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May 31, 2008

America: What Kind of Society Are We? « Social Issues »

The thought just struck me. We are called a capitalist nation, and Sweden is a socialist nation, and China is stuck somewhere in between, but moving towards becoming a free market nation (while there is a strong sentiment on the Left in the US to move towards becoming a socialist nation).

But reading this article inspired the thought that calling the US a capitalist nation or capitalist economy isn't really correct. At least, it would be more correct to say that we are an Ownership nation. We want to own things, where we stay, what we do. Nearly everyone aspires to ownership. Those who don't aspire to ownership are often shunned or looked down upon by those who do.

That explains some of the social tensions in our nation better than racism, sexism, or other prejudice.

Posted by Nathan at 09:25 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
Comments

Makes sense. Another way to put it is that us Americans like control over our own destiny, not give it to someone else. Especially when it comes to wealth.

As far as China goes, I see a capitalist society with a communist government that stifles their full potential.

Posted by: diamond dave at June 1, 2008 10:45 AM