Inequality for All by Robert Reich - Essay Example

Robert Reich is one of the few individuals who has openly condemned the increasing economic inequality in the United States and the world as a whole. Reich had an opportunity to serve as a secretary of labor in the Clinton administration and was among the top effective cabinet secretaries of the twentieth century. His experience in the past years obliged him to prepare a documentary, Inequality for All, to address the issue of inequality as a real cause of the ongoing economic struggles in the United States. America is ranked at the top among the developed countries facing high levels of economic imbalances. His campaign is that inequality is bad for everyone, not just the poor and the middle class. Reich also displays the unfortunate as the most vulnerable population, and they remain helpless in the midst of the rich. In his attempt to sell his opinion to the public Reich questions why only a few benefit from the most prosperous economy in the history of the world and this was not the case until the booming of the economy started. It, therefore, means there is something fundamentally wrong.

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As seen in Inequality for All between 1928 and 2007, this is the range referred to as the peak years of economic concentration and is likened to a suspension bridge. After world war two the economy boomed, and economic imbalance climbed. By early 1980 division grew with the rich accumulating more wealth while everyone else fell behind. The reason the inequality is seen as a disadvantage for all is that America is a consumer-driven economy. In fact, the purchasing power of the middle class, which forms the highest population in the economy, control the economic growth of the country. After post-World War II, there has been some jobs adjustment due to the rising levels of inflation. However, the middle-class incomes have dropped or remained the same over the years leaving earners with little to spend after paying the bills. In such a scenario only the wealthy can afford to meet the market prices, but they cannot make up for the middle-class households who buy lesser as compared to some years back (Cadwalladr 4). Therefore, businesses make small sales, and the economy welcomes very few investments. The result is a deteriorating economy.

In 1978 a typical American worker was making approximately $48000, but after 2010 the same person is earning $33000 a year. On the other hand, an average person among the top 1% of the richest population was making $390000 back then, but his income has trebled to$1100000 within the same time interval (Cadwalladr 3). It is unacceptable how only a few people are in control of the entire economy in the name of capitalism. For instance, everyone is now concerned how CEOs salaries are skyrocketing yet a poor worker continues to earn the same amount of income for the last three decades. It is evident that only a few individuals are in control and are benefiting from the inflated economy.

Lastly, there is a continuous oppression of the poor in the American economy. The issue here is who should take care of the vulnerable and the needy in the society experiencing high levels of inequalities. Reich tries to demonstrate how he survived in the midst of bullies. The only option was to align himself with the strongest boys who in turn protected him from the harsh environment. The same way Reich compares himself to his mini cooper car and assumes they are facing the rest of the world together epitomizes the wealthy and the disadvantaged. For instance, the introduction of tuition fee in the 1970s meant that the poor could not afford higher education and the impact was widely felt in the workforce as opportunities for middle and low-income earners continued shrinking. Also, statistics indicates that 42% of children born in poverty would live there for the rest of their lives (Cadwalladr 4). For this reason, the poor will continue suffering and seeking for assistance from the wealthy who takes advantage of them to accumulate more wealth.

In conclusion, the economy is not inevitable neither does it exist in nature. It can be changed and there is a need for having a balanced economy. The inequality is a huge problem in the United States, and the consequence is a deteriorating economy, the rich accumulating more wealth as the poor continue suffering and oppression of the middle-class earners. The government should, therefore, listen to Reich cry and set a fair economic ground for all to thrive regardless of their financial status.

Work cited

Cadwalladr, Carole. "Inequality for All Another Inconvenient Truth? (2013): n. page. Web.

Inequality for All. New York: Robert Reich, 2013. Video.