Beyond Comedy: ‘BoJack Horseman’ Unveiling Capitalism’s Struggles and Strains

Introduction

BoJack Horseman, created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, is an animated series that
transcends its initial impression as a satirical comedy. Beneath the humor and absurdity, the show presents a scathing critique of capitalism and how it adversely affects the lives of its characters (Le Pioufle 2021).

The show follows an ex-90s sitcom star that made a fortune from his work. However, very soon into the pilot episode, we see how money has made Bojack vain, vindictive, and self-absorbed. He spends his time, drinking, doing drugs, having one night stands with random women. Consequently, he has been experiencing a downward spiral into depression and narcissism since his show was canceled 18 years ago. His emotional instability following the cancellation reflects the impact of unchecked capitalism. Bojack is mean and manipulative and thinks, because of his very minut fame, he’s better than everyone, but he seems to be unaware of this. His inflated ego and being detached from reality embodies the shallowness made by a system fixated on material success. He lost all work ethic, even if it comes at the expense of everyone else.

This essay will explain capitalism’s adverse effects on the characters in ‘BoJack
Horseman’ that reflect real-life societal challenges. Themes such as exploitative labor practices, the commodification of relationships, and mental health issues. By demonstrating the negative consequences that the characters experience from the relentless pursuit of success and the monetization of human efforts, this essay aims to demonstrate how ‘BoJack Horseman’ serves as a compelling critique of capitalism, drawing parallels to the systemic issues faced in our everyday lives.

Exploitative Labor Practices

Under capitalism, labor exploitation is a prevalent issue where workers’ efforts are
undervalued and overexploited in the pursuit of profit. The system prioritizes maximizing gains for employers, often at the expense of fair wages, humane working conditions, and job security for workers (Zarnett, 2021).

In The Bojack Horseman Show (Season 1, Episode 1), Princess Carolyn, serving as an
assistant to BoJack’s agent Marv, faces the relentless exploitation entrenched within Hollywood’s power dynamics. Over 14 years, Princess Carolyn tirelessly navigates a system that devalues her efforts, constantly catering to Marv’s idiosyncratic demands. Marv dismisses potential projects based on superficial criteria, showing a disregard for quality content and reinforcing a culture of superficiality within the entertainment industry. Princess Carolyn’s struggles echo the real-life experiences of countless assistants and workers who endure overwork, undervaluation, and a
lack of recognition for their contributions in highly competitive industries.

Another instance of this is in the very same episode. BoJack’s book publisher, facing
bankruptcy due to bad investments, pins all their hopes and resources on BoJack’s memoir. During their meeting, the audience witnesses the publisher’s evident distress, contrasting sharply with BoJack’s nonchalant attitude. BoJack’s inability to empathize becomes apparent as he seems disconnected from the publisher’s struggles; his substantial wealth distances him from acknowledging their problems. Despite his capacity to assist by writing the memoir, potentially aiding the struggling publishing company, BoJack chooses not to act. This scene powerfully portrays the stark interaction between different social classes, highlighting how individuals in
higher social strata often overlook or disadvantage those in lower social classes.

This connects to real life because of things like sweatshops and low-wage worker
exploitation. Sweatshops, predominantly located in developing countries, exploit vulnerable workers by offering low wages and subjecting them to hazardous working conditions. These workers, often in the garment, electronics, or manufacturing industries, endure extensive hours in unsafe environments to produce goods for international markets. The lack of regulation and oversight allows companies to prioritize profit margins over the well-being of their workers. The tragic consequences of these exploitative practices have been documented through incidents like
factory collapses and fires, highlighting the dire consequences of prioritizing profit over worker safety. In various sectors, including retail, hospitality, and agriculture, low-wage workers face exploitation due to substandard wages, long working hours, and minimal access to worker rights. Many individuals in these industries struggle to make ends meet, often working multiple jobs to sustain themselves and their families (Vedrovitch, 2023). Limited access to benefits such as healthcare, paid leave, and fair compensation for overtime work exacerbates the cycle of poverty and perpetuates socio-economic disparities.

These real-life instances of labor exploitation echo the themes depicted in ‘BoJack Horseman.’ The show’s portrayal of assistant exploitation in Hollywood reflects broader systemic issues present in different industries worldwide. These exploitative labor practices not only harm individual workers but also contribute to reinforcing social and economic inequalities within society, highlighting the darker side of capitalism’s impact on human lives.

Commodification of Relationships

Capitalism often encourages a transactional view of relationships, where individuals
value connections based on their use and potential for personal gain. Under this structure, relationships are treated like commodities that can be valued or benefited from according to their perceived worth, which is consistent with the capitalist maximization of individual advantage.

The episode, The Dog Days Are Over (Season 5, Episode 2), portrays a party scene that
encapsulates the transactional nature of relationships. Characters engage in interactions that revolve around superficial exchanges that only serve self-benefiting motives. This depiction mirrors real-life scenarios, particularly in influencer culture and social media dynamics, where relationships are often used for personal branding, promotion, or status climbing. The characters’ interactions at the party highlight the shallowness and opportunistic nature of relationships, where genuine connections are scarce among the pursuit of individual gain.

This episode also delves into Diane and Mr. Peanutbutter’s relationship. Diane and Mr.
PeanutButter are two of the supporting characters who play a huge role in Bojack Horseman’s life. Diane and Mr. Peanutbutter’s relationship evolution in BoJack Horseman mirrors the relationship commodification prevalent in today’s capitalist societies. Similar to influencer culture, where connections are cultivated for image and profit, Diane seeks validation and conformity in her marriage, sacrificing authenticity by trying to make herself the “perfect” wife. Mr. Peanutbutter’s pursuit of external validation aligns with social media-driven relationships, prioritizing appearances over genuine emotional connection. Their story is similar to situations in real life where people enter into relationships without considering the depth of their emotions in
order to advance their status or make money.

In today’s capitalist societies, influencer culture exemplifies the commodification of relationships. Influencers frequently develop relationships with the intention of enhancing their reputation or brand. They participate in collaborations or strategic partnerships in order to gain exposure or financial gain. Moreover, social media platforms contribute to relationship commodification, where individuals curate their online personas to enhance marketability or social standing. Studies show that social media usage leads to a shift in interpersonal dynamics, where individuals prioritize image projection over authentic connections, fostering a culture of superficiality and transactional interactions (Subramanian, 2017). The party scene in BoJack
Horseman functions as a lens, illustrating how relationships are impacted by social media and influencer culture, which consequently damages real connections. The show effectively portrays how capitalism encourages transactional relationships, emphasizing self-interest over authentic emotional bonds, mirroring the broader trend of relationship commodification in capitalist societies.

Mental Health Issues

Capitalism, with its emphasis on competition, productivity, and material success,
significantly contributes to mental health issues. The relentless pursuit of success, coupled with societal pressures to achieve specific standards, often leads to stress, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy among individuals striving to meet these expectations. In this competitive environment, mental health often takes a backseat, resulting in widespread psychological distress.

BoJack Horseman is an excellent representation of the toll that social pressures within a
capitalist framework have on mental health. His ongoing battles with depression, addiction, and existential crises throughout the show exemplify the adverse effects of striving for societal standards of success. Episodes such as Stupid Piece of Sht (Season 4, Episode 6) and The View from Halfway Down (Season 6, Episode 15) effectively portray the detrimental effects of capitalism on BoJack’s mental health. These episodes poignantly showcase how the pressures of fame, validation, and societal expectations take a toll on mental well-being.

In Stupid Piece of Sht (Season 4, Episode 6), BoJack’s constant self-criticism and
internal conflict are a reflection of the pressure he has internalized from capitalism’s competitive nature. The relentless pursuit of accomplishment and high standards that define a capitalist society are embodied in the persistent negative self-talk. BoJack’s mental health issues are made worse by his unwavering self-doubt, which is a reflection of the crushing weight of society’s expectations to constantly perform, achieve, and meet impossible standards.

The View from Halfway Down (Season 6, Episode 15) delves into BoJack’s subconscious, where he grapples with existential questions and confronts his past. The pressure to reconcile with past mistakes and the fear of mortality depicted in this episode are symbolic of the haunting consequences of seeking validation in a capitalist world. BoJack’s internal conflicts highlight the dangers of pursuing notoriety, prosperity, and approval from others. They also show how these goals can result in severe mental suffering and an existential crisis. These episodes are illustrations of the toll that capitalism has on people’s mental health. Echoing the larger societal pressures imposed
by capitalism, they draw attention to how the unrelenting pursuit of societal standards of success, fame, and validation within a capitalist framework can fuel internal struggles, leading to depression, addiction, and an overwhelming sense of emptiness.

The rising mental health concerns observed in capitalist-driven societies, as evidenced by increasing rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, draw striking parallels to the struggles depicted in BoJack Horseman. In the United States, where capitalist ideals significantly shape societal norms, reported cases of mental health disorders have notably surged in recent decades. These societal trends mirror the internal battles faced by BoJack, reflecting the detrimental impact of capitalism on mental well-being. Moreover, the prevalence of burnout, anxiety disorders, and other mental health challenges among employees striving to meet demanding work standards, as observed in various industries, mirrors BoJack’s relentless pursuit of success in a competitive environment. (Muschalla, 1970) BoJack’s character embodies the psychological toll of trying to navigate a society fixated on achievement, fame, and external validation. The
series shows a need for societal reflection and reform by illustrating how the competitive, success-driven nature of capitalism can result in serious mental health issues.

Conclusion

BoJack Horseman is a critical critique of capitalism that effectively illustrates the
negative effects on society. The show explores labor exploitation, highlighting how workers are overexposed and devalued in the name of profit. It also effectively depicts the commodification of relationships in a capitalist setting, demonstrating how social pressures result in temporary, transactional relationships. BoJack’s struggles with mental health issues also highlights the toll of societal standards and the emptiness inherent in the pursuit of success within a capitalist framework. Through the incorporation of these themes into the storyline, BoJack Horseman encourages viewers to reflect on the ways in which capitalism has shaped society. The show is an
effective driver for change toward a more just and compassionate society, inspiring viewers to confront and question the negative effects of capitalist systems with its powerful storytelling and nuanced character development.

Source

• Vedrovitch, Sarah. Capitalism and Culture: Radical Anger Hits Our Screens, Socialist
  Appeal, 11 Mar. 2023,
  socialist.net/capitalism-and-culture-radical-anger-hits-our-screens/.
• Le Pioufle, Camille. “University of New Mexico UNM Digital Repository. ” UNM
  Digital Repository, University of New Mexico, 14 May 2021,
  digitalrepository.unm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1148&context=fll_etds
• Zarnett, Brad. “Capitalism Is a Great System…except for Its Complete Disregard for
  Societal Wellbeing. ” Medium, Age of Awareness, 14 Apr. 2021,
  medium.com/age-of-awareness/capitalism-is-a-great-system-except-for-its-complete-disregard-for-societal-wellbeing-1be702044976
• Muschalla, Beate. “Workplace-Related Anxieties and Workplace Phobia : A Concept of
  Domain-Specific Mental Disorders.” Publish.UP Home, Universität Potsdam, 1 Jan.
  1970, publishup.uni-potsdam.de/frontdoor/index/index/docId/1817.
• Subramanian, K.R. “Influence of Social Media in Interpersonal Communication –
  Researchgate.” Influence of Social Media in Interpersonal Communication, International
  Journal of Scientific Progress and Research, 2 Nov. 2017,
  www.researchgate.net/profile/KalpathySubramanian/publication/319422885_Influence_
  of_Social_Media_in_Interpersonal_Communication/links/59a96d950f7e9b2790120fea/In
  fluence-of-Social-Media-in-Interpersonal-Communication.pdf.