Capitalism vs Communism (Pros and Cons?
I am a teenager, and have always been pro communist, but in the past couple of days, I have had my doubts, and even denounced my communist beliefs. I started looking into Social Democracy, but now I am leaning back towards communism. I need to understand what communism REALLY is, short and simple. I don't want anyone bringing up stalin or mao, just tell me the pros and cons of both systems.
Thanks.
Comments
You say you were pro communist then admit that you do not really know what it is, how can you profess to be for something when you have no idea what it is?. Here is one fact for you, Communist nations have always had to force their citizens to remain in their country at the point of a gun. Any system that has to kill their own people to retain its power is not a great system.
Let's first start by saying that both Capitalism AND Communism look GREAT on paper - however, neither are capable of REALLY working on their own.
Pros of Capitalism:
1) Very effective at creating wealth
2) Generally good at keeping unemployment low
3) Offers a good deal of mobility to ANYONE (keep in mind the word "anyone")
Cons of Capitalism:
1) Not effective at equitably spreading wealth into the hands of the many
2) Despite high levels of employment, that employment isn't always gainful
3) It offers a good deal of mobility for ANYONE, but not EVERYONE. It requires a large base of low-paid workers in order to keep prices low. As such, there's always going to be an entire segment of a capitalistic society that can't really change their station
Pros of Communism:
1) Very strong focus on education
2) Much more equitable share of wealth to the many
3) No one really has to go without necessities
Cons of Communism:
1) Low resistance to change of the system
2) Not capable of producing the raw wealth necessary to keep a nation moving forward
3) More difficult for people to be able to afford and obtain luxury items
Something else to think about, now: something all rich, wealthy nations have in common is that they practice a mix of Capitalism and Communism. They tend to allow free market principles while redistributing much-needed resources to the poor. Why is this effective? It aids the poor that Capitalism necessitates while allowing a great deal of wealth to be created and pursued.
If you live in America then take a look around you. Now go visit Cuba or North Korea and come back and you tell us where you lean then.
Both have fallacies.
We live in a mixed economy, which is a good thing.
Ultimately, you have to have a system that encourages people to work and provide for themselves - but also ward against people taking advantage of others and provide assistance to people that honestly can't provide for themselves (like seniors, the disabled, or single mothers)
Neither capitalism or communism address all of that properly.
Capitalism rules.
Capitalism: Your on self-Interest
Communism: The interests of society as a whole
All you have to know is Communism takes away your freedom,
>>I need to understand what communism REALLY
>> is, short and simple.
Look at North Korea.