Hello, and welcome back to The Professional Student! I’ve been slightly absent from posting as life has been busy, but that is about to change. In the third course of my Master of Entrepreneurship in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship program at WCU, Entrepreneurial Feasibility Analysis, students have been tasked with a book reflection assignment.
The book I’ve chosen, Americana, A 400-Year History of American Capitalism, by Bhu Srinivasan, is written from the author’s perspective as a young child who immigrated to the United States from India. As I began reading the book, one thing that jumped out to me during the introduction was that while the freedoms afforded to the citizens of the United States are nice, the reason why people decide to make a move is to take advantage of the many different ways and opportunities there are to make money.
Bhu describes his childhood living in India during the 80s with his parents, who both had college educations, and he recalls the fact that his family did not have a car. They couldn’t afford it despite his parent’s education and jobs. Having a car, which is something almost every American household has, wasn’t possible. However, they could afford a new refrigerator, which was delivered to their house on a cart pulled by an ox.
Reading and learning about Bhu’s upbringing in India makes me appreciate what most Americans take for granted, such as owning a car, internet access, utilities, smartphones, etc. Many things considered normal are actually luxuries, and I have always had this mentality. Anything extra beyond basic living necessities is a luxury, and self reflecting on that statement can do everyone some good during this difficult time of inflated costs. I didn’t grow up with cable television, internet access at home, or a cell phone. Entertainment was found outside, and I am grateful having been raised as probably one of the last generations to experience life before technology took over.
I clearly remember the day I purchased my first cellphone at almost 20. I was at Fort Lee, Virginia, learning my job skills for the Army. Camera phones had just come out, and it was a Samsung flip phone. I enjoyed it until it got taken away by a Drill Sergeant because I wasn’t supposed to have it during part of my military training! A lot has changed, and I think the newer generation of military folks are allowed to have cell phones.
Thanks for stopping by The Professional Student. I hope you enjoyed the beginning of my book reflection, and please don’t forget to like, comment, or reblog.
References
Srinivasan, B. (2018). Americana: A 400-year history of American capitalism. Penguin Press.
Innovative Leadership and Entrepreneurship: A Graduate Student's Perspective 
9 replies on “First Thoughts: Americana, A 400-Year History of American Capitalism By Bhu Srinivasan”
Shawn,
Thank you for sharing! First, I agree with your premise that predominantly, the large migration boom to the US is founded in democracy and capitalism, which affords anyone willing to work hard the chance to prosper. Sadly, not all nations have this very simple freedom and many others are so heavily taxed in socialist regimes that it makes the accumulation of wealth next to impossible. The American democratic/capitalist system makes things possible that many migrants can only dream of and as you mention, many Americans take for granted. Let’s be honest, those of us in this course are interested in using capitalism to help fuel our passions, interests, and economic wellbeing. Transparently, I have worked hard throughout my own life to ensure that my family has everything they might want or need and that sentiment has only grown after having a young son. We often hear phrases such as “money can’t buy happiness” and while these are generally true, they neglect the fact that money and financial freedom can in fact, reduce life stressors. More than anything, I find that capitalism regularly rewards a certain type of person, those willing to go the extra mile and pursue what they want. The Bible verse (Proverbs 21:5) is posted above my own desk, reading “the plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty”. In my own eyes, this is the embodiment of capitalism!
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to learning more from your reflections!
Cheers,
Zane Breeding
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Shawn,
Great intro post for your selected reading! Personally, it’s hard to imagine living in a country without the freedom and opportunities with have here in the States. I think we often get caught up in the race against one another or arguing who is right, and take for granted living in a country with freedom of speech and belief. I looked up a quick statistic and Forbes cites, as of 2024 91% of household in the United States own at least one car. It’s near impossible to imagine an American household, with two college educated parents, unable to afford a vehicle. I agree with Zane’s comment above that the opportunities to increase earnings and benefit from capitalism motivates most of us in this class, so I’m curious to see what you point out throughout your reflections.
Thanks!
Taelor
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Taelor,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts regarding the book I selected for reading. I love our country and am so grateful to live here, but I could also see myself living in another country. I had the opportunity to vacation in Portugal a few years ago, which has a lot of socialism. Medical, college, and public transportation are just a few things citizens do not have to pay for. Sure, there are tradeoffs, such as standard of care, as no system is perfect. The taxes are also higher, so these benefits can be afforded to the citizens of Portugal, but the people seem happier. Who knows what the future will bring?
Kindly,
Shawn
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Shawn,
I think that it is awesome that so many can come here and pursue the “American Dream”. I say that loosely because there are a lot of good stories particularly some good ones about how someone considered less fortunate or with a less than savory start propels themselves to the top, however, there needs to be way more stories. I believe that a lot of people work hard and have great ideas that they don’t get recognition or paid enough for. I’ve honestly seen so many high earners be the “face” of something, and they hardly work or manage their teams effectively. There are a lot of people with degrees and superb skills people who work just as hard trying to climb the financial ladder and don’t get the rewards they deserve. The world is designed for everyone to not be rich. If everyone was rich, who would do the work to pursue someone else’s dream? It’s not because they are not smart enough or don’t have what it takes in a lot of situations, but I don’t want to get too far from the track on this one. I grew up in a time when the outdoors was a thing and technology wasn’t as prevalent. Those were the good times; those were authentic times. I think we all want to generate money because unfortunately there is no other option if you want to survive. You don’t want generations after you to struggle and surf the different phases of the economy. You want to leave it more financially sound for all the people who “got next”.Ultimately, we all just want to survive without worry, and hard times, to be at peace, and to see our loved ones happy and without lack. How we get there if it isn’t given is unknown. Entrepreneurship is simply the guts to try to grab the bulls by the horns and ride without falling off; making money on your own terms; refusing the status quo of traditional hours and bosses in pursuit of of your own happiness. I look forward to your next reflection.
Kind Regards,
Tonya T. Thomas
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Tonya,
Thank you so much for your insightful and well-thought-out response. It sounds like we both grew up during similar times. I just had my 40th birthday last month, and I am grateful to have grown up when I did before life became all about smartphones. I agree with you; our system is imperfect, and many well-deserving people should be recognized and paid more for their work. Your definition of an entrepreneur and entrepreneurship is spot on. One thing I love about entrepreneurship is that it keeps me occupied because I get bored so quickly, and when I become bored with something, I want to move on to the next project!
Kindly,
Shawn
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Hello! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your reflection on “Americana: A 400-Year History of American Capitalism” by Bhu Srinivasan. Your insights into the contrast between the opportunities in the United States and the challenges faced by families in India during the 80s were quite enlightening. It’s compelling to see how Bhu’s personal experiences underscore the broader themes of economic disparity and the pursuit of better opportunities that drive many to immigrate. Your reflection captures the essence of how capitalism in America, while often critiqued, has historically provided avenues for upward mobility that are not as readily available in other parts of the world.
Your personal anecdotes, particularly about your own upbringing and the significance of technological advancements in your life, added a relatable and reflective layer to your analysis. The comparison between Bhu’s childhood and your own highlights a generational shift in the accessibility of technology and basic amenities. I found your story about purchasing your first cellphone and the experiences surrounding it, especially in the context of your military training, to be both nostalgic and illustrative of the rapid pace of technological change.
I appreciate how you highlighted the often-overlooked luxuries that many take for granted, drawing a parallel to Bhu’s experiences. This notion of appreciating what we have, especially in times of economic difficulty and inflated costs, is a poignant reminder of the relative comfort many of us live in. Your reflection not only provides a thoughtful examination of the book but also invites readers to consider their own perspectives on privilege and opportunity.
Additionally, your mention of finding entertainment outdoors and living without many modern conveniences resonates with a simpler, yet fulfilling lifestyle that contrasts sharply with today’s technology-driven environment. This reflection on how your upbringing has shaped your values and appreciation for life’s essentials offers a valuable perspective that many can learn from.
Thank you for sharing this meaningful reflection with us! It’s a wonderful start to your book reflection assignment, and I look forward to reading more about your insights as you delve deeper into the book. Your ability to connect personal experiences with broader economic and social themes enriches the discussion and provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact of capitalism on different facets of life. Please keep up the great work, and I hope to see more of your reflections soon!
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Curtis,
Thanks for your thoughtful response to my reflection. I’m glad you found the value in my analysis of “Americana: A 400-Year History of American Capitalism.” Pointing out the difference between opportunities in different parts of the world and the shift in technology accessibility over time highlights the importance of different perspectives in our blog posts and discussion boards in class.
I’m happy you connected with my reflection, especially appreciating basic living necessities and acknowledging the many overlooked luxuries taken for granted daily. Finding fulfillment and satisfaction in the simpler aspects of life is easier and less stressful than worrying about what you don’t have, at least for me.
Thank you for your feedback and well-thought-out response. I look forward to future conversations and exchanging more stories and experiences throughout the course.
Kindly,
Shawn
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Shawn,
I love history and I am so glad you choose this book!
I have worked with numerous international students and hearing the common phrase, “American’s have no idea how good they have it” occurs a lot. Based on Bhu’s book I believe a similar thought may be in the authors mind, as their sense of wealth and American’s is vastly different.
Working everyday in a homeless shelter I see this even more commonly. A new hire at Open Door Ministries compared our homeless shelter dormitory to a middle school dormitory in China. This simple comparison can really change your thought process, and illustrate why so many people come to America searching for a different life.
It truly does create a matter of perspective.
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Dear Ivan,
I can empathize with you; though I have not worked in an unhoused shelter, during my Army days, I have lived in different countries that Americans might look down on simply for their way of life. I’ve lived in buildings in Afghanistan that were made of literal sticks and mud and infested with rats. I slept on the floor and in a tent with over 500 people in the blazing desert of the Middle Eastern sun, and both of those situations could be considered luxurious, depending on your perspective. A shelter for the unhoused being compared to a dormitory in China really helps put things into perspective. Thank you again for sharing your unique perspective and thoughts!
Kindly,
Shawn
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