I have a friend like this and damn is he frustrating to talk politics with. He is convinced that his politics are cutting edge and transcend left/right but he mainly gets his news from msnbc. Never read any theory and seems to have no real interest in leftism. Likes to talk about "personal liberation" in some kind of vaguely spiritual sense. Trust fund kid who's never had to worry about money. Went to a fancy arts college. Feel like there are a lot of people out there like this.

  • SteveHasBunker [he/him]
    ·
    4 years ago

    Start a reading group with him?

    This isnt a bad idea, but I want to go against a notion that a lot of people here seem to have. “Reading theory” isn’t some magic “make person not stupid” pill. It can help but State and Revolution doesn’t magically rewire someone’s brain into being a Marxist. People can totally read the same theory as you and it won’t click with them. I know plenty of people who have read more than me but still have dumb as fuck takes.

    You should still encourage people to do it but don’t overestimate it’s effectiveness.