99 vs. 1

In sports the team with numbers, either in terms of scores or players, is usually expected to have an upper hand or hold an advantage over an opponent with less. Looking at the global economic disparity, it is clear that the relationship between those who offer services and those in possession of the means of production is no game. This is because the workers who are the majority are controlled by the owners of big businesses. Karl Marx is well known for developing a theory that best explained the relationship of these two.

 (One of Marx's famous works, co-written with Frederick Engels)

 He saw a capitalist run economy whereby the proletariat-the laborers operate under the mercy of the bourgeoisie-the capitalists. He however predicts a rebellion against such a system whereby, the proletariat will revolt against the bourgeoisie and a classless society achieved. Whereby this has not necessarily been the case, some recent events have given weight to Marx’s prophecy.

“We are the 99%” is a famous slogan seen on banners and t-shirts of protesters of the ‘Occupy’ fame. The movement began in Wall Street the financial district of New York City, where protesters demonstrated against the extremely rich and later on the wave spread to London, parts of Greece, Lagos and influenced protesters from other parts of the world, with common problems.

The main grievances of the protesters, who mostly belong to the middle and lower classes, are concerned with income inequality, low wages and the influence of corporations in politics among others.

99 vs. 1 refers to a majority of poor people, the 99, against the rich minority. This is a characteristic feature of most countries and leads to a major class gap hence the society is basically run by the wealthier individuals. These individuals tend to influence politics in their favor and such close ties between large business corporations benefit only a few. Influence in politics may restructure economic practices through free market policies, and even outsourcing. Such practices lead to a somewhat unequal distribution of wealth and may even lead to unemployment in some cases. The resulting effect is that the rich get richer while the poor poorer. 

Looking at this scenario from a Kenyan point of view, it is quite evident that the minority will keep winning. The political elite for instance, are too powerful and command so much influence in the country’s institutions to such an extent that they are almost untouchable. Many cases involving politicians’ scandals have been revealed but most if not all get away with it. Besides that, our politicians use ethnic divisions, much like the colonialists, to conceal the truth from the people. We then become totally divided ethnically and become closed-minded that we cannot see the real issues affecting us. A good example is the trial of the four confirmed Kenyan suspects at the ICC. Through propaganda and hate speech, politicians have managed to twist the issue and deem it as certain tribes being targeted, whilst this is not the case.

Finally, it is time that the 99% globally, rise up against the few. Failure to this the minority will always possess the ability to enslave the majority due to monetary power. The real war is between the rich and the poor; it’s not about race, ethnicity, or any other existing social division, but about class. With a prevailing trend of exploitation by the elite, Marx’s prediction may actually emerge as it has already. The Middle East uprisings and the Occupy movement are an indication that the process is underway.