“What is Marxism? (Karl Marx + Super Mario Bros.)” — 8-Bit Philosophy, 2014, 3:51 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz3eOb6Yl1s

Contributed by Mary Scafidi, Cabrini University

Consider a world without money, without class divisions, where everyone gives according to their abilities and takes according to their needs. This sounds like a great world to live in, right? To Karl Marx, this communist utopia was not only possible, it was inevitable. This video discusses many of Marx’s ideas including the “march of history”, or how we are moving towards a communist state. We learn about the rise of economic systems, the creation of capital, and the advent of capitalism. Since the capitalist wants to maximize profit, they pay their workers little more than is necessary to survive. Marx believed that the economic system of capitalism thrives on exploitation and creates widespread unhappiness through what he calls “alienation”. In a capitalist society, we are alienated from (1) the fruits of our own labor, (2) the work itself, (3) our co-workers and fellow members of the proletariat, and (4) our human nature (or species being).

As time goes on, the gap between the working class (proletariat) and the capitalist class (bourgeoisie) will only get wider. Marx believed that frustrated workers will rise up and usher in a new society. This new society will have no private property and class divisions. The labor of the people will be for the common good and people will work according to their ability. This is known as communism.

What do think about Marx’s theory about communism? Do you believe that some of these ideas are still relevant to today’s capitalism? Have things become better or worse for workers overtime?