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one of the inevitable consequences of a larger & more appealing tent for socialism (especially thanks to bernie) was always going to be people A) mistaking themselves for socialists, and/or B) mistaking socialism for a product
in 2015-16, the bernie campaign ultimately positioned itself as contrary to the norms of liberal/democratic candidates. similarly, trumpâs campaign rejected the more boring/pragmatic strategies of republicans.
likewise, their movements attracted some very online contrarians.
likewise, their movements attracted some very online contrarians.
while itâs disappointing, thereâs a reason for whatâs sometimes seen as a âpipelineâ between the alt-right and the left, especially in online media circles: firmly held contrarianism (often edgy) is easily mistaken for Having Ideas, and charisma can often disguise shallowness
the reality is that, yes, the âedgelord turned socialistâ thing is a grift. the issue seems to be that many of these folks have bought it themselves: they truly believe they are socialist organizers because they repackage flimsy liberal edicts in red-and-yellow wrapping paper
the unfortunate side-effect of this is not that we have more interest in socialism (though the # of existing socialists is now artificially inflated), but that the concept of âsocialist organizationâ is watered down to the point where a literal soc org is considered an obstacle
Atlantaâs DSA chapter, practically by default, canât impede anyoneâs ability to organize socialist action. they are an organization unto themselves. there is no reason for them to organize for anything less than their intended/desired purpose, let alone for misguided liberals
