DBA123, post class 3/17

“Sign becomes the arena of the class struggle”

After viewing this quote today, we looked at several different images and discussed which was the sign of the ruling class. One example is of the Mercedes symbol and the GM symbol. We all agreed that one product is only in the means of a small, selective group of people, while the other is capable to be bought by a population probably ten times as big, but we did not reach a unanimous answer of which was the ruling class.

After class I thought about this some more. In my opinion, America, by having a democracy, has been set up for the ruling class to be the people who are buying the GMs. Our government was designed to be able to voice the opinions of all citizens, which for the most part, do not fall in the elitist category who can afford the Mercedes. Looking at our recent Presidential election is another example of why America has turned, and let the “GMs” take charge.

President Bush was a from the Republican party, the political party which is associated with having strong local government to strengthen individuals, and letting these individuals keep what they have worked hard for and earned. Although I am not trying to stereotype, it would be safe to say that some of those who find the Mercedes symbol to represent the ruling class might be a member of this political party. Our new president is a Democrat, the political party that is associated with the working class and sometimes giving money back to the government so it is able to offer assistance to citizens, including those who would not be able to afford such amenities if they were not provided. These people might find the GM symbol to be associated with the ruling class because it is the product that is driven by more of the majority.

Using political parties is an example of how the “sign” has created a class struggle here in America. Many citizens of our country were fed up with money not being spent in the best interest of our nation as a whole and only a small percentage of the population reaping the rewards. By taking control of “the arena,” citizens of this country changed which sign was identified as the ruling class.