this post was submitted on 29 Jul 2025
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I’m an American Marxist-Leninist, so I know that it is materially possible for a privileged westerner to come around. But a few of us being able to unlearn the constant propaganda and overcome the horrific state of American education and the political climate isn’t enough.

The Overton window is so far to the right here in the United States that most don’t entertain the idea of a future beyond capitalism being possible or necessary. Even when Americans see this wretched system for what it is, they’d sooner turn to nihilism or accept whatever additional crumbs are thrown.

I know it’s important to maintain revolutionary optimism and always strive to be part of the solution, but it feels like an extra big battle to build a proper revolutionary left.

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[–] 201dberg@lemmygrad.ml 0 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Do I still try to convince people and teach people? Yes

Do I have hope it will gain enough traction to prevent the oligarchy from killing us all? Not really. Conservatives fantasize openly about killing us, and liberals fantasize about the conservatives killing us. Anarchist and "anti-fascist" groups actively fight against us and help the fascists. People say half the younger generation has a favorable view of socialism.

So yeah, won't stop trying but I really have no hope for it. America's weapons may be aging and falling behind. China may be able to achieve a level where American weapons are of little threat, but those aging weapons will be plenty capable of killing civilians. The empire turning inwards, fast. Meanwhile even in left spaces we spend more time making it a purity contest then trying to just get people started on the basics.