So it seems like there's a part of the right wing (some people say they're radicalize-able, I don't know) that talks somewhat like us lefties (or libs, like me)...i.e. "both parties are corrupt, that's why I voted trump". But I feel like I don't hear the same terms to describe the duopoly that we use, terms like "duopoly", "oligarchy", "kleptocrary", etc. Why does it seem like they don't characterize the system using those terms, given that it seems like they agree with the basic premise that both parties/the whole system is corrupt/rotten?

  • Wojackhorseman2 [he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    In my view, the thing about chuds is they are missing a rigorous material analysis of overarching conditions under capitalism BUT they do have a bit of an inkling because of their own experience with exploitation under capitalism. It’s a “I’ve never read marx’s capital but I have the marks of capital” kind if thing (just obv not to the extent that they become critical of capitalism, more on that in a sec). Which is why theory and listening to comrades from different walks of life is important because we only have a piece of the puzzle when we’re going by intuition.

    If you talk to right wingers long enough in good faith you’ll find agreeances. They’re perfectly capable of noting shortcomings of the dems that we may point out.

    In fact look at tucker Carlson, he brings out rhetoric that is almost left wing in nature all the time and it speaks to the alienated right wing masses for a reason.

    This is particular insidious for two reasons, it appropriates and steals our messaging and also makes it hard to criticize libs bc theyll hear it even in good faith and you’ll see them respond like “you sound like a right winger” or something.

    The real road block for right wing people comes down to ideology, they have the idea of being “on the right”, being fans of capital, being pro military, pro cop, boot licker mentality all wrapped up in their sense of self.

    The state propagandizes them through media to hold these views that are also supportive to capitals control, and they become an identity. Furthermore it’s the identity of their loved ones, of their country, so when you attack these ideas you’re attacking them personally.

    It keeps them from criticizing their own political side because they have so much invested in being republican. It takes a lot to walk people back from that.

    So you can find right wingers intuitively understand leftist thought that makes sense to their material conditions but you have a big wall to break through of ideology that’s counter to their interest.