Capitalism Hits Home: How Americans Cope With Falling Living Standards

[S5 E03] How Americans Cope With Falling Living Standards
Declining living standards, joblessness and pronounced inequality are leaving Americans feeling disconnected, helpless and depressed. In this episode of Capitalism Hits Home, Dr. Fraad talks about the 3 Ds - depression, dissociation and denial - Americans are resorting to as coping strategies for their stark decline in health and living standards. Fraad offers examples of more productive and beneficial ways to cope and heal.
Capitalism Hits Home with Dr. Harriet Fraad (CHH) is a@democracyatwrk production. The show addresses the intersection of capitalism, class, and personal lives, and explores what is happening in the economic realm and its impact on our individual and social psychology. Learn more about CHH: www.democracyatwork.info/capi...
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NEW 2021 Hardcover edition of “Understanding Marxism,” with a new, lengthy introduction by Richard Wolff is available at www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/richa...
“Marxism always was the critical shadow of capitalism. Their interactions changed them both. Now Marxism is once again stepping into the light as capitalism shakes from its own excesses and confronts decline.”
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[@Kritiker313]

A very accurate description of what has happened in America. I know, because I entered the workforce in 1980 when it all began. I watched as bonuses and pensions disappeared and women entered the workforce out of necessity because one paycheck was no longer enough. Then family time disappeared. No longer do all families sit together at the dinner table for nutritious meals and thoughtful and important discussion. No more raising children with parental expectations, guidance, planning or values. What a loss. For too many, the value of life is in serious decline which means crime rates will continue to rise and those guns that people are carrying will be used. If we lose our democracy, there'll be no way to get it back and very little will be done to mitigate climate change - but that's another story. The good news is that we are the many. Billionaire capitalists are the few. Time is short. Solidarity!

[@leftykeys6944]

Growing up, I felt alienated in school and disassociation was how I coped. My grades were poor and I failed to comply or conform because I wasn't interested in becoming another obedient worker bee. I didn't have this perspective THEN but do now. I spent my days doing pretty much what I wanted. As a creative child, I was never bored. I composed music (which I still do) and raised butterflies in my spare time, was physically active and loved being outdoors. I felt bored and claustrophobic in school.

[@jillcummings8810]

Thank you for your informative piece today. I could relate to everything. Working in the early 70’s, part time, I was able to pay for my junior college, my own car, and a two bedroom apartment with a friend! They provided for me health insurance with no deductibles! And dental!! I received these benefits working at a restaurant and also when changing jobs to a department store also part time. I felt valued and not dispensable!

[@melaniel.s8990]

Wow, it sounds like it was a much better world back then , these days you could not get anything like that, the wages are to low and they don't provide healthcare at PT either. The US really went downhill.

[@davidpeppers551]

I had a job as a baker at a grocery store. Insurace was a benefit. No copays. WOW! Now it's thousands out of pocket every year and plenty of copays. Lots of fighting through red tape again and again and again just to get the insurance to pay for coverage.

[@JohnT.4321]

@@melaniel.s8990 He speaks the truth because I remember those days as well.

[@jillcummings8810]

@@melaniel.s8990 I think one main factor was the strength of the workers Union. The jobs I held back then were not union jobs but the fact that the union jobs were many throughout the nation (I think they were over 30%) made other non union companies take much better care of their employees. Once we catered to big business and offshored good paying union jobs to poorer countries the union force dwindled and employers could pay poor wages and benefits. We started hearing things like, people are just lazy, or unions are bad, be grateful tohave a job... .. and at the same time we made it easier for the mega rich/ corporations to buy politicians. At one time I believe this was illegal. They're going after the post office and our public teachers now because they want to bring down the rest of the unions as well.

[@jimlaregina]

The U.S.A. has hit rock bottom.

[@zofiajaneczek184]

Existing in the USA without enough money is depressing! I struggle to work a job every day, being underpaid, can't afford so many basic necectites it's horrible. I can't save, haven't had a vacation in years, even a little emergency will place me into a hole I can't get out of. It's a stressful existence and IT'S NOT LIVING! Enduring the American nightmare isn't living. We just endure a graduation of doing with less in the USA. Less money, less decent jobs, less rights as workers, and just a lesser life. So sad 😭

[@kevintewey1157]

Rethink reconsider capitalism

[@kevintewey1157]

Just think under communist system we could all be prosperous in the USA so ask Caleb Maupin

[@iart2838]

You speak for millions, thanks for sharing.

[@lesliestenta3084]

Not to mention the unbelievable stress and anxiety. Retired early and moved overseas 3.5 years ago. I felt just like you.

[@PropagandasaurusRex]

But you live in the greatest country in the history of great countries! (See if you still have your Czech passport and move before it's too late)

[@jaimemartinez4308]

You hit mark with this presentation, in describing this country's state of affairs I also do not think this just a symptom of the US but also of the world. I thought I sensed of sadness at times. I agree with every thing you said. I how ever am not as optimistic as you are about correcting the course of this Nation. Greed has destroyed it Just as it has destroyed other civilizations.. Our political system has been bought by the corporations and the supper rich. I just hope I am not around when it collapses, ruined by the enemies within. I feel we are in a time of the greatest danger the world has ever been of destroying most of its societies. Tks again for your presenations=. I share as much as I can,

[@markm3869]

I agree with you 10000%. If capitalists could join and create Globalism to exploit the world it is time that ALL progressive forces of the world unite to save this planet and make world better for ALL (not only) humans (but every other living thing.) Respec' from Canada, eh.

[@mieliav]

this is what happens when you let the Elders speak: pure sense, well grounded in compassion.

[@marygard4608]

Some elders.

[@chrisspotts7523]

I was also abused as a kid and reported to authorites and my school nobody ever did anything I don't forget. It is very much easier to ignore somebody like me instead of face the truth and help them cope.

[@maxshea1829]

Me too. But my parents got to talk to the adults, and the adults always believed their side.

[@marygard4608]

I was neglected to the point of abandonment at age 9. All the signs were there, but the school and church either never noticed or did not care. I learned then that we are on our own in this country.

[@rogerdoran8153]

This is a brilliant clearsighted piece .Thank you .

[@chrisspotts7523]

thank you democracy at work for giving me hope and helping me make sense of the situation laid before me, i know very well what it feels like to be alienated in my home country , seems the older i get the poorer i get and the less people care about me. I am a warrior and will never give up

[@christophercelmer405]

Answer: Deaths of despair, minimalism, or communal resource sharing. It isn't dealing with it in a practical way rather, we are kicking it down the road until it can no longer be tolerated.

[@earlviney5212]

You are right dr. Fraad I have never seen so much advertising. With the possible exception of our national parks I don't know how you can get away from it. I can't even watch a tv show thru.

[@MrDXRamirez]

I love the ending of this video, the We Can Do It part.

[@user-em6ie2be7x]

If the Pandemic has shown anything America has lousy & pathetic Housing standards, we needs legislation that guarantees people won't be driven from their homes because of situations out of their control.

[@iart2838]

Yes, as the wealthiest country in the world should. Shameful

[@bobbyshemriani992]

You are absolutely right. But, unfortunately we live in a country where almost half the people vote against their own financial interest. What do you do when a large group of people continue to vote for politicians whose policies are absolutely detrimental to the voters that vote them in office?

[@marygard4608]

Housing is a human right. We will die without homes. Just look at the wildlife around the world with no home. They go extinct.

[@petestanton1945]

@@bobbyshemriani992 that's the matter w Kansas

[@roaddog3096]

Yeah Prof, the Lady is soooo cool, Real smart with a very gentle voice graph. She’s got a great rhythm. Not so fast, not so loud. Just perfect…….

[@sheilascanlon4928]

Exactly what I thought and all the turmoil and suffering that ensued. We are staring these consequences in the face and how to change the future against the odds seems so daunting. Amazing to hear from you speak succinctly about it all perfectly to me today as it all needs to be addressed immediately as this is so sad for the people in this country.

[@JohnHawley]

Harriet you’re priceless. thank you

[@kipwonder2233]

The concept of displacement is powerful...as an explanatory tool - for me. For my own self-awareness. Thank you.

[@isisroy2828]

Thank you. It is important to see things through this lens, I never thought about it, but everything makes so much more sense now. Thanks again

[@hfwilkesjr]

Thank you so much Dr. Fraad! Your words are food for the soul, describing the world around us with the history and perspective we were missing.

[@earlviney5212]

America is one one of the most labor unfriendly countries in the world. If I was young again I would move to Denmark. They score the highest in labor laws.

[@zofiajaneczek184]

Agreed, wish I had just gone back to Europe straight out of high school. I'm 1000 percent sure I'd not be struggling this much in life. The older I get, the less I make. Eventually will probably meet an early grave, just like many others. Sadly, can't save enough $ to even get out right now. Too many want out but can't afford it either! Perhaps, I can get out in 10-20 years at this point?

[@andrewthurman8836]

Thank you. I watch Prof Wolff as he lays out facts and figures with an explanation of the situation we now face that differs from the establishment narrative, but you discuss the same situation many in this country face, like someone having a discussion that if it was happening in person, you could stop and ask questions if something was unclear,... but you make it clear... thanks again, just hearing you talk about what we face everyday.

[@denisantoine4332]

The truth shall set us free. Thank you

[@laurajames7809]

I need a To Do list. It's hard to sit still. Here's my draft. 1. Bankruptcy 2. For housing, drastic minimalism 3. Free health & dental at student run clinics 4. Food banks 5. Welfare 6. Plasma selling 7. Get a Boyfriend? 8. Look up cousin in Florida 9. Learn Spanish and move to Monterrey

[@elbertmoreno2159]

Monterrey is nice place, cost of living is low

[@marygard4608]

Sounds great, but exhausting🌈.

[@leftykeys6944]

BRAVO! One of the best analyses I've heard in a good while.

[@Walks-With-Pride]

Thanks, Dr. Fraad! You said everything I have been thinking. I really enjoy your videos.

[@regan3112]

Thank you for this talk. So validating and clarifying and encouraging.

[@gopinathnambiar9707]

By accident I heard you from India, touched me. Pray, it touches all the SENSIBLE N RESPONSIBLES IN THE SYSTEM.

[@xelakram]

This is an excellent video. So truthful.

[@diosamurcielaga9418]

This is my favorite program, so clear. I wish more gringos understand what is going on with their society and where the real causes are. From a place that has lived through so much similar destructive forces on the social fibers of a way of life, I send regards.

[@stevenmontanez715]

I hope your ok, I'm sad to see Americans in this situation it isn't working for the majority, representative democracy isn't working we need a new better from a direct democracy for everyone

[@kevintewey1157]

Nothing wrong with the Chinese Communist system the CPC one cit5 nine is a party member (you probably would know two or three of them ) selection and election the people love it The mass line is the closest thing to the direct democracy A real dictatorship of the proletariat over the Capitalist

[@williammarotz7406]

All my life a beloved community was my focus and hope. To see people love others inspires me to walk the higher road. Thank you sister

[@kevinmayer8055]

I love to hear the truth!

[@vllsrg]

This is so spot on! Thank you…

[@PeterIannone1]

Amazing video! You always provide such a deep perspective that makes soooooo much sense. I’d love to see you on BadFaith KZbin/podcast/Callin with Briahna Joy Gray! More people need to hear from you!

[@johnclark2212]

EXCELANT 100% on the mark!

[@drumlessons833]

This video struck me to my core so many times I lost count. All it was missing was a bumping intro (or maybe a tactful piano intro)- some kind of... more musical intro though.

[@earlviney5212]

If your family doesn't have money I don't know how young people make it today.

[@zofiajaneczek184]

They don't! They're working and living with parents in their 30's. Delaying relationships, kids, and ALL the luxuries other generations were afforded. Granted, I'm Gen X and came from a poor background, I wasn't afforded anything but an inheritance of dust. But at least that dust had optimism, now it's a lot of despair.

[@lacha608]

I was with you up until the "we can do it" point. In a society controlled by an extraordinarily corrupted electoral system, political parties, government, banking industry, media, corporate world, tech industry, war machine etc., and in which climate.change.is just.beginning to bear down upon us and will.only escalate and intensify, the "how tos" are quite elusive.

[@iart2838]

Missed opportunity by Democrats, a pathetic party that's basically Republican, but pretending to be for the people. Even more frustrating than GOP because we know who they're, no mask wearing.

[@ProleDaddy]

@@iart2838 For it to be an opportunity, it would have to be desired by the Democratic Party. We should all know that they are just the other capitalismt party, both having the sole objective of promoting capitalism, which means opressing and exploiting workers.

[@marygard4608]

@@iart2838 We all need to leave the DNC and join the DSA-the Democratic Socialists of America. They are online.

[@batgirlp5561]

Yes, we've never done it "together". As Dr. Fraad pointed out, success and opportunities have always been racialized.

[@georgegates526]

Excellent Harriet!!!

[@bernardheathaway9146]

Very helpful insights!

[@ggc7318]

In my opinion, things in general just get more complicated. There are more rules and regulations, whether one knows them or not. All the complications can easily drag anyone down if one is not careful or prepared.

[@juliodunbar3129]

This is very powerful Doctor

[@patriciaanndemello4652]

Very cool piece of journalism

[@benharriston2532]

.........you have alot of good points mam

[@anhedonic-voting]

Thank you 🌎 ✊️ 🌹 🗽

[@d.h.hodges546]

What about the animals?

[@marygard4608]

"You can judge the morality of a country by the way it treats its' animals" -Roughly paraphrasing Mahatma Ghandi

[@sinwaters909]

More videos like this please

[@BaRroWsDuDe]

Particularily liked this video. Very interesting to hear about the terminoligy and how different parts of the human psyche connect.

[@maxarai3141]

love your show, Thanks

[@JohnSmith-vm8rx]

Damn you killed this segment. I literally do all of those.

[@DS-pe2zc]

Fantastic, informative talk recapping the 40-year historical shift from stakeholder (worker) to shareholder (investor) economy.

[@leealexander3507]

I am also old enough to remember all that. Fortunately my sons chose the right career paths but who knows what the future might have in store for them. They could have the rug pulled out from under them too.

[@petestanton1945]

divorce financed by the out-laws to get the grandchildren

[@dpb5802]

One has to look seriously at the Roosevelt new deal and re-implement those safety measures created at that time that I’ve been destroyed that’s a start so many things have to be done I hope you continue doing your work

[@BBBarua]

In order to keep the system going, you must actively create /promote buyers and sellers all the time. Inflation isn't the scariest thing, but deflation is a major headache for the capitalist and its government. Look hard, you will find the evidence.

[@maxshea1829]

Republicans love to say, "We see people as individuals, not as parts of groups." Oh, how romantic. Right? Riiiiight! Dr. Fraad discusses what the Right REALLY means by "the individual"!

[@marygard4608]

Repubs don't want to give what most people need.

[@benharriston2532]

we are the greatest army restrained

[@zehrajafri9252]

💟

[@leealexander3507]

The thing we lost that mattered most were the communities.

[@williams.1980]

👍

[@bigollameo]

I love this series, Dr. Fraad. Thank you so much for your work.

[@mikeace5831]

Has just announced that Americans owe a trillion dollars in debt how's that working for you Americans she's absolutely spot on the way are we going

[@marygard4608]

"Money is nothing but dirty paper with pictures of dead guys on it". -attributed to Al Capone.

[@marygard4608]

Or Bugsy Seigel.

[@qake2021]

👌👌👌🤞🤞🤞✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻

[@NoCensorship]

I for one am pissed off!! The real inflation rate is 15%. The government changed the calculation to make it not look as bad as it really is. So I’m losing THOUSANDS A YRAR!! 😡

[@kevintewey1157]

$3.25 an hour and no cost for housing and no cost for healthcare I think that would make me pretty lucky person in the USA Oh yeah you can have all that at the risk of getting shot at that you only get about twice as much

[@rcmrcm3370]

What are u trying to say in last sentence?

[@benharriston2532]

i dont blame china/russia mam .....i blame we the people.because the whole world has been waiting for us

[@AustinHilton5.]

*When it comes to the world of investing,most people don't know where to start.fortunately,great investors of the past and present can provide us with guidance*

[@whatsapp-2217]

I'm so happy ☺️ my life is totally changed. I've been earning $10,250 returns from my $4,000 Investment every 13 days

[@lydiaanderson3823]

I heard a lot of investing with Mr Lawrence Tom and how good he is, please how safe are the profit?

[@Cryptoking221]

@@lydiaanderson3823 I trade with him, The profit are secured and over a 100% return on investment directly sent to your wallet.

[@danielwalker5789]

@Daniel Marvelluv I've seen a lot of recommendation about Mr Lawrence Tom , Please can I have his info? I want to invest 2,000usd with him.

[@randyo.6426]

Get him on Wats app 👇

[@northstar1060]

how do americans cope with falling living standards ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,they learn how to build and live in 40 foot container homes

[@marygard4608]

Solar panels on top, and a water tank. Organic chemical toilet. That's if you can find a shipping container to buy.

[@benharriston2532]

man said .a civalian is the highest ranking .....i dont operate gomer pyles .i operate whole batallions

[@benharriston2532]

i can say ..i would look at the country like a general

[@benharriston2532]

i never sold my soul like those traitors

[@skywire5595]

Question ) Is oligarch = capitalism ??

[@petestanton1945]

Ask Prof Wolff

[@benharriston2532]

iam really am thinking about running independant,,,mam.i know they would lill me....presidents come and go.....and i hate to not leave...before the mission is done

[@marygard4608]

Leave? Where do you have to go?

[@jmcampbell05]

YOU HAVE SUCH A LOVELY WAY ABOUT YOU.

[@jetstream3528]

Join the poor peoples campaign...Go to DC whenever they do......they have ways to help you get there. It's going to take millions in the streets of DC.......they will have to be run out by unforgiving protests that will have to be peaceful but loud ....and pointed.

[@marygard4608]

They were terrified by people who demanded their Obama healthcare not be tampered with. And that was disabled people. Our Congress needs 98% replaced, or just get rid of the useless thing

[@benharriston2532]

i keep telling myself..all i need is 70000 north carolina people .pretty sure the country would follow

[@jeorge1153]

exactly. Americans wake up. take back your country and make it great again.

[@iankain7106]

Buying guns at the beginning of the pandemic was about denial. It was about securing yourself against societal collapse.

[@marygard4608]

It's strange, when you think about it, nowadays the only reason to have a gun is to protect yourself against all those guns.

[@marygard4608]

Baby Boomers now tell grandchildren stories about only one person working to support families and home ownership as "in the olden days".

[@Guitarpima]

At 29 to 30 minutes. People are realizing that they have the capital. Nothing gets done without capital, the workers. Until you understand that, you will pontificate like A misinformed person. Richard Wolff has the best description for capital. Your brains, your muscles, what you produce. I do not understand the point of your show. We already know all these things you talk about. We do not need reminding about it, we need solutions for dealing with it.

[@marygard4608]

Did you listen to the end? There she talks of solutions of connection and solidarity. This is the human capital you speak of.

[@Guitarpima]

Connections in solidarity. Wow. Yes, I am cynical. I have heard those words many times.

[@marygard4608]

@@Guitarpima We are all cynical. The corporate overlords count on it.

[@Guitarpima]

Using the lexicon given to you by those who wish to deceive you, is not helping. It is why the left always loses.

[@benharriston2532]

ok.just popped your name up....maybe you aint

[@mystictraveler8642]

This is a very self-centered kind of view. Not only US talent OR companies went to China... But so did so many other countries. Everyone's doing business. Blame your politicians.

[@elufo2321]

The belly of the beast is the U.S. your comen seem shallow with analysis. Ask your self who is the politician and who they work for. Who pays for there campaigns. Who do they fool. Blaming China is as simple as my fish with a bathing suit.

[@mystictraveler8642]

@@elufo2321 your knowledge and Outlook is very shallow. Not even shallow but very juvenile. If you don't blame your politicians and you keep blaming everyone else then you're never going to improve and you're just going to keep going downhill. America is one of many beasts.. it's just that the US have this position where their weaponized the banks. This is something you don't supposed to do. You don't mess with people's transactions. This is why the world is very worried due to this behavior by The Americans.

[@elufo2321]

@@mystictraveler8642 idea that the politician is running the show is beyond nieve. Take a look at New York state. They had a mayor that won the primery and that was supported her party. During the main election she was not allowed to run a fairly run election due to her own party interference. Now if you think the politicians is the problem New Yorker would had elected the right person but that is not the cae. The idea that I am to blame or the people is to blame becuse of government officials behavioral is looking at a small part of the piture or bummer ideas.

[@barbarasmith6005]

Blame the capitalists.

[@marygard4608]

The US had the farthest to fall for it's citizens' standard of living. Don't forget, we don't learn the lessons of war like countries who suffer the brutal effects of having it on it's own land. We learned a lesson of war profiteering and we actually thought we would never pay the costs. And you know how much our corporate overlords like to shift costs.

[@benharriston2532]

i just wonder mam......are you proffesor wolfs wife

[@marygard4608]

She is.

[@benharriston2532]

a highly decrerated man said to me when i was a young punk .....you are a civalian.....grow up

[@davidkippy101]

Female Bernie Sanders

[@petestanton1945]

Richard Wolff