English 10

Post –watching activity

Discussion questions on Moore

Mr. Barrios´ Class

Capitalism: A Love story

1. How does the film explain the development of the "middle class" n the mid-20th century? What
conditions saw the improved standard of living for many working class people? What
contradictions existed at the same time?

2. The film notes the Reagan era as a dividing line between the rise of the "middle class" and its
current decline. What policies did Reagan usher in and why? What were the results?

3. Moore provides stories about the impact of privatization on local communities. What were
some of these?'

4. Corporations repeatedly claim that cutting jobs will allow them to save money and stay in
business. Why does this not seem to work much in the examples detailed in the film?

5. Moore talks with workers and farmers about the impact of economic conditions and policies on
their lives. What were some of their stories? What ways did they express solidarity with one
another?

6. The film elaborates and mocks ideological justifications for capitalism. What were some of the
claims for why capitalism is so good? What problems do you see with those claims?

7. The film focuses heavily on a moral condemnation of capitalism. Do you agree with that
approach? Many Marxists prefer what they call a scientific critique of capitalism? Which do you
prefer? Which is more effective in touching the experiences of working-class people?