Communist Manifesto Response
Karl Marx has long been established as one of the most influential thinkers and writers of modern times. The Communist Manifesto which was published back in 1848 covers his theories regarding socialism. It aided the establishment of communist Russia and although that particular scenario failed there are elements of Marx’s work that I find relevant in today’s society.
Marx noted that the social dynamic created by the bourgeois was too powerful and as a result beyond control. He explained this with the following, “Because there is too much civilization, too much means of subsistence, too much industry, and too much commerce.” In response to this situation he devised the idea of overthrowing the bourgeois and instead introducing the birth of the proletariat. This scenario can be tentatively compared with the situation Microsoft faced and the argument about market monopoly, the American public were made aware of a problem within their free market system by Gates and Microsoft, although the answer here was not to overthrow the government but to introduce new regulations which came as a result of excess industry from Microsoft that stunted market growth.
Another point that appealed and I found to be relevant in today’s society was Marx’s ideas on class distinction. With the acceptance that “10% of the people have 100% of the property”, this ratio of figures has definite parallels in today’s means of class distinction and in particular wealth; with 20% of the United States population having almost 90% of the wealth. The stratification Marx underlines is comparable to the outlined differences seen in society this modern day. Although there are many relative points made by Karl Marx throughout the Manifesto there are some that are difficult to apply to today’s society. Marx makes reference to a top ten list of measures that will be applicable to communist countries. One such suggestion leaves more questions than answers and that is the following, "Combination of
Marx noted that the social dynamic created by the bourgeois was too powerful and as a result beyond control. He explained this with the following, “Because there is too much civilization, too much means of subsistence, too much industry, and too much commerce.” In response to this situation he devised the idea of overthrowing the bourgeois and instead introducing the birth of the proletariat. This scenario can be tentatively compared with the situation Microsoft faced and the argument about market monopoly, the American public were made aware of a problem within their free market system by Gates and Microsoft, although the answer here was not to overthrow the government but to introduce new regulations which came as a result of excess industry from Microsoft that stunted market growth.
Another point that appealed and I found to be relevant in today’s society was Marx’s ideas on class distinction. With the acceptance that “10% of the people have 100% of the property”, this ratio of figures has definite parallels in today’s means of class distinction and in particular wealth; with 20% of the United States population having almost 90% of the wealth. The stratification Marx underlines is comparable to the outlined differences seen in society this modern day. Although there are many relative points made by Karl Marx throughout the Manifesto there are some that are difficult to apply to today’s society. Marx makes reference to a top ten list of measures that will be applicable to communist countries. One such suggestion leaves more questions than answers and that is the following, "Combination of