Stephens Inc. launches initiative to ‘redirect’ negative narrative of capitalism

A new initiative from Little Rock-based Stephens Inc. aims to highlight capitalism’s positive impact on America.

A multi-media series titled “This is Capitalism” aims to redirect the “currently negative narrative” around capitalism with a series of videos that illustrate successful examples of the free market.

Stephens announced the project in a news release Monday (May 22).

“Throughout my tenure, I have become increasingly concerned by a shift in the perception of capitalism and what it means to our country. Few ideas and institutions are as misunderstood as capitalism is today,” Stephens Inc. President and CEO Warren Stephens said in a statement. “No other economic system has lifted more people out of poverty than capitalism. It is why America today serves as the gold standard across the globe. It is time to reclaim the term in recognition of the inherent social contract that underlies capitalism and the good it can do for our society.

“It is our hope that with these uniquely American stories we will start a dialogue about the positive impact free market enterprise has on our country and communities.”

More on the series can be found here. The films, which serve as the cornerstone of the project, highlight the accomplishments of:

• Alexander Hamilton: An immigrant who rose through the ranks to become George Washington’s aide-de-camp and later the “father” of the American economic system.
• Madam CJ Walker: A woman, born on the same plantation where her parents were enslaved, who through her hair care business became the United States’ first African-American female self-made millionaire.
• Helena Rubinstein: A Polish immigrant to the United States who forged her own path in the beauty industry and helped make it more approachable for women across the globe.
• Jack Stephens: An Arkansan who simultaneously helped transform a family company, his home state and the financial services sector.
• Chuck Williams: A veteran whose passion for French food and cookware inspired him to create an entire industry of high-end culinary products for the American home chef.
• Sam Walton: A retailer who was told that his idea for lowering prices for consumers, by streamlining production was impossible, later founded Wal-Mart Stores, the world’s largest company by revenue.

“This is Capitalism” is an ongoing initiative, according to the company, and will be regularly updated with new American stories and perspectives.

Stephens Inc. is a privately-held, full-service investment banking firm.