I was watching a TikTok live of a fellow comrade and saw a message in the chat by “user bunch-of-numbers” that said MAGA Communism was the future.
I, stupidly, responded “no it isn’t, come on now.” I did so because I wanted to shut that shit down immediately but that only spurred him on. I should’ve known better.
He responded with “yes it is, you are a rad lib.”
Notice how he insulted me first? So in turn I responded “MAGA communism is not the future, you’re a weirdo conservative.” While I usually keep the insults in my mind and try to stay level headed, I felt comfortable matching energy because he called me a fucking radlib.
He then continued “most of the American proletariat are Trumpers and we need to reach them.”
I said “yes, the working class should be reached but not while validating their bigotries.” I believe that you have to meet people where they are at, mostly regarding education such as not using unfamiliar words or concepts, while NOT validating their hatred of minorities.
He countered “Stalin and the Red Army defeated Hitler, not blue haired multigenders.” I shit you not, this is what he said. I never specified what bigotry I was talking about since MAGA people embody them all, but he seemed to get really defensive over my statement.
I then asked “because most trumpers are incredibly racist, does that make their racism okay then?” Since he seems to be fine with homophobia and transphobia, that must mean he is okay with racism too.
He stated “most of them aren’t racist, but the ones who are of course it is not okay.”
With that I said “okay, well are blue haired multigenders not also proletariat?”
And I swear to god he said “most of them are not. Baristas are not proletariat.”
Who the fuck brought up baristas? Not me! With that I asked “what makes queer people not proletariat?”
And guess what? He stopped responding and just continued talking to others in the chat and repeating that MAGA communism was the future.
I know I should have just ignored his ass but I just couldn’t. I am the type that cannot let that shit slide, because when I do I end up feeling awful physically (achy knees for some reason) and mentally.
It's a wonder how understanding class politics doesn't just 'make' more advanced ideas click into place. Do we have to at least give it to him for considering the proletariat?
It was weird because he does consider the proletariat but only when they fit a certain aesthetic. Queer folks and/or those that do not fit into the stereotype of the typical American blue collar worker are suddenly not part of the revolutionary class. It is just disheartening to hear as a queer communist (no blue hair but I used to dye it pink!).
I think this is the most noticeable difference between someone who has read theory, and someone who has had it regurgitated to them via a podcast. You end up with critical thinking skills you can apply to your real life if you read it. Otherwise, you just forcibly apply hundreds-year-old theory to a world you clearly don't actually live in.
That's my needless speculation for the day. Thanks for sharing OP