I did not like this film one bit. I think Michael Moore is a complete idiot. I know I may be harsh but I believe that is the truth. In fact I have found an article that shares the same beliefs that I do. Paul Shultz, A business Professor at the university at Notre Dame, says “He is wrong to claim that capitalism has failed. For most of us, the financial crisis of 2008 has meant disruption in our plans. For those who lost jobs and homes, the hardship has been stiffer and more enduring. But even so, the crisis hardly has amounted to a wholesale collapse in our way of living.” (Shultz) So right here we see a flaw in Michael Moore’s statements. Professor Shultz then goes on to say “although this will be a matter for study and debate for years - much of the responsibility for the financial crisis also lies with government. Artificially low interest rates, government pressure to lend to borrowers who were not credit-worthy, and the actions of government-sponsored enterprises were among the causes of the crisis.” (Shultz)
In the movie Moore also calls Capitalism evil. This is simply not true. I can believe that some business practices may not be ethical, but Moore does not have the right to call the whole system evil. Further in the article Shultz debates, “Moore’s statement that “capitalism is an evil” makes no sense. Evil is a characteristic of people and their actions, not an economic system. People who work in business - that is, capitalists - are not inherently less moral than those who work in government or nonprofit organizations. In Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s words, “The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being.”(Shultz) This film did not want me to change any of my beliefs. In fact the film made me stronger about defending capitalism, and stoping socialism that so many corrupt politics believe so much.
1.Shultz, Paul. "Why Michael Moore is wrong about capitalism." Mendoza College of Business. N.p., 5 Nov. 2009. Web. 17 Jan. 2012.
It is interesting to read your review on the movie since you are so strongly supportive of Capitalism and I am not. I agree that Michael Moore is a bit narrow-minded but if you want to be successful in your films, you have to be. Which brings up an interesting point: Michael Moore is disgusted with the games played in the Capitalist world, yet he's he's playing a game himself by having knowingly narrow-minded opinions that don't give the whole truth.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that we are killing ourselves and our world with American Capitalism. I'm not saying Socialism is the way to go, but I think something has to change about these selfish, unethical corporations that are running this world.
Wow! Interesting back and forth. Gus, I'm glad that you took to heart the advice to view even documentaries with discernment. Moore can be very emotionally manipulative and undermines many of his points by making people feel like he's tricking them. But he certainly gets us talking about stuff!
ReplyDeleteMy question is: if Solzhenitsyn is right, what IS the evil in capitalism from a Christian perspective (not Moore's)? And what's the good in socialism? The deeper problem than either of these economic systems is the human tendency to adopt any ideology apart from or alongside the Kingdom as the only right way (aka idolatry).
I haven't seen this movie, but I agree that calling an economic system evil is sort of ridiculous. Capitalism and Socialism both have benefits and flaws. People within Capitalism might be corrupt, but that doesn't mean Capitalism is evil.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, it is important to acknowledge and try to remedy the corruption within corporations or the idolatry of consumerism. Like Bo said, on the path we are on, "we are killing ourselves and our world." Michael Moore may be manipulative, extreme,narrow-minded or an idiot, but at least he makes us aware that there are big problems to look at.
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ReplyDeleteSome strong opinions floating around here.
ReplyDeleteA few questions. Does the opinion of a professor determine the legitimacy of a subject? While I recognize your quote as a helpful indicator of an argument, I don't think it settles the matter indubitably. Is capitalism "simply" not evil? It may not be evil, but I think it's far from simple. For instance, many recognize exploitation as the driving force of capitalism. That is, after all, how profit can be made. In order for someone to gain, someone else has got to lose.
Another thought, what happens when we strongly disagree with a given opinion (whether from a film, person, or group)? How can we respond faithfully in truth and also peacefully? Why is it so hard to keep from calling Moore an idiot and should we even try?