The Complex Relationship Between Proletariat and Bourgeoisie in Communism and Capitalism

There is a persistent belief that the proletariat, or working class, supports capitalism, while the bourgeoisie, or upper class, supports socialism or communism. This notion is, however, misleading. The relationship between these two classes, as depicted through the works of George Orwell and other authors, is far more nuanced.

Understanding the Proletariat and Bourgeoisie

George Orwell, in his seminal work 1984, provides a critical insight into the relationship between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie under communism.

In most interpretations, the proletariat is often perceived as helpless and oppressed under communism. However, Orwell portrays the proles differently. According to him, the proles, or the proletariat, are largely kept in a state of contentment and ignorance. In 1984, Orwell describes the proles as uneducated and apolitical, engaged in heavy physical labor, domestic duties, and trivial entertainments:

‘So long as [the Proles] continued to work and breed their other activities were without importance. Left to themselves like cattle turned loose upon the plains of Argentina they had reverted to a style of life that appeared to be natural to them a sort of ancestral pattern... Heavy physical work the care of home and children petty quarrels with neighbors films football beer and above all gambling filled up the horizon of their minds.'

This portrayal suggests that the proles are not actively resisting their oppressors but instead are content with their lives as they are. This complacency is maintained by the bourgeoisie, who successfully control the proles through various mechanisms such as misinformation, the Thought Police, and limited freedom of thought.

Control Through Propaganda and Entertainment

The bourgeoisie's control over the proletariat is evident in how they maintain this status quo. Orwell further illustrates this through the concept of 'bread and circuses.' Juvenal, a satirist in ancient Rome, used these words to describe how the government bought the loyalty of the common people by providing basic needs and entertainment:

The People [aka. “the Proles”] who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses.

In this context, the proles are portrayed as content as long as their basic needs are met and they are entertained. The bourgeoisie, by ensuring that the proles have sufficient food and access to mind-numbing entertainments, can maintain their control over the masses. Similarly, in A Brave New World, the control of the proletariat is achieved through the use of chemical drugs, such as soma, to pacify the people. The drugged state of the proles ensures they remain passive and do not question the status quo.

This kind of social control is not limited to literature; it has historical precedents. In the Soviet Union, for example, the government ensured that the proles had access to affordable food, housing, and education to keep them satisfied. Any form of dissent was ruthlessly suppressed. In the capitalist world, however, the control is subtler. Societal norms, consumerism, and entertainment industries all play a role in maintaining a sense of complacency among the working class.

Political Propaganda and Misinformation

Another tool used by the bourgeoisie is political propaganda and misinformation. By shaping the narrative to suit their interests, the bourgeoisie can maintain their power. For instance, they may claim to be fighting for freedom or justice, when in reality, their goal is to maintain control and drive the proletariat to remain complacent.

Authors like George Orwell and Huxley use their works to expose these hidden truths. Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm, as well as Huxley's A Brave New World, serve as cautionary tales. These writings highlight how the bourgeoisie can manipulate the proletariat through misinformation, entertainment, and even pharmacological means to maintain their power.

Conclusion

The interplay between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie is a complex one, involving control, misinformation, and manipulation. The proletariat may not explicitly support the bourgeoisie, but they are kept content and complacent by a variety of mechanisms, ensuring the status quo remains stable. Whether under communism or capitalism, the bourgeoisie's goal is to maintain control over the proletariat to ensure their own power and freedom. This dynamic is something that deserves careful consideration as we navigate the socio-political landscape of our world.