bbc.com
New Play Dramatizes RBS Collapse, Sparks Debate on Economic Inequality
Make it Happen," a new play at the Edinburgh International Festival, dramatizes the rise and fall of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), starring Brian Cox as the ghost of Adam Smith, and exploring themes of economic inequality and social justice.
- What are the immediate societal impacts and implications revealed by the play "Make it Happen" regarding the RBS financial crisis?
- Make it Happen," a new play premiering at the Edinburgh International Festival, dramatizes the rise and fall of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), exploring the bank's collapse and its broader societal impact. Veteran actor Brian Cox, playing the ghost of Adam Smith, uses the play as a platform for social protest, highlighting the need for a fairer society. The play, a collaboration between the National Theatre of Scotland, Dundee Rep, and the festival, is one of thousands of shows at this year's Edinburgh festivals.
- How does the play "Make it Happen" connect the story of RBS's collapse to broader themes of economic inequality and social justice?
- The play uses the RBS collapse as a lens to examine broader issues of wealth inequality and economic justice. Brian Cox's participation reflects his concern for social equity and his commitment to using his platform to advocate for change. The play's exploration of Adam Smith's philosophy, contrasting "The Wealth of Nations" with "The Theory of Moral Sentiments," adds another layer to this critique of unchecked capitalism.
- What are the potential long-term impacts and societal shifts that could result from the critical examination of the RBS collapse presented in "Make it Happen"?
- The play's success and the significant media attention it's receiving could spark wider conversations about corporate responsibility and the systemic issues that led to the RBS crisis. The focus on Adam Smith's moral philosophy may prompt a re-evaluation of economic theories and their societal impact. The play's themes of economic inequality and social justice, amplified by Cox's prominent role, may inspire future artistic and political engagement.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story primarily around Brian Cox and his personal connection to the play, rather than a balanced overview of the Edinburgh International Festival or a detailed analysis of the play itself. The headline and initial paragraphs emphasize Cox's involvement and his political views, potentially leading readers to focus on these aspects more than the artistic merit or wider implications of the production. The inclusion of quotes from Cox, but fewer from others involved in the play or the festival, further reinforces this framing bias.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but certain descriptions could be considered subtly loaded. Phrases like "megalomaniac billionaire" to describe Logan Roy (a character Cox played) and "Fred the Shred" for Fred Goodwin carry negative connotations that might influence reader perception. While these are arguably descriptive, more neutral alternatives could be used. The repeated emphasis on Cox's "protest" and the "tough" aspects of his upbringing, though reflecting his own viewpoint, could also be considered subtly biased.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Brian Cox's personal experiences and views, potentially neglecting other perspectives on the play, the Edinburgh International Festival, or the RBS financial crisis itself. While the inclusion of Dr. Susan Hetrick's perspective offers some balance, a broader range of opinions from critics, economists, or RBS employees could provide a more complete picture. The article's emphasis on Cox's protest and political views may overshadow other aspects of the play and festival.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present a false dichotomy in the explicit sense of offering only two opposing viewpoints. However, by centering heavily on Brian Cox's perspective and his protest-oriented interpretation of the play, it implicitly suggests a simplistic view of the complex issue of the RBS financial crisis. The crisis is portrayed mainly through the lens of wealth inequality and the need for a 'better break' for people, potentially neglecting other contributing factors and interpretations.
Gender Bias
The article features several prominent male figures (Brian Cox, Fred Goodwin, Adam Smith) while female representation is limited to Dr. Susan Hetrick, whose perspective is presented primarily in relation to her professional experience at RBS. While there is no overt gender bias in language, the imbalance in representation could be improved by including more female voices from among the artists, directors, or other participants in the festival.
Sustainable Development Goals
The play "Make it Happen" tackles the issue of the Royal Bank of Scotland financial crisis, highlighting the consequences of unchecked capitalism and the need for a more equitable economic system. Brian Cox's comments about giving people a "better break" and the play's exploration of economic disparity directly relate to reducing inequality. The play serves as a platform to examine systemic issues that contribute to wealth disparity and advocate for fairer economic practices.