Posted Tuesday, January 13, 2026
8moCapitalism Realism
One concept that often gets cited in debates is that of 'Capitalism Realism'. The term, coined by Mark Fisher, refers to the inability we have in capitalist systems to think of alternative options that do not fall back into it. It's the tendency for counter movements to be reassimilated by capitalism, losing their overall power/relevance. It's the persistent idea that all things that are valuable to us SHOULD be monetized, and preferably by ourselves, whether it's Art, powerful ideas, skills, etc. It's Che Guevara shirts, it's making a 'brand' and profit out of reasonable upset and concerns, without necessary advancing the cause. It's seen for the climate crisis, social movements, anti-war movements, and others... They always end up being a mix of well-meaning people and opportunist profit-seekers. There are arguably more series, movies and documentaries with an anti-capitalist messaging in them nowadays, but does it necessarily help? Does it but towards a tipping point, a change for the better in how we operate in the world? What do you think?
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The problem with capitalism in its current form is it's complete lack of checks and balances. Profit and growth are literally the only things that matter. Which inevitably leads to a race to the bottom in terms of quality and quantity of service, in order to enrich the shareholders and CEOs. And because the wealthy are then allowed to legally bride politicians in order to ensure regulation of their greed never happens, we are basically at the mercy of a societal cancer. 1000 years ago people thought that the divine right of kings could never be toppled. Change WILL happen, it's just a matter of time.
I agree with you. I see this all around the more I think on it. Everything has become monetized, and corporations seek to make things seem more valuable by placing a high price tag on them. Unfortunately, it works. If you think of it, dating sites are doing the same thing, monetizing what should be a free and natural part of life, finding a mate and starting a family. Now it brings in billions in revenue while simultaneously destroying family life.
I think is only natural to people to want some kind of reward for their actions (lets call it money, power, influence, whatever...) whether those action are based on good intentions is another topic. It's for everyone to see that the search for any kind of profit is not only related to capitalism, I don't think anyone will say now that socialism is only people made of pure light whose empathy has lead them to do things because of altruism. That's the popular (and exagerated) opinion there's on that, and which ironically, grants them a certain profit on influence. My opinion would be a mixed system, on one hand I think that granting to regular people some basic and vital things as basic food (bread, vegetables etc..), water and healthcare should be mandatory and payed by taxes so everyone can access to it. Now, I don't see why that's not compatible with a system that rewards the hardworking people, we all part from the same base of human rights, and everyone should have the option to shine if his abilities allow him to do so. Wanting to equalise the mediocre to the brilliant is certainly not the correct path, and those with the ability to create an empire because they're smart, cunning or the most wretched thing in existence at least they deserve the opportunity to allow their talents to flourish, wether it will have good or bad results, thats for the law to supervise and, if necessary, correct it.
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