Communism and Its Growing Appeal to Gen Z

 

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In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the political views and ideologies of Generation Z, those born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s. This generation has shown a growing interest in socialist and communist ideologies, marking a departure from the capitalist beliefs that have dominated American politics for decades. This shift can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the economic challenges faced by younger generations, a distrust of traditional institutions, and a desire for more equitable and inclusive social policies.

One of the main reasons why Generation Z has shown an affinity for socialist and communist ideologies is the economic challenges they say they face. Many young people today are burdened with high levels of student loan debt of their own doing, perceived low wages, and the rising cost of living. These economic struggles have led many in Generation Z to question the efficacy of capitalism and the distribution of wealth in society (Bidenomics is not working). Socialist and communist ideologies place their focus on income equality and social welfare. For example, President Joe Biden has made every attempt to cancel student debt loans by Executive Order, only to be struck down by the Courts. In this scheme, taxpayers would have to repay these loans, none of which they agreed to do.

Moreover, Generation Z has grown up in a post-9/11 world marked by a series of crises, including a Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept everyone masked and the country shut down for a long time. This has had a psychological effect on younger people such as children not being able to attend school and engaging with their friends. These events have eroded trust in traditional institutions, such as the government, media and corporations, and have left many young people feeling disillusioned with the current state of affairs. Socialist and communist ideologies, which emphasize collective action and social welfare, offers, in their view, a sense of community and solidarity in times of crisis. However, their version of “sense of community” includes vandalizing private/public property, blocking highways and burning down buildings while calling out Conservatives as “fascists.”

Another factor contributing to Generation Z's embrace of socialist and communist ideologies is their desire for more inclusive and equitable social policies. Socialist and communist ideologies, with their emphasis on social welfare programs, universal healthcare, and free education, resonate with Generation Z's values of equality and justice. However, if we examine some of these “values,” it’s not all what it appears to be. For instance, their calls for defunding the police, which would later be proven to be a colossal mistake. Democrats in blue states complied this nonsensical strategy and stood by as crime soared in their respective cities and states. Additionally, there is no such thing as “free.” Under their ideological paradigm, all services including healthcare, education, daycare, and other services would be paid by taxpayers, which means taxes would have to be raised, causing more inflation and a downward spiral of the economy. Private property would no longer exist. Economically speaking, raising wages will only have employers seeking out technologies to replace workers which is already happening more frequently in states like California, that appear to be embracing these ideologies.

Furthermore, the rise of social media platforms and the internet has played a significant role in shaping Generation Z's political beliefs. Young people today have access to a wealth of information and can easily connect with like-minded individuals around the world. This has allowed socialist and communist ideologies to gain traction among Generation Z, as they are exposed to a wider range of political perspectives and can engage in political discourse more easily than previous generations. Democrats have come to embrace these ideologies by pushing Marxist policies and agendas that favor a welfare type state. Left leaning media and their pundits feed into this by demonizing Conservatives and law-abiding citizens. Censorship also plays a crucial role in propping up these ideologies.

Moreover, the political landscape in the United States and around the world has shifted in recent years, with the rise of populist movements that have fueled divisions. Generation Z, with its commitment to inclusivity and social justice, may see socialist and communist ideologies as a potential antidote to the divisive politics of the present.

However, it is important to note that the embrace of socialist and communist ideologies by Generation Z is not without its challenges. These ideologies have a complex history, marked by instances of authoritarianism and human rights abuses in countries that have implemented them. As such, it is crucial for young people to realize their problems and drawbacks, and to truly understand serious implications.

Two political figures stand out representing these ideologies and appeal to younger voters: Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and U.S. House Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY). Both are two prominent figures in American politics who share several key similarities. One such similarity is their shared commitment to progressive ideals and policies (socialist and Communist) aimed at creating a more equitable society. Both Sanders and AOC advocate for issues such as universal healthcare, a living wage, and combating climate change by throwing more money at it (essentially a money/power grab), all of which align with their vision for a more just and inclusive society.

They appeal to younger voters and their ability to galvanize grassroots support. Both politicians have been able to mobilize a large base of enthusiastic supporters, particularly among younger voters who are drawn to their advocating for progressive change. This has been a key factor in their success and has helped to solidify their positions as influential voices within the Democratic Party.

Furthermore, both Sanders and AOC have been outspoken critics of corporate influence in politics and their perceived growing economic inequality in the United States. They have both been vocal advocates for campaign finance reform and have rejected contributions from corporate PACs, instead relying on small dollar donations from individual supporters. However, both Sanders and AOC have had a very difficult time explaining how they are now worth millions of dollars on a Congressional salary and have multiple homes. Corruption is the irony here.

What Socialism and Communism offers is lack of responsibility and the freedom to be creative, successful and live freely under a capitalistic society. Those that aspire to them, particularly the younger generation, do not want to take the time to invest in themselves and seek alternative ways to have everything handed to them free of any real responsibility. As citizens of Communist countries are quick to point out, do not believe all the propaganda that places these ideologies on a pedestal. Many of these citizens are not free to live as they choose, start a business or engage and have a voice in representative politics. Perhaps, serving your country would instill patriotism and traditional values that our forefathers sacrificed so that future generations would be free from tyranny. Military service is one way to instill these qualities.

Benjamin Franklin said, “a Republic if you can keep it” in response to Elizabeth Willing Powel's question: "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" Franklin was spot on.

The United States of America was built on liberty, freedom and “the pursuit of happiness.”