Marxism's Appeal to Gen Z: Theory vs. Reality

 

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Marxism, as a political and economic philosophy and ideology, has been gaining traction among the younger generation in America in recent years.

Marxism is a complex and multifaceted political and economic theory that was developed by the famous German philosopher and revolutionary thinker Karl Marx in the mid-19th century. It is a critical analysis and critique of capitalism, the dominant economic system in the modern world. Marxism seeks to understand the underlying dynamics of capitalist societies and to provide a revolutionary path towards a more “just and equal” society.

Who was Karl Marx?

Karl Marx is one of the most influential figures in the fields of philosophy, economics, and political theory. Born in 1818 in Trier, Germany, Marx grew up in a middle-class family with a long history of political activism. He studied law and philosophy at the University of Bonn and the University of Berlin, where he was exposed to the ideas of Hegel and Feuerbach, which would later influence his own theories.

After completing his education, Marx worked as a journalist and editor for various newspapers, where he began to develop his ideas about communism and socialism. In 1848, he co-authored the Communist Manifesto with Friedrich Engels, outlining their vision for a classless society where the means of production are owned collectively.

Throughout his life, Marx continued to write and publish works that critiqued capitalism and imperialism, including Das Kapital, his most famous work, which detailed the exploitative nature of the capitalist system and the alienation of the working class.

Marx's theories inspired social movements around the world, leading to the formation of Marxist political parties and revolutionary movements in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His ideas also had a profound impact on the development of sociology, labor economics, and political science.

Despite his influence, Marx faced significant opposition from governments and intellectuals who viewed his ideas as a threat to their power and authority. He was expelled from several countries and faced censorship and harassment throughout his life.

Marx spent much of his life in poverty, struggling to make ends meet as he devoted himself to his writing and activism. Despite his hardships, he remained committed to his vision of a “just and equitable” society, where working people would have control over their own lives and destinies.

At its core, Marxism is a materialist theory that focuses on the relationship between the means of production, the social classes that emerge from this relationship, and the struggles that occur between these classes. Marx argued that history is driven by the conflict between the ruling class, which owns and controls the means of production, and the working class, which must sell their labor in order to survive.

One of the key concepts of Marxism is the idea of class struggle. According to Marx, the history of all societies is the history of class struggles, with different epochs defined by the dominant mode of production and the conflicts it engenders. In capitalist societies, the primary contradiction is between the bourgeoisie, or the capitalist class, and the proletariat, or the working class. The bourgeoisie seeks to extract as much surplus value from the labor of the proletariat as possible, while the proletariat seeks to improve their conditions through collective action.

Marxism also emphasizes the importance of dialectical materialism, a method of analysis that views society as a dynamic and evolving system of contradictions and conflicts. In this framework, social change is driven by the contradictions between the forces of production, such as technology and labor, and the relations of production, such as property rights and class hierarchies. These contradictions lead to periodic crises and upheavals, ultimately paving the way for revolutionary change.

One of the central goals of Marxism is to achieve a classless society, where the means of production are owned and controlled democratically by the people. This vision of a socialist society is based on the principles of equality, solidarity, and cooperation, where individuals are free to pursue their interests and develop their full potential without the constraints of exploitation and oppression.

Marxism has had a profound impact on a wide range of academic disciplines, including sociology, politics, economics, and history. It has inspired countless revolutionary movements and struggles for social justice around the world, from the Russian Revolution of 1917 to the anti-colonial movements in Africa and Asia. Marxism has its rigid dogmatism and has been implemented in authoritarian regimes.

For the younger generation, Marxism offers a vision of a more “equal and just” society, which resonates with the idealistic and socially conscious younger generation. Many young people are disillusioned with the current political and economic system, which they see as corrupt and failing to serve the needs of the majority. Marxism offers an alternative to this system, advocating for the redistribution of wealth and power to create what they see as a more “equitable” society.

The historical and cultural “relevance” of Marxism also appeals to the younger generation, as they search for models and movements that have challenged and transformed the status quo. Marxism has a long history of inspiring social movements and revolutions around the world, from the labor movements of the 19th century to the decolonization struggles of the 20th century. Young people are drawn to the radical and revolutionary aspects of Marxism, seeing it as a tool for social change and liberation.

Furthermore, the rise of social media and digital activism has made it easier for young people to access information about Marxism and connect with like-minded individuals such as Democrat Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY), who regularly pushes for Socialist policies. Online platforms and communities allow young people to engage with Marxist ideas and debates, sharing resources and organizing actions to advance their political goals. The accessibility of information and resources has helped to popularize Marxism among the younger generation, who are increasingly turning to social media as a way to engage in political discourse and activism.

Marxism encourages young people to question dominant ideologies and explore new ideas, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and political activism. Young people are drawn to the inclusive and intersectional approach of Marxism, which seeks to address all forms of “oppression.”

The United States is a capitalistic economy where opportunities to do well are afforded to every American provided, they work hard, are accountable and responsible. Nothing is “free.” Younger Americans should really do a deep historical dive into why Marxism is not all what is promises to be. It doesn’t work. In countries where this ideology is employed, the wealthy elites do well while the rest of the population struggles. The perception that Marxism is the answer is just that, a perception. Perhaps the younger generation should really consider two things before jumping on board the Marxism train: first speak with people who have lived under that ideology, then spend one year in a country with Marxist policies and experience everyday life. We’re willing to bet a lot of minds would be changed. However, because we live in a free society, it’s easy to just want this ideology for everyone. The younger generation simply doesn’t understand what is at stake, what is involved. They have no real experience or appreciation for what they have because they have never lived in tough times. The Democrat Party and their allies, to entice the younger generation to vote for them, preach that we need employ this ideology by giving away "free" stuff without a shred of responsibility. 

Wonder if the younger generation realizes they, too, will be taxed excessively to live the Marxist life.