we are taught that capitalism is good and everything else is bad
Depends on the world you are raised in I guess. I think many are opposed to capitalism, yet happily partake in supporting it through what they demand from the world.
If money is just a token, then why do people spend so much time trying to acquire it?
Because of what it represents and can by turned toward, influence, status and power. Tokens can have value, it doesn't mean that value has to have money.