ADVERTISEMENT

When it’s taken too far, capitalism becomes a mockery of itself, encouraging greed instead of rewarding effort and innovation. If you take a moment to really look at the state of the world right now, you might come to the conclusion that we’re living in a bizarre dystopia of sorts where consumerism is king, employees are burned out, and corporations (arguably) run rampant despite all the distrust that’s growing.

The ‘Humans of Capitalism’ Instagram page collects and shows off examples of what capitalism is actually like in our day-to-day lives, from the hilarious to the haunting. Scroll down to dive into the dark (not to mention weird) side of living in a capitalist society. And if you enjoy the content, be sure to join the ranks of the 286k Instagram users who follow the page or consider supporting them by purchasing their NFT art.

I reached out to Angel, the founder and moderator of the 'Humans of Capitalism' page to learn more about the account's history, about their views on capitalism and corporatism, and the possible alternatives to the system we have in place now. "I was inspired by a lot of things, like the absurdism of the current capitalistic system and its flaws, the injustice that 99% of the people experience every day while they are at work, shopping, and home," they told Bored Panda in an interview via email.

They said that people are bombarded with non-stop information to "build up their consumerist spirit so they can keep capitalism alive." Unfortunately, for Angel, the future doesn't hold much optimism. They think that with the improving technologies, the situation for the everyday man and woman gets even worse. "A not so famous movie from the late '80s, 'They Live' (1988), explains this concept perfectly. I believe everyone should watch it if they want to combat the urge of consumerism and mind control," they suggested. Scroll down for Angel's full interview with Bored Panda.

In the mood for some more quality reading about the pros and cons of capitalism? You should check out Bored Panda’s articles here, here, and here once you’re done with this one.

More info: Instagram | Support HoC

#2

Humans-Of-Capitalism

benyahr Report

Add photo comments
POST
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All billionaire tax evaders can go stay there, we keep their money and give everybody free healthcare and education. They may NEVER return to earth. How's that sound?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Angel, the founder of 'Humans of Capitalism,' believes that capitalism evolves into corporatism after some time "because human greed cannot be measured." In fact, they are of the opinion that the system currently in place is one of corporatism, not capitalism.

"We often see many small businesses collapsing because they are not able to fight with the current trend or to combat with the giant competitors. So they have two options, close the business or sell it," they explained to Bored Panda how smaller businesses have their work cut out for them because they constantly have to compete against better-established, more powerful companies that have more clout.

"We have many companies that have been bought by enormous giants that I do not want to mention and they won't stop there, they are trying to get their hands on any business category. Is there a solution for it? I believe that there can be some solutions, but capitalists will work and find a way to bypass those solutions and continue with the destruction of the system while being totally ignorant about it," they said that capitalism aims to protect itself as a system, so changing it isn't as straightforward as some people think.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

Humans-Of-Capitalism

humansoflate Report

Add photo comments
POST
karlameixnerov avatar
karla Meixnerová
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But what will happen with people in North Korea, if the police find this kind of USB at their home? I expect nothing really nice.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

According to Angel, the founder of 'Humans of Capitalism,' each and every system, from capitalism to socialism, has a chance of becoming corrupt if bad behavior isn't punished. "If we go back in time where socialism or communism were at their prime, we can see that the top of the head of the system was corrupted and that resulted with the fall of the system," they said that people should look at communism realistically and historically, not romantically.

As for what the future might bring, Angel thinks that we might be moving toward a "utopia" of "automated communism where machines will produce, deliver, and take care of food supply, clothing, health." However, the issue would still be who controls the distribution system and how exactly it operates. What's more, this inevitably means that some people will be left without a job.

"The idea of getting free food, water, health, clothing, is nice and, in reality, if we take a closer look at the current system we can see that more people are let off and replaced by machines. For example, we can see that McDonald's workers are fired and they have been replaced with machines that work on touch or by sound and they take orders, forward orders to the employees, etc."

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

In Angel's view, as technology improves, more and more people will lose their jobs. However, they think that there will always be people who disagree with this point of view. According to them, these people argue that capitalism creates new jobs and someone will have to create the machines that replace workers, install them, maintain them, and do a myriad of other jobs related to automatization.

Unfortunately, the founder of 'Humans of Capitalism' thinks that, eventually, we'll end up with machines creating more machines, without the need of (barely) any human input. This would be done for the sake of maximizing profits by reducing employee costs.

"I believe that 50 years from now machines will provide food, clothing, healthcare services, and much more, by themselves, with little to no employees monitoring them. But there is an issue with that. You will leave millions of people jobless and cause huge riots as the famous quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau goes: 'When the people shall have no more to eat, they will eat the rich.'"

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Humans-Of-Capitalism

humans_of_capitalism Report

Add photo comments
POST
raymartin avatar
Ray Martin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Instead we get indoctrination, consternation, ruination, contamination, and eventually extermination.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Life isn’t always a black or white, a good versus evil affair. And the same can be said about capitalism, like about most things. However, problems start to appear when capitalism is taken to the extreme. Earlier, finance writer and financial independence expert Rick Orford went in-depth with me about the positives and negatives of capitalism, why social democracy works, and what role greed plays in financial crises and inequality.

In the expert’s view, when a large enough part of the population is willing to take risks, that’s when extreme capitalism and excessive greed thrive.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Greed is widely accepted to be the reason for the two largest financial crises in the last century; namely 1929 and 2008. It also creates the income inequality that’s largely seen in the United States. Indeed, while everyone, in theory, has an equal opportunity to flourish, the scales seem to tip to those with the most money," the financial expert explained to Bored Panda.

According to Rick, capitalism isn’t dangerous to society, but an excess of it can be. “[Capitalism] allows folks like you and me to succeed by creating or investing in businesses. Indeed, one looking to borrow money from the banks today won’t have to pay much for the loan. As such, it encourages growth. However, extreme capitalism creates a scenario where greed overtakes reason, and it risks the financial system," he explained to me.

#18

Humans-Of-Capitalism

humans_of_capitalism Report

Add photo comments
POST
talcottmargaret avatar
denisemelek_toygar avatar
anthonynizza avatar
fenerbahche avatar
Nasren Jak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can we stop calling these people " influencer" please. ML King was an influencer. Gandhi was an influencer. This is just a superficial wannabe with a cellphone.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know who named them influencers, but they're not.

lovemrc avatar
Elsie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The advertisers that pay them money to influence others to buy the products they post

Load More Replies...
l_murphy avatar
L. Murphy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that a real Human female? Seriously, they are starting to look like a bot crossed with a blow up sex doll?

nfrlprdpr avatar
Mazer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So sad to repeatedly see how fragile people really are

thorkjh avatar
sarah-lennie avatar
TheKnightOwl
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

This woman annoys me for many different reasons, but the lack of mask isn't one of them. I choose to wear a mask, but a several family members cannot. Asthma, autism, anxiety, PTSD...just a few reasons why. We can assume she's just being ignorant, but we don't know, so we really shouldn't judge.

Load More Replies...
randomcitizen avatar
XenoMurph
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We went to London recently. Outside Buckingham palace were several of these "people". My thirteen year old daughter, was watching them taking pictures of them posing and flicking their hair. I was ready for a deep and meaningful conversation on the way home on the false nature of social media. Until i realised she was sending the pictures to her friends mocking the influencers for their self-absorbed, fake nature. Mocking them for their overly bronzed skin. I should have told her off for being mean, but I was too proud of her.

dashblue_1 avatar
Dash Blue
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m an influencer. I’m important. I don’t need to wear a mask.

kacorradini avatar
kaycee14
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently business class sucks a few inches off your waist, and a few internal organs for good measure.

ghuleca14 avatar
Immortal Emperor Paradox
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What exactly is an Influencer's job? And why should one get 'influenced' by an Influencer?

dinastavola avatar
BabaBizzle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gross kartrashian wannabe. And who in their right mind would want to be them? She’s vile. I loathe anything “influencer” since it’s just desperate no talents posing all over social media , using filters and fake BS to create a reality which is anything but.

robertthompson_1 avatar
Robert Thompson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apparently the window needed to be adjusted with her waist. #PhotoShopFail

carole_strawn avatar
Carole Strawn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her body is deformed via photoshop. I can't figure out why they think this is attractive.

ronniebeaton avatar
Ronnie Beaton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Infuencer" - person who no one over the age of 25 gives a crap about.

peggygarz avatar
Peggy Garz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and of course she isnt't wearing a mask because everyone needs to see how much she paid for her f...ing face

sdeveno12 avatar
BasedWang
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she looks like she was pretty already before f****n herself and the picture up

lsworks avatar
Laura Silverstein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Technically “influencer” is a made up word, and I prefer to use actual language in reality

kidsbabysitter avatar
Lucy Anders
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And she's the only one in those pictures not wearing a mask!

betsyhirons avatar
Betsy Hirons
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry girl with purple balloon pants and fake face, don’t post on a plane until u are on private, why would anyone care if u are in biz class anyway?

taylorwright avatar
Celesta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Economy? Really? Because that doesn't look like any Economy section I've been in, but I'm usually on ECONOMY too be fair.

sexychick4421475 avatar
Claire Armstrong
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I liked the world so much better before I had ever even heard the term "influencer" 🤔😭

krisztina_kauker avatar
Kauker Krisztina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://www.pedestrian.tv/entertainment/french-influencer-fake-business-flight/

krisztina_kauker avatar
Kauker Krisztina
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

elena_a_k avatar
ElenaK
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aaaand she is the one not respecting the other passengers by not wearing a mask!

josurf avatar
Josurf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"In order to get rich I'm pretending to be rich... ultimately I'll sell my body & soul to the highest bidder and I'll be rich until he replaces me with a younger version of me."

graceandlucy avatar
Grace and Lucy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hoping for her 15 minutes of 'fame'. Unoriginal and lacking creativity thousands of young women end up looking like they rolled off an assembly line. Influencer is the tag the fashion industry uses to make young women feel different and powerful but in reality these uninformed girls don't see that they look like 1000 others desperate for fame, fortune. Influencers are manipulated ending up the influenced.

nicolascott2008 avatar
Potato Puffin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Influencers are just billboards. When they reach a certain level of exposure they just get ads and sponsored posts. May as well have gone into marketing. What a dull fake life, to be constantly trying to keep up with trends and trying to make money.

marcoconti avatar
Marco Conti
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see the telltale photoshop artifacts, but that waist looks pretty thin for a healthy human being. Maybe it's the ridiculous bulky clothes that make it look small by contrast. Or maybe people look thinner in business class.

itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please make sure we are taxing the crap out of these people.

ajburke424 avatar
Jamma
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can see her desperation and insecurity in the first pic. Why anyone sees such a person as a role model is beyond me. Do you think she knows she shared the planet with EO Wilson? I'd rather hang out with those who do.

mollyloveswayne avatar
Molly Block
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks sickly thin. Someone please tell me, because i haven't been on a plane since 1981, if you are a economy class passenger, are you allowed to walk through business class, or first class? How does this work? Sorry I'm clueless about this.

mintyminameow avatar
Mewton’s Third Paw
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope, they’re supposed to keep the riff raff out of first class but every now and then someone slips through just long enough for the crew to shoo them away

Load More Replies...
dremosley avatar
Dre Mosley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They do fine job presenting us the lavish lifestyle that many aren't actually living. I've read about some going broke doing it.

eagle44 avatar
Essex Eagle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thats just people being lazy as they cant be arsed to get a real job

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The expert noted that at the other end of the scale, opposite extreme capitalism, we’ll find social democracy, aka modern socialism. The way that this system works is by taxing citizens much more than capitalistic countries. In return, the citizens of those countries have access to vital services.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Citizens are given services such as free and (easily) accessible healthcare, child care, social welfare, etc. Conversely, highly capitalistic societies charge for these services, making it incredibly challenging for the poor," Rick said.

In the expert’s opinion, capitalism can—theoretically—give absolutely anyone the ability to flourish. What’s more, he noted that we shouldn’t have the illusion that well-known businesspeople are always making a profit. They undertake big risks and suffer heavy losses as well. It’s not always a marathon of wins for them.

However, Rick warned that major companies and social media have the power to influence elections and change how people think. “Today, the news is largely distributed by some of the largest American corporations: Google, Facebook, and Twitter. Think Brexit or the 2016 American Presidential election,” he said.

#22

Humans-Of-Capitalism

humans_of_capitalism Report

Add photo comments
POST
abstractizm avatar
Hakan Yilmaz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found a similar post back in the days in 9gag where somebody did the same thing with a newborn. It was titled with lifehacks. This is so sad.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

According to the financial expert, capitalism can help ordinary people flourish, open up businesses, and sell their products. But when we compare their potential with that of industry giants, we realize that competition in the marketplace isn’t as straightforward as it seems.

“Those [products] with the best quality, price, customer service, or combination (of at least two) often do well. Increasingly, however, those who are willing to spend more at the beginning are seeing both extreme gains and losses. Famously, Amazon and Tesla, for example, have spent hundreds of millions of investors’ dollars before ever making a cent," he said.

See Also on Bored Panda

Meanwhile, an expert working in the banking industry who asked Bored Panda to remain anonymous because of how sensitive his work is, said that capitalism disproportionately rewards individual incentives and punishes the lack of it.

#28

Humans-Of-Capitalism

humans_of_capitalism Report

Add photo comments
POST
vanburensupernova44 avatar
Buren
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's alright compared to some foreign words you don't understand that ends up meaning Roasted Peanut or something

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

"As someone acquires more capital, it—on average—becomes exponentially easier to acquire even more of it, which adds to extreme wealth inequality. It really bothers me when trillions in pension funds are wiped out only for a couple of bankers to get slapped on the wrist. Making sure that the costs of financial crises are borne by financial institutions that manufactured them (even if unintentionally), as opposed to transferring the burden to other members of society, would increase accountability,” he said.

According to the expert, capitalism cannot exist as “pure capitalism” and has to focus on “effective social programs” if we care about our fellow citizens. 

#34

Humans-Of-Capitalism

humans_of_late_capitalism Report

Add photo comments
POST
stevensedwards avatar
Hannah Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come on, they might be winding down after a hard day playing. We don’t know the full story.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#42

Humans-Of-Capitalism

humansoflate Report

Add photo comments
POST
talcottmargaret avatar
Hi, I'm Mars!
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine if watermelon had a durable skin/rind that would negate the need for plastic waste...oh wait.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#43

Humans-Of-Capitalism

humans_of_capitalism Report

Add photo comments
POST
alexandrabondar_1 avatar
coraline jones
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Comments could be turned off for a number of reasons, such as the video being suitable for kids, monetisation, and controversial/upsetting content. Sometimes, YouTube automatically turns off comments as well.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#50

Humans-Of-Capitalism

humans_of_capitalism Report

Note: this post originally had 63 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.