Traditional forms of instruction in America, even before the Revolution, had three specific purposes: to make good people, to make good citizens, and to make each student find some particular talents to develop to the maximum. The new mass schooling which came about slowly but continuously after 1890, had a different purpose, a “fourth” purpose.
The fourth purpose steadily squeezed the traditional three to the margins of schooling; in the fourth purpose, school in America became a servant of corporate and political management.
Children were literally trained in bad habits and bad attitudes!
Teachers and principals, “scientifically”certified in teachers college practices, were made unaware of the invisible curriculum they really taught. The secret of commerce, that kids drive purchases, meant that schools had to become psychological laboratories where training in consumerism was the central pursuit.
An interesting view into the process of removing the gold from the sediment collected from strip mining. Although the process is quite interesting, the source of the soil is damaging the environment.
Included in this video is the whole process, from ground to ingot.
This prophetic Cold War-era cartoon uses humor to tout the dangers of Communism and the benefits of capitalism.
Another short message from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Illinois. Starts with a short overview of what money is, including a little bit about what money used to be. Mary explains how to use money, why it is important and why it is better than barter.
A dramatization which explains the essential purposes of money as a medium of exchange, analyzes factors which affect the value of the dollar, and shows the effects of rising prices on people with various types of income.
An animated production depicting the era of the “Gold Rush” in 1849 San Francisco. It is very entertaining and makes fun of the people who went prospecting for gold. It seems as though all gold prospectors are “Suckers” and “Drunks” in this flick.
The video starts with a short summary of how people did not really need much money, until now… things have changed(this was written in 1935). People need money, so where do they get it? THE BANK, OF COURSE! That’s right, get a loan from your good ole friends at the Bank.
A clear understanding of Capitalism should be reached once this movie has been viewed. Only some of the important aspects are covered, so develop your own conclusions.
The economy doesn’t reflect skills in education. People assume well if I learn such and such which is harder than not learning it then I should get paid X amount. The problem is it doesn’t matter how cool your skill is, if it isn’t needed then it doesn’t make money and you don’t get a job.
Presented by the New York Stock Exchange, this is a cartoon promoting the stock market as the engine of America’s prosperity.
Description: George S. Benson helps us to better understand capitalism and how it benefits our American way of life. It is nice to look back in time for an interesting perspective on capitalism at a time of industry and growth.
