American Capitalism

Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story was overall a decent and worthwhile documentary. At times it was choppy and almost frustratingly tangential and was (as expected) not an unbiased dive into the deep waters that are economic theory. It made excellent points and had quite a powerful punch. People who dislike Michael Moore films should probably stay away as it fully fits into his stereotypical documentary style.

The film gave examples of what I'd call "euconomics" - economic endeavors that succeed monetarily, ethically, and democratically. I firmly believe if more companies adopted principles of euconomics (that businesses ought to enhance the wellbeing of ALL their employees, not just the shareholders; and strive to enhance the wellbeing of their consumers as well) they would succeed in the marketplace to the benefit of all. I believe the main issue in unrestrained capitalistic democracy/republic (such as ours) is the power of dollar stifles democracy through various forms of corruption (some sinister and overt but often insidiously subtle corruption). This is a core piece of the films premise: the contradiction between one-dollar-one-vote and one-person-one-vote.

If people are able to take this film for what it is: a critical look at capitalism run amok - - an opinion piece of documentary film-making and NOT an unbiased evaluation of the issues they can learn a lot from the film. If they take the time to research the issues raised in it to reason their own informed opinions they will be better Americans. But realistically I know that people who are blinded by their own mis- and/or pre- conceptions will either despise the film and refuse to take in its value or blindly follow it's message as gospel. Neither of which I believe are good for America, and neither of which (I hope) are the goal Michael Moore had in mind. I hope/believe Michael Moore wants to inspire a more vivid and critical look at the many issues our nation faces - - not just blind committal to one ideological framework or another.

So my advice: look at the film (as with any documentary - even the ones that better purport to be unbiased) as an opinion piece. Read the film as an editorial that is well-reasoned in good faith. Feel free to disagree - just do so with logic and thoughtful reasoning. Maybe even consider how you'd construct your own opinumentary (okay maybe that's a bad neologism but you get the idea!)