ADVERTISEMENT

Capitalism, while it may have its merits, can often seem downright absurd. We live in a world where profits are very often put over people, and the pursuit of endless growth is prioritized over sustainability. Not to mention little things like companies using manipulative advertising tactics to convince us to buy things we don't need, the prevalence of unpaid internships and so on.

So let's take a moment to reflect on the absurdities of capitalism with some examples of what this economic and political system is actually like in our day-to-day lives. For this article, we’ve collected some of the best posts shared by the Instagram page “Humans of Capitalism”, documenting the most extreme and dystopian instances of corporate power. Scroll down to see what we mean.

If you liked this list and are interested in exploring further, you can take a look at Bored Panda's previous articles here and here.

RELATED:

    We reached out to Nicola Caramia, a senior marketing lecturer and faculty member at INSEEC London, who has published several works on consumerism and consumer behavior. His expertise makes him an ideal consultant on the topic. Read on for the full interview!

    #4

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    PunnyPanda
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why group projects in school were a total sham and also an important lesson...

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #5

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Joe Reaves
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now you own a house the council can take it from you if you need to go into care. Probably a bad move.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Capitalism has created a society that is consumer-based. It has made consumption become a fundamental element of today’s world, particularly in the Western countries. Heading to a supermarket to buy a carton of milk? Don’t worry, you will have an abundance of options to choose from. While it's great to have a variety of choices, at times it can become excessive and absurd.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Nowadays, people's purchasing decisions can reflect their identity. That includes their personality, hobbies, and even profession. According to Caramia, “all human beings are searching for meaning in their life, to be recognized by others, to be accepted, to be loved, and feel secure. All these psychological elements make people to search and define who they are by developing in their minds a sense of self-identity. In this context, all humans have an ‘actual self’, that is how they see and perceive themselves in relation to others that is in conflict with their ‘ideal self’ (how they would like to be perceived by others).”

    #8

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Take me to dinner first
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can we talk about how everybody says therapy is the solution but you can't have that solution unless you have the money?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Caramia continues, “there is a gap between the ‘actual self’ and the ‘ideal self’ thus a mental self-representation that is not in line with how we wish to be seen by others. As a consequence of this discrepancy, people tend to construct their identities by purchasing mass-produced products and brands. It is at this point that mass-produced products and marketing develop associations between idealized self-images and related products in order to satisfy consumers’ inner desires that mirror their ideal self-concept. As a result, consumerism takes place and people who consume goods and services in large quantities believe they will be better off although they are unaware that products and goods will never satisfy their inner desires but will only provide the tools for the idealized self-concept if they purchase brands that represent their ideal ‘ego’.

    I remember an interesting book, ‘The Strategy of Desires’ written by an American psychologist, Ernest Dichter, the founder of the Institute of Motivational Research. In the 60s Dichter acted as a consultant to major American business organizations, helping them to detect the unconscious motives of consumers when purchasing products. I recall Robert Polet, CEO of Gucci fashion luxury brand in 2004, in one of his interviews, he said ‘we don’t sell products, we sell desires’.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Tee Rat
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Protesting against a falsely installed country leader and demanding a free election. This was during a summit with other countries that the protesters wanted them to quit dealing with the fake Thai leaders.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #11

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Debbie
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Awaiting the downvotes... Hmm torn on this one. Why? Imagine all the current "idols" are on peoples' gravestone. Elon Musk hovering over one stone, Disney princesses all around, Poohbears, Beyonce, DJ Khaled, Khardashians, Trump (just trying to pick out the most horrible ones). Gravestones should not be billboards/advertisements/amusementpark signs (sorry for the description). They could have made it smaller or without colour. (A spiderman engraved in the stone would suffice). I get they want to make the last resting place personal. Alas a graveyard is a public place, not a private place.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    The vast amount of choices available leads to the constant introduction of new trends. That results in overconsumption habits. Looking a the series of pictures highlighting the intriguing and often absurd realities of capitalism, we got curious about what motivates individuals to pursue extreme measures within it. Caramaia shared that consumerism is the result of how mass-produced goods pretend “to satisfy people’s needs, actually more psychological needs than functional needs.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Economists believe that consumer spending stimulates both production and economic growth, and they view consumption as a tool to fulfilling consumers’ biological needs and wants with the final aim of profit maximization. What really motivates people is greed, an uncontrolled desire to increase the acquisition of material gain, status and power. Capitalists motivated by greed only seek their own gain by maximizing profits.”

    #13

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Donkeywheel
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not unusual, many immigrants end up in Belgium, France, NL or Germany after trying UK and seeing what it is. They want to go there because it’s easier to settle and live with no papers but they are quickly disappointed.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #14

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    James016
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is more a British sense of humour thing rather than a dystopian capitalism.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #15

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Best Behave
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cos that’ll totally work🤦‍♂️. Remove facking echo from the room…

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    While consumerism and capitalism have been credited with driving economic growth and creating new markets and opportunities, they have also been criticized for their negative impacts on the environment and society. We were wondering whether consumerism can be compatible with social and environmental responsibility. Caramia answered that nowadays, due to capitalism and competition between business organizations, food product and waste is at the highest level as we produce more than what is consumed. “This leads to the depletion of natural resources in order to satisfy demand in economic terms. The consequences in turn reflect an increased land use, cutting down forests, emissions of pollutants. As a result, the more we consume, the more the earth gets exploited.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    While these images might make us laugh, it’s important to address the issues here. Recognizing the underlying motivations behind our consumption habits can help us make more conscious choices about what we buy and why. It can also help us focus on personal growth, relationships, and contributing to the well-being of others and the world around us.

    “We cannot say that consumerism is the only aspect to blame in terms of social and environmental responsibility, but we should look inside ourselves and ask questions such as ‘do I really need to buy that product, and if so, how can I dispose it after I used it?’, ‘how can I become less selfish and think less about myself and help those people in need?’. We should become less centred in ourselves and concentrate our efforts in becoming more humans. This approach should begin in schools by educating pupils and adults in universities in taking care of our environment. All educational institutions must embrace a philosophical approach to education. That means becoming who you are, what you were born to be,” Caramia added.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #20

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Donkeywheel
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Europe there are lots and lots of old churches and worship places that were desacralized (is that the word?). They still have the appearance of sacred places but are not anymore and could be pretty much anything: homes, libraries, stores, banks, even a skate park.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #21

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Julie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The people there could actually pick it up. It's always left for someone else. It would take them a very short time to pick the litter up instead of waiting for someone else

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #22

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    S Schmidt
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Considering sitting all day is supposed to be as bad for your health as smoking, this is kind of on point.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #23

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Feathered Dinosaur
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The freedom to slaughter people and act out my sociopathic tendencies? That's a great idea! /s

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #24

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Donkeywheel
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Useful advice: if you ever have to evacuate a plane (not as unusual as you may think, more common than a crash) the main danger after you’re out comes from the fire/assistance trucks that have to rush but have very low visibility. You’re tiny and unnoticeable next to a plane. There are numerous cases of passengers who got hit on the runways. Don’t make a selfie, go to safety far from the action.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sheila Stamey
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For those like me who needed more info: This couple contaminated a city of Brazil's main water supply by painting a waterfall blue for a gender reveal. They have been charged.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #28

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Best Behave
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All kinds of things are biodegradable but still pollute, and in this case it’s a public health hazard due to parasites and diseases. Please please do not leave your dog’s 5h1t lying around. The vast majority of dog owners are scrupulously responsible on this front - don’t be the a**ehole

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #29

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ian Reynolds
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't see a problem with people being buried in coffins covered in something they love.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #31

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    James016
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't this the one where Samsung are basically funding the repairs but in return they get to show adverts until the work is completed

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #33

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    PunnyPanda
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Would love to know who produced this image and what their intention was... Anyone?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #35

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kobe
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would do too - as a nickname. But in USA wouldn't be surprised if it were to be the official name...

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #37

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ember
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Either this guy didn’t think this through or he doesn’t like the baby

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #39

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sassawrasse
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Folks on trail rides would ask for something like this (can you hold the horses while we pose?) and I would always be happy to accommodate. And Especially if I got to get in the river. If I was in the shot I'd pop underwater for a second. In this photo or looks like he just popped up for air at the end of the shot. I feel like we should get the actual story on the situation before we assume this is a bad situation.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ian Reynolds
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    JESUS: Hey guys I am back, so what's with this dude on a cross everywhere? PEOPLE: It's you? It is how we decided to honour you. JESUS: Really?! Do you know how painful this was? Why would you pick should an horrific depiction of me? PEOPLE: Something to do with sacrifice, and we thought this is how you would like to be remembered. JESUS: Jesus Christ Guys!! This is so f#cked up!!

    Saint Tim the Godless
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If Jesus came back, conservative groups worldwide would cancel him and call him a 'Libtard.

    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aren't you not supposed to have/make idols in Christianity? The golden calf/cow story? genuine question 🤷‍♀️

    StitchIsCuteAndFluffy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes that’s true, we don’t have idols. (Is there a follow-up question or a point to the original one? I don’t have the context but I’d be happy to try and answer any questions you might have.)

    Load More Replies...
    Donna Peluda
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If Jesus had live in modern USA churches would have massive electric chairs on the alters. If it had been France a Gullotine!! Spain wasn't big on electricity so they used the garrote vil. Imagen walking round with an execution chair hanging round you neck. Garrote-Vi...0ebbbe.jpg Garrote-Vil-644b9870ebbbe.jpg

    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If Jesus were alive today, there is one thing he would not be, and that is a Christian. - Mark Twain

    Load More Replies...
    Caroline Driver
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just before Easter, someone put a big empty cross up in our town square ready for hymns and such on Good Friday. I looked out of our shop's window and said 'why have we got a Roman instrument of torture in the market place?'

    Ray Perkins
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If Jesus was hung instead of crucified, folk would have little nooses around their necks.

    Matt Mitchell
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where could I find these glasses? Working on a film that involves the return.

    marianne eliza
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of the glasses handle invented by Steve Martin's character in The Jerk. Everyone who bought those ended up with crossed eyes.

    Tyranamar Seuss
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is more like the type of nightmare you'd see in a Theocracy than capitalism. And that's the ironic thing. Most people who shout for capitalism and decry socialism are actually promoting theocracies.

    Amanda
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These reminded me after how ridiculous they are on their own, of the Steve Martin movie "the jerk". People take these off and they are all cross eyed. LMFAO

    Linda Riebel
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Plus worshipping the crown of thorns, the "true cross," bones of dead people...

    Kl
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These glasses are so disrespectful. It is very obvious that whoever created these doesn't care about Christians

    Tamra
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A lot of people don't care about Christians. Sorry to be so blunt, but so many people have had experiences with Christians that range from unpleasant, to infuriating, violent and illegal - myself included. And yes, I know "not all Christians", but enough to color a LOT of people's perception.

    Load More Replies...
    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #47

    Dystopia Has Entered The Chat. #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Donkeywheel
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    … used especially in operating and radiology rooms that are almost all the time in the basement or ground floor (= little or no direct sun light) because of the weight of the equipment.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #53

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    S Schmidt
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't this a good thing, they can support themselves, gives them something constructive to do and a sense of purpose.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #55

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sassawrasse
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This thread is full of people who immediately take things at face value.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #57

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    A B C the Third
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's way worse IMO than her taking a pic of elephant poo, that she has probably never seen before and wants to show her family (who probably have never seen an elephan or elephant poo live either) as one aspect of her travelling, is the person behind her wearing white shoes on a hike through muddy paths. That's just stupid and unprepared.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #60

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Verena
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They do exist (google horsekicks/sneakers for horses), Puma and another brand. In addition to what is very well explained already, another reason for hoove-covering shoes (sole and top) are medical: injuries to the sole or therapeutic/podologic/orthopedic(?). PLEASE be aware that fabric horse shoes need to be custom tailored to the exact measurements of the respective hoof. Don't buy anything off the shelve, the need to get fitted by a professional to meet the exact needs of the very complex functionality of a hoese's foot. Otherwise the foot and leg can be severely damaged.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #67

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Liz Clarke
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't she a postulant? They go through a stage where they live with the nuns to learn about their lives to see if they want to be one. I presume there's some rules but they haven't taken vows so they're not the same as a nun.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #70

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    BewilderedBanana
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is one of my least favourite logos... I always think it says Hello :)

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #73

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    E Schmitt
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would have thought Justin Beiber could afford better shoes than that.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #76

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Lauren S
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People do go out to eat on holidays. I think it was Christmas and not Thanksgiving this past year, we went to a Chinese food restaurant. It was lovely and they were incredibly sweet with my picky eater kid. We ordered some plainish chicken and broccoli and it was a no go because… sauce. (Which my child just quietly says he’s not hungry and he’s done when he doesn’t want it, it’s sweet actually, polite, we didn’t teach him that). They brought him just steamed chicken and broccoli with nothing (no seasoning, no butter, etc) and he at the sh!t out of it.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #82

    Peppa The Pig At Your Request. #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Feathered Dinosaur
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah give the parents a break. If you have extremely bored but overexcited toddlers and want to have just ONE dinner outside in peace for a change... You're not supposed to whisk out the tablet every time you want your peace of course, but I think it's OK on special occasions.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #83

    #humansoflatecapitalism

    humans_of_capitalism Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sassawrasse
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is a photography tour a sign of a capitalist dystopia?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda