Response to Parenti

In the most positive of light, there is little left to argue, debate, further support, or elaborate on in regard to “Response to Parenti” and his “so-called ‘imperialism’”. In my own words, I attempted to define capitalism as an economic system of desire, and refute Parenti’s belief that its fundamentals are based on despair and destruction.

However, by citing specific examples to support the claim that ‘Parenti’s argument…is ludicrous’ and stating that ‘Asian traditions are flourishing’ in their capitalist society, a third party would be much more convinced to side with our argument.

Capitalism as an economic theory is difficult to grasp in its conceptual form, supported only by graphical depictions found in economic textbooks. But when the author of the blog puts the ideas into concrete examples, it is difficult to disagree. Yes America could be misconstrued into this terrible, devil-of-a-country that has replaced tradition with a never-quenched thirst for wealth and monetary success. However, the phrase “American dream” exists for a reason—something about Western imperialism is idealized in non-westernized societies. And it is indeed a something that is rooted in capitalism, “the empowerment of peoples”.