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Capitalism vs Socialism Rock, Paper, Scissors Game

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The Rules: DO NOT EAT YOUR CANDY ! Two opponents face off at one time.Two opponents face off at one time. The winner takes one lifesaver from the loser.The winner takes one lifesaver from the loser. You may compete as long as you have at least one lifesaver. When you lose all of your candy, return to your seat.You may compete as long as you have at least one lifesaver. When you lose all of your candy, return to your seat. When at your seat, get out a piece of paper and answer the questions on the next slide.When at your seat, get out a piece of paper and answer the questions on the next slide.

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Debriefing How did you feel at the start of the game?How did you feel at the start of the game? How did you feel when you ran out of candy and had to quit the game?How did you feel when you ran out of candy and had to quit the game? What could you have done to get back into the game?What could you have done to get back into the game? Why didnt you do this?Why didnt you do this? Do you think this game was fair? Why or why not?Do you think this game was fair? Why or why not? Now that the game is over, what action could Mrs. Silverman take, if any, to make the game fair? Should she do this? Why or why not?Now that the game is over, what action could Mrs. Silverman take, if any, to make the game fair? Should she do this? Why or why not?

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Karl Marx and Communist Theory Marx believed that the capitalist system would eventually destroy itselfMarx believed that the capitalist system would eventually destroy itself He believed the large proletariat (working class) would revolt and seize factories/mills from the capitalists and produce what society needsHe believed the large proletariat (working class) would revolt and seize factories/mills from the capitalists and produce what society needs Eventually, the govt would whither away and a classless society would share all goods/services equallyEventually, the govt would whither away and a classless society would share all goods/services equally HOW DOES THIS THEORY RELATE TO OUR GAME?HOW DOES THIS THEORY RELATE TO OUR GAME?

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CAPITALISM Private Ownership Freedom of Competition Results in Unequal Economic Classes CLASS STRUGGLE Wealthy class and workers struggle over money Marxist Theory * R / P / S Game CAPITALISM Students own candy Played R/P/S Some Won/Most Lost Everything CLASS STRUGGLE Winners and losers struggle over candy

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WORKERS REVOLT! Plan to get candy back (steal) & argue about fairness SOCIALISM Mrs. S. collects candy Redistributes candy equally Students have same amount of candy WORKERS REVOLT! Working class carries out plan to overtake upper class SOCIALISM Government owns industry GOAL: Economic Equality Aims for a classless society Marxist Theory * R / P / S Game

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COMMUNISM Students refuse to play the game again but share candy equally Mrs. S would no longer need to supervise COMMUNISM Goal of a classless society is achieved; Goods/services shared equally No government is needed Marxist Theory * R / P / S Game

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Recap The game (capitalism) started with an unequal distribution of candy (wealth). A few students (the wealthy) had far greater resources than the rest of the class (the working class).The game (capitalism) started with an unequal distribution of candy (wealth). A few students (the wealthy) had far greater resources than the rest of the class (the working class).

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Recap A few students (the wealthy) were able to prosper during the game (capitalism). Their advantage made it virtually impossible for the rest of the students (working class) to succeed in the game (capitalism)A few students (the wealthy) were able to prosper during the game (capitalism). Their advantage made it virtually impossible for the rest of the students (working class) to succeed in the game (capitalism)

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Recap Those who succeeded (the wealthy) in the game (capitalism) support it. Those who did not succeed (the working class) pointed out its unfairness and generally wanted to change the game (change the system).Those who succeeded (the wealthy) in the game (capitalism) support it. Those who did not succeed (the working class) pointed out its unfairness and generally wanted to change the game (change the system).

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Recap As frustration with the game (capitalism) mounted, some students (working class) suggested alternative solutions for making distribution of candy (wealth) more equal (socialism).As frustration with the game (capitalism) mounted, some students (working class) suggested alternative solutions for making distribution of candy (wealth) more equal (socialism).

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Recap Mrs. Silverman (government) collected the candy (wealth) and redistributed them equally (socialism). Thus, no student had more candy (wealth) than another (resulting in a classless society).Mrs. Silverman (government) collected the candy (wealth) and redistributed them equally (socialism). Thus, no student had more candy (wealth) than another (resulting in a classless society).

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QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: Based on this activity, what are some advantages of a Marxist, classless society? What are some disadvantages?Based on this activity, what are some advantages of a Marxist, classless society? What are some disadvantages? What do you think workers in England (or peasants in Russia) might have thought about Marxs ideas?What do you think workers in England (or peasants in Russia) might have thought about Marxs ideas? Are there any organizations or governments in the world today that adhere to Marxs ideas?Are there any organizations or governments in the world today that adhere to Marxs ideas?

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SOCIALIST or CAPITALIST? Milton High SchoolMilton High School A childs lemonade standA childs lemonade stand A soup kitchenA soup kitchen A government that provides health care for all citizensA government that provides health care for all citizens The local fire departmentThe local fire department The Dow Jones industrial average increased 15 points (Stock Market)The Dow Jones industrial average increased 15 points (Stock Market)

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SOCIALIST or CAPITALIST? You sell a candy bar for 25 cents more than what you bought it forYou sell a candy bar for 25 cents more than what you bought it for Yosemite National ParkYosemite National Park Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream CompanyBen and Jerrys Ice Cream Company The Post OfficeThe Post Office Mrs. Silverman rewards students with As on test with candyMrs. Silverman rewards students with As on test with candy Group members all get the same grade on a projectGroup members all get the same grade on a project