Communist Manifesto Research Paper

“Working men of all countries, unite!” This conclusion to one of the most notable pieces of critical literature written, the Communist Manifesto, a philosophy of where the working class was no longer the oppressed, and sought to bring workers of all nations together and revolt against the system in place. At the time, it was obvious that those who were working hard, were also those who were not moving anywhere in the social order class system that was in place when Marx had written the Manifesto. Known as the founding documents of the Communist party, Marx argued that private property should be abolished as well as the right of inheritance, a heavy progressive income tax, as well as other things. Marx was fighting against the bourgeoisie, those who had not
worked for the property or luxury that they were able to afford. Comparatively, in the film Antz, parts of the ideals of Communism are depicted throughout the film, along with other forms of governments. The colony was led like a Communist country, an aristocracy, and had a totalitarianism setup. Communism, for example, was a major part of the story. The government dictated the entire colony and every aspect of the ant’s lives. The film depicts a struggle between the working class and the social class, like the Manifesto, while at the same time, showing the importance of individualism, which went against what Marx stood for. However, though numerous scenes of the film contradict it, several comparisons can be made throughout the film with the Communist Manifesto. One of the most indisputable scenes that can be compared to the Manifesto, is in the beginning.
Z is one who feels depressed, and believes that he is worthy of a much more respectable job. The conditions that the “worker” ants are forced to work in are mostly miserable, and the ants have no choice of how long to work or what job they are allowed to do. Z specifically says that is searching for something bigger, something that will fulfill his wishes as an ant. This can be seen in the Manifesto, when Marx is speaking of the working class that has the ability of being something much bigger than what it they are now. The Manifesto begins by addressing the issue of class antagonism. Marx writes, "The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles." (14) Throughout history we see the oppressor and oppressed in constant opposition to each other. This fight is sometimes hidden and sometimes open. As seen in Antz, where the oppressed were the working ants, and the oppressors would be the General, and even the royal family, who were the bourgeoise. The oppressors would be unable their lives as efficiently as they do without the worker ants, who are the means of production for the
bourgeoisie. Another scene that was just as relatable to Communism, was shown where the newborn ants were given their jobs. Ideally, in a Communist society, the government dictates every aspect of the citizens life. This was displayed in Antz, by giving the newborn the job of soldier or as a worker. Unfortunately, they were not even given the chance to make the decision for themselves, however individualism was fought against, as seen later in the film. Marx also fought against the idea of using the family as a labor force, which was seen in the film as well. Whence the child was born, they were given a job title and sent into the labor force as soon as possible. Marx believed that the family was not there for earning capital, thus family must be abolished if it was being used as a means of gaining more, which resulted in nothing in the end, considering that the working class was unable to move up in the social order. The society that the film displayed was already heavily considered Communist. With the government being the bourgeoisie, or aristocratic, and the other parts having Totalitarian elements, the entire film seemed to be fighting Communism while accepting it at the same time. With Z pushing his fellow citizens to be individuals, and the General forcing individualism away, it was both with and against Marxist thought. One of the most interesting scenes that shows an interesting perspective on the Communistic ideals, is when Z is at the bar, and decides to dance with Princess Bala. When he makes the decision to go against the norm of what they ants are told to do, and others begin to notice, he is considered a “trouble-maker” for having individualistic thought. Instantly a riot breaks out. The society that the ants live in go against individualism, and believe it to be the essence of what they fight against. Throughout the rest of the movie, Z fights for his place in society, by being an individual, no longer worried about what the consequences may be. Interestingly enough, General Mandible can be seen as carrying out pure Marxist thought when he says, “... now you see how dangerous individualism can be.” Emphasizing that the riots are a direct affect of Z escaping and searching for a better place, and telling the others to take a stand by becoming individuals. Throughout the Manifesto, it speaks about how important it is to come together by being a unit, which is the only way they proletarian will be able to destabilize the bourgeoisie. There are many important concepts of Communism explored throughout the film, such as social orders, individualism, and direct oppression. Though most of the film does not single out Communism as the main form of government, it is a direct relation between many of the ideas that the main characters either fight for or against. It is important to realize that though this is not reality, it is how Marx wished to see the working class take action against the government, which was oppressing the workers. The movie did display an substantial amount of ideas that the Manifesto hoped to see through.