Critical Project III
Can Ubuntuism and Capitalism Co-Exist?
"Out of the conflicting self-interests of individual members of society....social harmony will emerge"(Spodek, 2006, p. 453).

Our country was founded on the rugged individualism that helps to define capitalism. The writings of Adam Smith suggest that social harmony can emerge in a capitalist society. I also believe this possible but only if we learn to appreciate the richness of our diversity and acknowledge the significant contributions that our collective cultures have made this country and the world at large. Social harmony cannot be achieved without mutual respect for our differences, compassion for each other "and the spontaneous desire to act in a caring and compassionate way, in which our selfhood is inspired by a sense of collective belonging" (King, Wang, p. 64).

"Ubuntu, from the Southern African Nguni language, means humaneness or fellow feeling; kindness, empathy" (King, Wang, p.63). "Ubuntu is the essence of being a person...we are made for interdependence, we are family" (King, Wang, p. 63). Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu was quoted as saying, "You are rich so that you can make up what is lacking for others. You are powerful so that you can help the weak, just as a mother or father helps children (King, Wang, p.64). I was struck by how relevant this statement is to the very heated debate that our country is currently engaged in regarding health care reform. One of the arguments against a public health care option is based on the concern that medical insurance companies will increase rates in order to compete with government coverage. This may be a valid argument but if we embrace the principles of ubuntuism we might view this outcome as an opportunity to help our less fortunate brothers and sisters that are suffering without healthcare; members of our "family" as ubuntuism has deemed them . Is the idea of possibly sacrificing a few extra dollars to help make the weak a little stronger so unreasonable?

Most of those that oppose health reform are the very people that would benefit from it. But because many of them don't want their money to be used, without their permission, to help others they would rather sacrifice improvements to their own lives. Once again, the less affluent majority allows the elitist minority to help move their agenda forward but, unfortunately, to their own detriment. Capitalist principles propose that, with preparation and hard work, everyone has the opportunity to achieve material success, regardless of their station in life and the various barriers that might stand in the way (racism, sexism, discrimination, etc.). Many middle class and upper class citizens believe the poor are to blame for their situation because they made poor choices, lack ambition or are just too lazy to achieve financial stability by their own merit. This makes the idea of contributing to their well being even more objectionable.

According to Smith, "Wealth comes not from the command of the ruler, nor the regulations of the clergy, nor the altruism of members of the community, but as a result of people pursuing their own economic self-interest and exchanging the fruits of their labor in the market" (Spodek, 2006, p. 453). The literal meaning of wealth is a loftier goal than what most are pursuing. In today's tough economic times, the masses are most concerned about meeting their basic needs. There's nothing wrong with pursuing wealth, in fact we rely on the purchasing power and philanthropy of the wealthy to balance the financial markets. However, ubuntuism, and other worldviews like the Tao , Buddhist and Native American spiritualities (King, Wang p. 66), along with Christianity, teaches us that our focus should be on the meaning and purpose of life and the promotion of societal moral values like honesty, fairness and compassion for one another (King, Wang p. 64).

REFERENCES:

King, K. P., & Wang, C. X. (2007). Comparative Adult Education Around The Globe: International Portraits and Readings of the History, Practice, Philosophy, and Theories of Adult Learning. China: Zhejiang University Press.

Spodek, H. (2005). The World's History (3rd ed.) New Jersey: Prentice Hall College Division.