Capitalism is an economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the creation of goods and services for profit in a free market. While capitalism has brought about many benefits such as economic growth and innovation, it has also been the source of many issues, particularly in the areas of inequality, exploitation, and environmental degradation. Critics argue that capitalism prioritizes profit over human well-being and can lead to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, while leaving many others behind. Additionally, capitalism has been criticized for its impact on the environment, as it often incentivizes the exploitation of natural resources and the production of goods that contribute to climate change and other forms of environmental harm. These issues have been the subject of much debate and discussion, with many calling for reforms to the capitalist system to address these concerns and create a more equitable and sustainable economic model.
Both Moon and Squid Game explore the issue of capitalism in different ways, highlighting the negative effects that the pursuit of profit and wealth can have on individuals and society as a whole.
In Moon, the main character Sam Bell is a lone astronaut working for a corporation that mines resources on the moon. As the story unfolds, Sam discovers that he is not alone and that he is actually a clone created by the corporation to do the dangerous work of mining. The film raises questions about the ethics of corporate capitalism, particularly in the way it dehumanizes workers and treats them as disposable resources. Sam's realization of his own expendability highlights the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and the ways in which corporations can exploit workers for profit.
Similarly, Squid Game is a commentary on the dark side of capitalism, particularly in the way it creates inequality and desperation among those who are struggling to survive. The show follows a group of people who are invited to participate in a deadly game where the winner takes home a large sum of money. The contestants are all in dire financial straits and see the game as their only chance at financial stability. However, the game is rigged and the contestants quickly realize that they are being used as pawns in a larger game controlled by the wealthy elite. Squid Game highlights the ways in which capitalism can create a stark divide between the haves and have-nots, with the wealthy exploiting the desperation of those who are struggling to get by.
Both Moon and Squid Game demonstrate the negative effects of capitalism, particularly in the way it dehumanizes workers and creates inequality. They raise important questions about the ethics of corporate greed and the ways in which wealth and power can be used to exploit and control others. While these are very different stories, they both serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of unchecked capitalism and the need for more equitable systems that prioritize human well-being over profit.