- How would you characterize the WWE? Who is the owner? How much revenue do they make? How many fans watch WWE?
- According to Oliver, what is unusual about the wrestlers that work for WWE? In what respect do they differ from workers in different occupations?
- What has the ownership of the WWE done to make it easier to exploit wrestlers? Why do you think they do not consider wrestlers as employees? If you were a capitalist, would this be a good decision? Would you do the same?
- In what ways are the wrestlers alienated?
- In what ways are the wrestlers exploited?
- Capitalism relies on free competition between companies and freedom to pursue private profits. Do you think there is much competition in professional wrestling? Why or why not? What happened in the early days of professional wrestling? How does this help exploit wrestlers?
- Do you think Vince McMahon is responsible? Do you think he should structure the WWE differently? What should the government do?
- How is the NFL different? What did professional football players do differently to protect their interests? (you may have to research this online).
- Why do you think the wrestlers accept the conditions of the WWE? Do you think the fans can make a difference? Why or why not?
- Engels described the bourgeoisie as: “I have never seen a class so deeply demoralised, so incurably debased by selfishness, so corroded within, so incapable of progress, as the English bourgeoisie…For it nothing exists in this world, except for the sake of money…Ultimately it is self-interest, and especially money gain, which alone determines them” (Engels: 301).” Do you think this is an accurate description of Vince McMahon? Why or why not?
- How would Marx address the issue of sexism and racism in the WWE?
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