Marxist IQ for January Norman Markowitz
Since we are beginning a new year, I thought we would lead off with some old and new myths about the capitalist system, some of which circulate even in some sections of the left today
1. A key myth of 19 century capitalist ideology, revived in the late 20th century and used both then and now to justify the worst forms of capitalist exploitation globally is
a.expanding international trade is the foundation of prosperity and progress
b human rights take precedence over property rights
c. labor needs a social safety net for capital to prosper
d. Planned economy is the basis for progress
2. NIneteenth century defenders of capitalism like Herbert Spencer used Darwinian theory to contend that all social progress was based on unfettered competition and “survival of the fittest.” The response of Marxists was and still is
a. Yes, 20th century socialists must adopt to these realities
b. Socialists should use capitalist forms of economic and political organization to advance socialism, because they were most advanced
c. Social progress has been based on cooperative labor, through history and socialism would establish the most advanced system of cooperative labor
d. The “implosion” of the Soviet Union shows today that Spencer was at least half right
3. Among the central myths of of the capitalist system continuing even today are
a. The market is self correcting, so that overproduction is not possible
b. Paying workers less reduces production costs and prices and makes them better off in the long run with new technologies and products
c. . Exporting industry to undeveloped regions increases economic equality and well-being for both rich and poor countries alike
d. All of the above
4.Among the myths capitalists propogate to the working class in the U.S. especially are
a Unemployment and poverty are matters of personal responsibility
b. High taxes and welfare payments keep workers from advancing
c. In a "free market" society everyone can become middle class
d. All of the above
5. "Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." The following statement would be condemned in capitalist circles as an example of Socialist and Communist thinking. It comes from
a. Karl Marx The German Ideology
b. Franklin Roosevelt's First Fireside Chat
c. Abraham Lincoln's First Annual Message to Congress
d. Lyndon Johnson's Great Society Speech
Answers to last Month's Marxist IQ
1.a
2.c
3.c
4.c
5.b
