this post was submitted on 24 Jan 2026
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Michael Parenti, the path-breaking Marxist scholar, historian and political scientist, passed today at age 92

He went peacefully this morning, surrounded by his family

“Now he is in what he used to refer to as ‘the great lecture hall in the sky,’” his son, Christian, reflected

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[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 28 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (2 children)

Rest in peace, comrade.

For those who haven't read or seen Parenti speak, I highly recommend both the "Yellow Parenti" Speech and Blackshirts and Reds | Audiobook both litanies against anti-communist mythos, an examination of the real successes and struggles in the USSR, and an analysis of fascism.

Parenti has turned countless westerners into Marxists, and was vital in my own journey to the left. May we carry on his legacy.

[–] sharkfucker420@lemmy.ml 14 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Yellow parenti and blackshirts and reds were my first exposures to leftism after I made a post on askchapo

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 14 points 2 months ago

Parenti's impact can't be overstated.

[–] orc_princess@lemmy.ml 7 points 2 months ago

Yellow Parenti is incredible ❤️ now reading Blackshirts and Reds in his honor

[–] anotherspinelessdem@lemmy.ml 15 points 2 months ago
[–] yogthos@lemmy.ml 15 points 2 months ago

He truly was one of the greats. Parenti managed to explain Marxism in a very accessible way, and he delivered a impassioned critique of capitalism and imperialism. It’s impossible to listen to his lectures and not be moved by them. You will be missed comrade.

[–] iByteABit@lemmy.ml 12 points 2 months ago

What a shitty fucking day, lost Parenti and ICE murdered yet another person in broad daylight..

At least he won't be here to see the dark times ahead.. it's up to us to make use of everything he said to fight for socialism against barbarity

[–] cricbuzz@hexbear.net 7 points 2 months ago

He is solely responsible for waking me, and thousands of people. blackshirts and reds was transformative text. RIP comrade

[–] QinShiHuangsShlong@hexbear.net 7 points 2 months ago
[–] pineapple@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 months ago

Very sad ): I happened to be reading through his blackshirts and reds at the time. It is a very intresting books. It sheds a lot of light into the many good things the ussr did that isn't mentioned by western media or schools.