Capitalism

After reading Borgmann's book about the idea of Technology and Democracy I find some of the ideas talked about different from my own thoughts and opinions. I believe that Capitalism is what drives this country to be so technologically advanced. Though the whole idea of Capitalism and individual wealth has been the for front of some of our government leaders I think that the discussion of our Government with technology is really interesting. I know that Borgmann has his personal opinions and some of the people mentioned in his book do too. So I think after reading this section on Technology and Democracy I came up with my own opinion, which I hope many people respond too so we can get a good perspective on this issues.

The idea of capitalism is, according to wikepedia " is an economic and social system in which capital the non labor factors of production or means of production is privately owned". I think that as people strive to have the best company and the most profit able to obtain this allows for new technological advances to come about. I like the idea that our country is in many discussion to be considered one of the top technologically advanced countries in the world, and I believe capitalism is what got this country to that point. Borgmann does give a good point on the idea of the corporation is taking away from the focal things. Borgmann gave a good example on how their are fast food restaurants everywhere and sit down dinning in every city, which takes away the whole idea of the traditional meal. The idea of preparing the food, and the closeness you gain from this meal while your eating are all lost when you go order a big mac off the dollar menu and drive off in your car. I think this point is in all honesty right we do lose those things, but I think it is a win some lose some battle. We do lose our focal things through the device paradigm, but we also gain. With companies like for say McDonald's they are always out to maximize profits for the company which in return allows us to be comfortable and have easy access to food. I think capitalism also opens the doors for new jobs and new opportunities for people.

Though we can look at the previous example as a good example, we also must look at technology and capitalism. The ever growing need to develop the best product and the best price to consumers allows for our country to compete with one another. I think this in return allows job growth and development of our own cities and states. One good argument with the capitalism market society is one that Borgmann gives about liberal democracy. The idea that society needs to strive to make members feel more equal and free to realize their capabilities. I think that this also needs to be done but through hard work. I totally disagree with everyone is equal. I believe that everyone should have the same rights laws and protection as one another but I believe each of us is our own independent self. I think that capitalism separates many classes of people due to economic status and your social well being, which in my opinion sucks for everybody. Though should everyone be able to obtain the same wealth and privileges. I believe no. I think this takes away from each individual wanting to compete and strive to be better than someone else. I like the idea that I can buy and sell things, go to school, find a job, and compete to be better than someone else. This allows for growth and people wanting to strive to be better rather than stagnate if we are all giving the same thing. ( I always think of this example: If i work hard in a group project and no one else does why do they deserve the A too if they did nothing). This all ties in with technology. I like how technology allows for many corporations and people to compete with one another. We always show off the new cell phones or the new gadget we just bought. This in return makes people want to get that gadget which should strive people to work harder make more money and get what they want. Technology has allowed our capitalism market to grow and I think for the better. (Please Respond).