Roseanne & Marxism

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        In this episode of Roseanne we can see a clear display of Marxism. The episode depicts a closer look into the lives of the working class and how they are being exploited for their labor. Roseanne decides to quite her job because of how poorly she was being treated by her manager. Roseanne and her friends (labor force) can be seen as the proletariats, because they are the means of production. Marxism favors capitalism in the sense that it allows the labor force to be exploited and create a hierarchy for them to stay at the bottom, while the company makes more money. Social class plays a role as well. For instance, it is important to see the two different social classes between the labor force and those with a higher title such as the manager. The manager takes advantage of his workers by telling them what to do and making their job harder without any recognition or decent pay. The manager also speaks to his employees in a very demeaning way, because he feels entitled to. He is able to get away with such behavior because people are scared to speak up against their superior in fear of being fired and replaced. Overall this episode supported Marxist theory and it still very much reflects the economic system in our country. 




Comments

  1. samchua28April 17, 2018 at 11:46 AM

    I enjoyed reading this post. You made the topic really simple and clear. It really shows how the idea of capitalism still exist in our country and that there are bosses who still treats their employees in such a bad manner. You might think that things have changed since this episode came out in 1989 but it hasn't. However, this just shows how we need to improve and find ways to stop exploiting workers. The mentality of social class should also change.

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  2. Alex DronxApril 24, 2018 at 6:19 PM

    Its easy to agree with everything you said in regards to Marxism and this episode surely depicts the main ideologies of it. Middle and upper class are surely represented, and the upper class always has the advantage of power over the people who produce what makes all the money. At the end of the day, the upper class will find replacements for Roseanne and friends, showing how the power of the business owners usually prevails when there is money to be made.

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  3. UnknownApril 25, 2018 at 9:50 AM

    Yes I totally agree with you that this episode does show Marxist views. I like how you put it very simple and got to the point. I wish you could have gone a little more in depth with some of the examples you used. For example quotes and such, but still you did a great job!

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