I think expressing the idea that both sides are the same and that no matter what big business always wins is a pretty valid argument that even a lot of libs are starting to agree with. That said, you're right about the fact that we shouldn't be pushy about it or try to get people not to vote because it will only alienate the average person.
i also think "both sides are the same" is a poor argument that puts people off. the easy responses are to call you an enlightened centrist (yeah, i know, but people do it all the time), or just to point to some small differences between the parties as if these are major ideological divides, and ultimately its easy for people to dismiss you
"they are both ultimately in service to the same interests" seems to me a much better argument
I mean getting people not to vote quite literally only helps the fash, of course the left shouldn't be doing it. The left should be pushing people to do more than vote, not less.
"Your boss does more than vote, your landlord does more than vote, your insurance company does more than vote, and you need to as well if you want to beat them."
The left needs to push "both sides are bad" (which is true), not "both sides are the same (which is false).
Pushing people to do more is absolutely good but first you have to get them to believe that's there is a reason they should. Pushing people not to vote isn't going to help but clearly stating that no matter who's in charge the government doesn't care about them is an important first step to getting them to see the need for more direct action. "Fortunately" Biden is really helping on that front.
Both sides are bad is true but shallow. "Neither side will give you what you need to live and thrive. Alone you are powerless, together we can demand and not beg" is much more powerful. Getting into the details of what we should demand is best kept for more committed comrades. (it's communism)
I've always phrased these things as "voting is important but insufficient" and "dems might be less actively hateful but they ultimately answer to the rich too" and [insert that chart of rich vs poor getting their favored policies passed]
Voting takes like an hour tops for most people and does have effects, what you want is for people to start thinking of voting as the bare minimum of political acts instead of the pinnacle.
I think expressing the idea that both sides are the same and that no matter what big business always wins is a pretty valid argument that even a lot of libs are starting to agree with. That said, you're right about the fact that we shouldn't be pushy about it or try to get people not to vote because it will only alienate the average person.
i also think "both sides are the same" is a poor argument that puts people off. the easy responses are to call you an enlightened centrist (yeah, i know, but people do it all the time), or just to point to some small differences between the parties as if these are major ideological divides, and ultimately its easy for people to dismiss you
"they are both ultimately in service to the same interests" seems to me a much better argument
That is what I'm trying to say but your phrasing probably expresses the idea more clearly.
I mean getting people not to vote quite literally only helps the fash, of course the left shouldn't be doing it. The left should be pushing people to do more than vote, not less.
"Your boss does more than vote, your landlord does more than vote, your insurance company does more than vote, and you need to as well if you want to beat them."
The left needs to push "both sides are bad" (which is true), not "both sides are the same (which is false).
Pushing people to do more is absolutely good but first you have to get them to believe that's there is a reason they should. Pushing people not to vote isn't going to help but clearly stating that no matter who's in charge the government doesn't care about them is an important first step to getting them to see the need for more direct action. "Fortunately" Biden is really helping on that front.
Don't push people not to vote, push them to end their belief that you can accomplish anything good through voting.
Both sides are bad is true but shallow. "Neither side will give you what you need to live and thrive. Alone you are powerless, together we can demand and not beg" is much more powerful. Getting into the details of what we should demand is best kept for more committed comrades. (it's communism)
I've always phrased these things as "voting is important but insufficient" and "dems might be less actively hateful but they ultimately answer to the rich too" and [insert that chart of rich vs poor getting their favored policies passed]
Voting takes like an hour tops for most people and does have effects, what you want is for people to start thinking of voting as the bare minimum of political acts instead of the pinnacle.