The American Ruling Class film review

July 18, 3:35 PMRochester Atheism ExaminerViktor Nagornyy

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The American Ruling Class

What an astonishing piece of satire spiced with reality! The film exposes American social hierarchy from a different perspective than most films on this subject. Instead of walking up the stairs of this social ladder, Lewis Lapham, takes us down. This unusual view of society gives it a whole new meaning. You haven't seen America until you've seen it from the top.

As cliché saying goes, “freedom is not free.” Our free-market economy was built upon social class system. The price for this freedom is the job they're willing to take when the pay is next to nothing. It is a sacrifice that many Americans make. They work two, three jobs to keep their family fed and housed. While, on the other hand, some folks drive in limousines, fly private jets, dine at 5 star restaurants, and spend thousands of dollars on designer bags.

Mr. Lapham, with an excellent narration, takes you on a journey to show you the American ruling class. From politicians to bankers, we learn that our country is a big corporation on a stock market. People with the money have tremendous influence on the behavior of America. Bankers have our economy in their hands, massaging it, squeezing it, poking it, tearing it apart, and then putting it back together. Such control, though might be invisible to an ordinary Americans, shapes our lives and the course of history.

What made this film so powerful at delivering its message was the music. The lyrics were original, powerful, and meaningful. They deliver a blow to your mind; once you recover from that mental concussion you're back on the track with Mr. Lapham inside social maze – but not lost, rather found.

The American Ruling Class comes to an end, but your mind wants more. What is there past it? The America. The fragile nation under bliss of capitalism is not a republic, it is democratic oligarchy. Where the few can control the nation with money and alter public's choice through unobtrusive methods. It is possible to be part of the American ruling class, but you need to stop trying to get in – you need to let them invite you. Live up to your full potential, and possibilities are limitless.

This film belongs in school. Any college student either in economy or government class should be shown this. It will put things into realistic perspective for the young, determined to succeed students.