Photo taken by Regene Pope

Capitalism deals with production of goods for the purpose of profit and is based on the “free market or free enterprise”. Individuals, especially those who have power, benefit from those who depend on their companies and businesses.[1] Multinational and transnational corporations for example are features of capitalism, and actually impact on local production. These corporations lead to influxes of foreign goods and services, which causes competition within the local market. This may drive local competitors out of business, as persons may have a higher preference for foreign services and products based on the notion that “foreign is always better”.

A free spirit, left their opinion of capitalism at a bus stop, and spray painted the words, “Capitalism is slavery! Wake up! Resist! Revolt!” This is actually true in a sense, because it can be compared to that of slavery. Society is still being controlled by elites, they influence what we eat, wear, buy and who we are. These companies open subdivisions and hire labour within that country of establishment, and sometimes the workers are ill-treated and even under paid. The incomes these locals obtain make it hard to support their families especially in these times where prices of commodities, services and groceries are increasing. It’s more difficult to earn a living with these low income salaries. The MNC’s and TNC’s make huge profits from the countries where the subdivisions are placed and most of the profit goes back to them. So the fact that we are dependent on other countries for our livelihoods is the reason why the person says to resist the capitalist system and revolt. It would be wise that more support and focus be placed on local corporations which would be beneficial in the long run and make nations even more independent. This is just the economic approach of capitalism, but there are societal effects which can be linked to the economics.   

This individual’s placement of their message was brilliant. It is placed in a public space, where there is always a flow of people, the bus stop. Along the bus route there is dense settlement and therefore while people commute daily they will notice this message. The creator is trying to convey to the public and make them aware that we are under a capitalist system and wants others to come to the same understanding that we need to move away from it. This picture was taken while travelling along the Priority bus route, heading towards Port of Spain.

Graffiti may be seen as a degrading feature in society, especially within the urban where everything is expected to be of a certain standard. Jane Jacobs was an activist who had a strong influence on the study of the urban. Her view of graffiti was that it actually was a positive addition to society, by giving us a sense of place and allows the voices community to speak out by being creative and expressive in a non- violent manner.[2] It was also seen as a part of youth culture. Consequently, the individual responsible for this capitalism graffiti was expressing the way they felt about the issue and wants us the public to take hint and be conscious of the matter. When one looks at this message, it really makes one think about capitalism and its negative effects, which can contribute to backwardness or slowed development of a country. This graffiti in particular is sending a very real message about the world today. It indicates the influence and impacts of power and resistance.  

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[1] "American Capitalism and Its Effects." Capitalism. December 22, 2009. Accessed April 05, 2016. https://www.mtholyoke.edu/~waldr20m/classweb/worldpolitics/capitalism.html.

[2] Jacobs, J (1961), The Death and Life of Great American Cities, New York: Vintage Books.