Nerve 22 - The Systems We Live Under

The Systems We Live Under

When the theme of alternatives to capitalism was proposed as a topic for the latest edition of Nerve magazine, excerpts from a documentary I had watched not more than two weeks earlier were instantly recalled to my mind. The film, The House I Live In, directed by Eugene Jarecki, takes a comprehensive look at the evolution of U.S. government drug policy, politically characterised as "the war on drugs". Jarecki's film examines the impacts and effects of what has now evolved into a complex economy driven by capitalism. A number of views and perspectives are sought from those, who - with or without knowledge of their role - act to sustain this economy including those addicted to drugs, those incarcerated for drug use or possession, those who manufacture and sell equipment for use in prisons. A doctor by the name of Gabor Mate provides a succinct and illuminating analysis of the reasons behind and effects of U.S. drug policy:

"The thing with the war on drugs is, and the question we have to ask is, not why is it a failure, but why, given that it seems to be a failure, why is it persisting? And I'm beginning to think maybe it's a success? What if it’s a success by keeping police forces busy? What if it's a success by keeping private jails thriving? What if it’s a success by keeping a legal establishment justified in its self-generated activity? Maybe it's a success on different terms than the publicly stated ones."

Dr Mate's comments affirm that under capitalism success is quantified on different terms. The question spawned by such an approach, is not how can we help, in this instance those addicted to drugs, but how can we profit from their behaviour? One result of such a system structured solely for financial imperative is human suffering, a suffering from which people who profit are far removed. Minimal effort is made to assist those who by their behaviour sustain this economy and so it perpetuates. Though the central aims of The House I Live In are to enact change regarding U.S. Government drug policy and sentencing laws, it also serves as a forceful advocate for alternatives to capitalism. This is because it graphically illustrates the human impact of drug addiction, for the addict, and for people connected to them, human suffering manifested under capitalism. Any proposed alternatives require a collective approach and the adoption of an ideology which acknowledges the requirement to be profitable, but does not prize it above all else.

Although Jarecki's work focuses upon the capitalist economy that has developed surrounding those who experience drug addiction, the hallmarks of capitalism are easily identifiable within the NHS and in government policy in relation to the treatment of older people requiring care. Ultimately, the seemingly rational and currently all persuasive notion that everything must be paid for must be intelligently considered, yes, but how many times over? And at what costs to humanity?

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