The capitalist heroes we forget

11 October 2011The death of Steve Jobs has offered us a symbol which is surprisingly rare: the capitalist as a hero, writes Chris Berg in The Drum Unleashed.

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The tributes to the Apple co-founder have praised his vision, entrepreneurial drive, single-mindedness, how he defied convention, and developed a business model centred on innovation.

These attributes are not unique to Jobs. He is an icon because of our relationship to the products he developed. And Apple made a point of showcasing Jobs - he launched their new products personally.

But his death reveals a peculiar cultural blindness. We don't often celebrate the achievements of capitalist entrepreneurs, in life or in death. Military leaders, political figures, religious and royal icons, yes, but not capitalists.

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Photo: Flickr/COG LOG LAB

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