Living in the rat race
My car was the first thing I found at the age of 16 to be reliable and stable. Which is why I appreciate Matilda (my car) so much. In the midst of an unstable household, I was able to find a sense of consistency. Now after almost six years, she's on her last legs. Which opens the door for new adventures with a new vehicle. It's difficult to let things go that have been a source of memories and constant stability. Though my car was never glamorous, it was exactly what I needed at the time, and purchasing it myself provided a crucial sense of reliability and independence.
As I begin the search for a new car, my perspective on cars has shifted. What once seemed like a symbol of personal achievement now feels like a gear in the capitalist machine. Let’s delve into how my view of cars has evolved to a more critical perspective, when they always seemed very optimistic in my younger mind.
Capitalism, at its core, is often seen as an economic system where private actors own and control property according to their interests, and prices are set by supply and demand to supposedly benefit society. However, the underlying ideology is profit-driven. While I’m no economist, living in a capitalist society gives all of us some insight into this system.
Now listen, you might wonder about alternatives to capitalism and I do too, but I’m not well-versed in political theory, nor do I think politicians offer clear answers. They seem more focused on their own gain, often profiting from lobbying and other influences. It’s fascinating how interconnected everything is, yet scary to know that the majority has little control in this rat race.
We live in a free country yet are inherently tied to capitalism, which prioritizes products over personal relationships. Success seems to hinge on self-focus rather than human connections, a concept I find troubling. With the cost of living rising while wages stay stagnant, I’ve come to understand why people seek higher pay—something I initially struggled to grasp. It’s unfortunate that those who don’t feed into capitalism are often left behind or dismissed as unproductive, when in reality, they might just be living life differently. Are we simply repeating the ideals drilled into us from a young age, or are we envious of those who seem to live more freely and without the restraints of capitalism?
