After, reading Ewert’s article “Morals Criticisms of the Marketlplace”, I would like to focus on the aspects of which I do agree with Ewart, in regards to Selfishness, Materialism, and Individualism:
Selfishness-I agree with Ewert, “free market allows individuals to peacefully pursue their chosen goals and priorities; but it doesn’t dictate or determine those priorities.” “Free Market” has allowed my employer, a small one-doctor, independently owned urgent care/family practice to have continued success after only being in business for a couple of years. It was because of my Employer’s entrepreneur idea to open the business, take a chance on less-than optimal reimbursements from well-known insurance companies, and not to mention the many uninsured patients-he provides care for –at a charge-well below making a profit-yes, he does need to be profitable-not because of his “selfishness”, he too-has responsibilities, ex. Family. Like, the doctor I work for, anyone of us has the ability to become an entrepreneur-and success is to be desired-everyone benefit’s-employer, employees, community, other businesses, more importantly “free market allows us to some extent - the freedom to choose and make decisions without “major restrictions”.
Materialism: I agree with Ewert, “Advertising provides a vital source for consumers by conveying information”. I agree, advertisements, sometimes annoying, however are a great and resourceful way of conveying information, who doesn’t want to know first, the “features and cost” of a vehicle before “ before having wasted time or energy” at the store, or the advertisement for heath or automobile insurance, or prescription drugs-risks and benefits. I do not believe materialism causes people to make poor choices, advertisements may influence a person’s decision, but ultimately it is the person’s individual choice to make a decision.
Impersonalism/Individualism: I agree with Ewert, “Relationships are economic, but not solely economic”. Most people that own or work for a business have customers who they have built meaningful relationships with outside of their employment.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union and Berlin Wall, I would think more people in the United States would be more supportive of a “free market, and “decentralized economic decisions and everyone benefits-consumers and producers-building relationships with each other, and creating successful businesses.