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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 16. 12th July 1973

Capitalist and Worker Complementary

page 19

Capitalist and Worker Complementary

Dear Roger and Peter,

I must say that I found the article "Is Work Man's Destiny?" one of the most reasoned attempts yet at explaining what it is that makes this world tick. Particularly well-grounded was che assertion that workers and capitalists with their different qualities, complement each other.

Opinion had it that either the differences between the classes was wholly conditioned by society or that the workers were just innately inferior. Palaeontologists and economists today however are in agreement that there are certain distinguishing biological differences, the workers having developed muscles, the capitalists money, these qualities resulting in character differences between the classes. Although experts find the classes different in certain areas of psychology and behaviour patters, these in no way mean that there is inequality between the classes. I mean the chap on $2000 per year is just as good as the bloke on $20,000. It makes no difference. There is no case for superior/ inferior talk.

Even eminent American archaeologists and sociologists state that there are character differences between the classes which have their roots in biology. When a capitalist responds to the distinctly capitalist fear of failure and his need for prestige, he can develop positive attributes of initiative, activity and courage. And of course the worker too in responding to his main fear of frustration and dependency can and often is unable to stand on his own feet, needing Government handouts and all that.

But given the right conditions, the worker can become a source of great patience and reliability. He can even respond with intensity of love if he has to wait long enough and has no other option. This in itself is charming, erotic, almost.

The worker therefore has the same emotional, intellectual and cultural abilities as the capitalist. He is really very lucky that the selfsacrifice involved in his equal role gives him the very special qualities as well. Because deeper than any differences is the equality between worker and capitalist. They belong to the same big happy human family. They work together, each performing the function he is best suited to for the greater happiness of all.

Some people can sec differences only in terms of inferiority and superiority. These people are misguided. I say that the class system by colouring the personalities of worker and capitalist, greatly enriches and broadens human culture. How uninteresting it would be if we were all the same!

These unique characteristics and charming differences do not mean for the classes social, economic or political differentiation — not really, it just depends on whose glasses you are looking through.

Simone Simon—Rockefeller.

Giant mouth on a body