Chapter 3 of Johnson

The term Capitalism is an economic system in which investment in an ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained by individuals or corporations. Capitalism was around during the time of the civil war and is still around today in 2007. Capitalism is something that everyone looks at as relating to stocks or money, never would anyone relate it to slavery. In Chapter 3 of Johnson, capitalism is looked at as a cause of slavery then and now.
In the history of the United States capitalism has played a part in racism. Even before the Civil War, white plantation owners would use capitalism to make a profit for themselves. African American slaves were used for cheap labor on cotton and tobacco plantations in the south. The African American slaves were used for economic reasons. Planters chose to minimize labor costs by using slaves instead of paying free workers a living wage. Even after the Civil War in 1860, capitalism controlled the African Americans. A way capitalism was used to control workers was to keep them worried over the possibility of losing their job for complaining about their working conditions or asking for higher wages.
Does capitalism still play a part in racism today? I do not believe capitalism plays a role in racism in today’s society. With minorities beginning to earn more and become wealthy, they also have been taking part in capitalism. Capitalism today is not what it was in the 1800s. Capitalism today does not cause hardship as it did back then and even though in terms of trying to make a profit, it is done in the right way. In Chapter 3 of Johnson I realized that capitalism was used as a way for white plantation owners to make a buck. Money and greed went to their heads and instead of thinking for other people like the African American slaves they thought of the profit they would receive in return.
I believe capitalism was a corrupt system. One that gave a black eye to the United States of America for causing racial discrimination in our country. Today, I believe it has changed for the better. Even though capitalism brings along pride, competition, and profit in return for a better living for ones family, I believe it is done the right and correct way.