The primary function of the capitalist system is not to encourage critical thinking or promote self-reflection among individuals, but rather to enforce obedience through dogmatic ideologies such as religion and nationalism. In this context, the working class—often referred to as the proletariat—becomes "dependent on the system" almost as if it were a result of Stockholm Syndrome. The proletariat, conditioned to obey the dominant forces, falls under the control of a system that exploits their labor. However, when the proletariat begins to think critically and gain clarity, they will realize that they do not need the bourgeoisie, and in fact, the bourgeoisie is dependent on them. The system seeks to prevent this realization, as it aims to protect the bourgeoisie, which can be seen as parasitic in its dependence on the labor of the working class.

Michael Moore, through his documentaries, seeks to expose the inherent flaws of this system. He attempts to "wake people up" from the deceptive comforts of capitalism, which, at its core, operates like a "Trojan horse." Some may ridicule Moore’s approach, but it is clear that these critics are either deeply immersed in conspiracy theories or are simply fearful of the true workings of the capitalist system.

Capitalism, as an institutionalized system, is based on the exploitation of surplus value, and it operates within a structural framework where both corporate and individual entities interact. This system relies on the dialectical unity between the subject (the individual) and labor. Disregarding the integrity of this relationship leads to flawed conclusions.

However, Moore’s film does not fully address this structural integrity. By the film's conclusion, the audience is left with the impression that capitalism can be blamed solely on the greed of the wealthy capitalists and their political allies. This narrative overlooks the larger structural dynamics in which these actors are embedded. For instance, in the final scenes of the film, Moore humorously calls for armored trucks to deliver the people's money back to the Federal Reserve, invoking the image of a modern-day Robin Hood. While Moore’s critique targets the capitalists, he fails to interrogate the broader conditions that create wealth and poverty and the state's role, particularly through institutions like the Federal Reserve, in shaping these outcomes.

The film also misses key aspects of the systemic causes behind major crises, such as the housing market collapse. Moore does not address the broader context of the mortgage crisis, which was largely precipitated by post-9/11 fear and economic uncertainty. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, mortgage loans surged as people sought security through homeownership, only to face disastrous consequences when the housing bubble burst in 2008.

Ronald Reagan's influence on capitalism

Additionally, the film touches on how Ronald Reagan’s presidency reinforced the capitalist system by promoting neoliberal policies that favored the wealthy and big corporations. Reagan’s economic approach, particularly through his tax cuts and deregulation measures, significantly contributed to the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Moore critiques Reagan’s "trickle-down economics," which promised that wealth would eventually "trickle down" to the broader population but instead disproportionately benefited the top 1%. Reagan’s policies not only amplified the concentration of wealth but also set the stage for the kind of systemic inequalities that would become more evident in the 2008 crisis.

Moreover, Reagan’s emphasis on free-market capitalism and reducing the role of government in economic affairs played a critical role in solidifying the power of corporate America. This approach, in Moore’s view, laid the foundation for the increasing exploitation of the working class and the erosion of social safety nets, making the system more vulnerable to crises like the mortgage collapse.

The film critiques how these policies, combined with the larger capitalist structure, ultimately lead to a system where a few benefit at the expense of the many, with Reagan’s legacy serving as a catalyst for these systemic inequalities.

Vulnerabilities within capitalist systems

Moreover, the film highlights the vulnerabilities within capitalist systems. One poignant example is the privatization of childcare services, which are run as profit-driven enterprises. In such cases, even the most personal aspects of life, such as childcare, become commodified, with children assessed in mere minutes by judges who are focused on profit rather than well-being.

The film also examines the plight of workers, particularly in the airline industry. For instance, pilots, despite their extensive training and responsibilities, are grossly underpaid—earning less than $20,000 annually—and are forced to take on additional jobs to make ends meet. Moore uses these examples to show how the capitalist system exploits workers and diminishes their quality of life.

Additionally, the film critiques the role of insurance companies in profiting off workers’ labor, where the actual value created by workers is far greater than what the company compensates them. Companies such as Bank of America, Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, and Walmart are showcased as prime examples of corporate greed, where profits are made at the expense of the working class.

Religious leaders are also questioned in the film regarding capitalism. When asked if capitalism is wrong, their responses are simply framed as sinful, evading a deeper critique of the system itself. This highlights the complicity of various societal institutions in perpetuating capitalist ideologies, even when they conflict with moral values.

Finally, the film touches on the concept of "Plutonomy," which refers to the concentration of wealth in the hands of the richest 1%. In capitalist economies, the richest 1% possess more wealth than the bottom 95% combined. This stark inequality underlines the exploitative nature of capitalism, where a small elite benefits at the expense of the majority.