstrates that people who own more property have more responsibilities and do not tolerate someone taking control of their assets. Rearden and his partner both note the inconsistency of the law and the way it prevents them from performing their duties. The case illustrates how equalizing one group of people in one particular field through governmental regulations could be met with disagreement and incompliance.
As Rearden is eventually sentenced to ten years in prison, the topic leads to the theme of equality and how equality applies to the law. One of the main principles of the Declaration of Independence states that all humans are equal before the law (The Declaration of Independence, 1776). However, the use of the term in this situation does not implement the equalization of the population; it is used to state that all people should face punishment for their wrongdoing. The Declaration also states that in order to achieve equality, all people should be treated differently according to their circumstances. In this sense, the Declaration implies the same principle that Vonnegut used in his work. However, it is uncertain yet whether it is right to approach everyone differently to achieve equality, or whether it is more effective to put everyone in equal conditions. Although the Declaration of Independence implies that everyone should have equal opportunities, the ongoing issues with racism and discrimination emphasize that it might be wrong to treat everyone differently to achieve equality.
In conclusion, the essay explored different opinions on the topic of equality in society and possible methods to equalize the population. Most of the media implied that society and the economy would not benefit from equality as the driving force behind the progress lies in the differences. In terms of ways to achieve equality, some of the works, like Vonnegut’s story and the Declaration of Independence, offered that different approaches for every individual based on his conditions would result in equality. In his debate with Wolff, Epstein emphasized that putting everyone in similar conditions through the socialist system would provide equality for the people. However, the case of Hank Rearden in Atlas Shrugged pointed out that placing a group of people in equal conditions would end with disagreement and compliance. On the other hand, Rush’s song implies that there are no possible ways to equalize people, and people are designed to be different, just like trees in nature.
References
Atlas Society. (2012). The Trial of Hank Rearden (Atlas Shrugged Part 2) [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Reason Tv. (2019). Capitalism vs. Socialism: A Soho Forum Debate [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Rush. (2012r). Rush – The Trees (Official Music Video) [Video]. YouTube. Web.
The Declaration of Independence, 1776. (1911). Department of State.
Vonnegut, K. (1961). Harrison Bergeron. Mercury Press.