In recent years, there has been a resurgence of capitalist figures who seem to have no remorse for their actions. These individuals are often seen as ruthless and driven by profit, with little regard for the impact their decisions have on others. While this type of behavior is not new, the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle has brought these individuals into the spotlight, making it harder for them to operate in the shadows.
One such example is Martin Shkreli, a former pharmaceutical executive who gained notoriety for raising the price of a life-saving drug by 5,000%. Shkreli was unapologetic about his actions, stating that he was simply doing what any good capitalist would do – maximizing profits for his shareholders. He even went so far as to taunt his critics on social media, earning him the nickname “Pharma Bro.”
Another example is Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon. While Bezos has been praised for his innovation and success in building one of the world’s largest companies, he has also been criticized for his treatment of workers and his company’s impact on small businesses. Bezos has been accused of union-busting and creating a culture of fear among Amazon employees, and his company’s dominance in the retail industry has put many small businesses out of business.
So why are these individuals able to operate with such impunity? One reason is that capitalism itself is often seen as a virtue in our society. The idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination is deeply ingrained in the American psyche, and those who embody this ideal are often celebrated as heroes.
Another reason is that our legal system is designed to protect the interests of corporations and their executives. White-collar crimes are often punished with fines rather than jail time, and even when executives are found guilty of wrongdoing, they are often able to negotiate plea deals that allow them to avoid serious consequences.
But perhaps the most troubling aspect of the reappearance of capitalists with no remorse is the message it sends to future generations. If we continue to celebrate those who prioritize profit over people, we risk creating a society that values greed and self-interest above all else. It’s up to us to demand accountability from those in power and to create a culture that values compassion and empathy as much as success and wealth.
