Distinguishing between capitalist and socialist countries is getting harder and harder. To help make meridian-street readers tell the difference, here is a helpful guide.

1. Shave Ice – In a capitalist country this treat begins with a scoop of ice cream that is covered with a pile of snow-like ice, then your choice of up to three flavors of syrup, and capped with whipped cream or sweet cream. In a socialist country Shave Ice is a cup of room-temperature water flavored with a pinch of salt. (Ed. note: Just got back from Hawaii, so had this on my mind).
2. Prices – In capitalist countries prices are given in decimal based currencies like dollars, yen, pounds, euros, etc. In socialist countries prices are given in wheelbarrows-full (WBF). 
3. Marijuana – In socialist countries marijuana is illegal and bought on the black market. In capitalist countries marijuana is legal but bought on the black market since legal weed is so heavily taxed it’s too expensive.
4. Higher Education – In a socialist country college is free and you are taught that your country can do no wrong. In a capitalist country college costs you $100,000 and you are taught that your country can do no right. 
5. Medical Care – In a socialist country if your doctor tells you that you need an EKG you have to wait six months to get one. In a capitalist country if your doctor tells you that you need an EKG you have to walk all the way down the hall to get one.
6. Soup – In a capitalist country soup comes in a hundred varieties. In a socialist country soup is a cup of warm water with a pinch of salt for flavor. 
7. Immigration – In socialist countries there is no such thing as an “illegal immigrant” because no one immigrates. In capitalist countries there is no such thing as an “illegal immigrant,” however, there are undocumented workers, dreamers, visitors, future democrats, etc. 
8. Wages – In a socialist country like Russia, the minimum wage is $236 a month, so workers have little motivation. In capitalist countries like the U.S. the minimum wage is $1,256 a month, so workers have little motivation. 
9. Food – In a socialist country you wait in line to buy bread only to be frustrated when they run out before you get to the front. In capitalist countries you go to the bread aisle and get frustrated when they don’t have the thin sliced, gluten free bread you like, and have to settle for the thicker sliced gluten free bread. 
10. Dreams – In capitalist countries children dream of growing up to be social media influencers. In socialist countries children dream of growing up to be social media influencers.