It's Been a Minute How 'Capitalism' became a dirty word
19 snips
Oct 27, 2025 
Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR political correspondent, and Morgan Jerkins, a prominent writer and editor, tackle the evolving perceptions of capitalism in contemporary culture. They delve into how recent political movements and financial crises have shifted public opinion, particularly among millennials. Jerkins analyzes how film and media portray wealth, contrasting aspirational narratives with recent critical depictions. They explore the intersection of capitalism with race and slavery, emphasizing the complexities of wealth in today's society.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
2020 And Parasite As Cultural Markers
- Morgan Jerkins remembers the Gal Gadot 'Imagine' video in March 2020 as the cultural tipping point.
- She cites Parasite (2019) as an earlier canary in the coal mine for anti-rich storytelling.
Hollywood Turned On The Rich
- Hollywood shifted from aspirational depictions of luxury to stories that critique wealth and inequality.
- Recent works like Succession, Parasite, and The Menu emphasize class divides rather than pure glamour.
Crisis Shook Faith In Markets
- The 2008 financial crisis and bailouts made many millennials question whether capitalism serves ordinary people.
- Visible government rescues for big companies fueled doubts about 'too big to fail' and corporate greed.
