KENAPA KAPITALISME DI MANA-MANA DIPANDANG DENGAN KEKECEWAAN?

In February 1989, the Polish trade union Solidarity was allowed to negotiate with the Communist government, leading to the first free elections. Although the Communist Party retained some power, Solidarity dominated the parliament. In Hungary, mass protests for democracy occurred, and by May, the border fence with Austria was dismantled, allowing East German refugees to escape. In October, East Germans protested in large numbers, culminating in the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, marking a significant historical moment and the triumph of capitalism.

The video discusses how capitalism is now the dominant economic system worldwide, yet it is often viewed with disappointment and suspicion. There is no universally accepted definition of capitalism, and many confuse it with liberalism or see it merely as the opposite of communism. The term is used in various contexts, leading to biases in its definition and understanding.

Capitalism is often defined as an economic system where the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit. However, there is no universally accepted definition due to differing perspectives. The term was popularized by Karl Marx, who described capitalism as a mode of production aimed at maximizing profit through the exploitation of labor. He identified four main characteristics of capitalism: commodity production, wage labor, the desire for unlimited wealth accumulation, and rational organization.

Capitalism allows individuals to freely engage in economic activities, with the government playing a role in ensuring economic stability. Individuals can pursue their interests, leading to competition and profit maximization. Adam Smith illustrated that individual self-interest can inadvertently benefit society, suggesting that capitalism aligns personal and public interests.

Adam Smith's works laid the foundation for capitalist theory, emphasizing the importance of individual interests in economic activities. He argued that the pursuit of personal gain can lead to societal benefits, a concept known as the 'Invisible Hand.' This perspective highlights the relationship between individual and public interests within capitalism.

Max Weber defined capitalism as a system based on wage labor for the production of commodities for sale, emphasizing the rationalization of production processes. Marx viewed capitalism as a class-structured society driven by the need to accumulate capital, focusing on the exploitation of labor and the dynamics of class relations.

The video illustrates how workers can resist exploitation through subtle actions, such as reducing productivity when faced with wage cuts. This reflects the ongoing struggle between labor and capital, highlighting the exploitative nature of capitalism and the tactics workers may employ to assert their rights.