The Many, Many Deaths of the Millennial Left with Alex Gendler
Jul 15, 2024
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Expert on contemporary leftist politics, Alex Gendler, discusses the evolution of the millennial left post-Bernie Sanders. Topics include legacies of key figures, challenges within leftist movements, U.S. electoral politics, organizational flaws, strategic missteps, and the complex nature of forming impactful leftist movements.
Legacy of influential figures like Mark Fisher and David Graeber in shaping millennial left movement.
Challenges faced by leftist movements in the US post-Trump era and the decline of certain progressive ideas.
Impact of political polarization on leftist responses to cultural and political shifts.
The necessity of forming a unified leftist identity and approach for meaningful political intervention.
Deep dives
The Evolution of the Millennial Left
The podcast explores the evolution of the millennial left post-Bernie era, touching on figures like Mark Fisher, David Graeber, and Michael Brooks, who influenced and characterized the movement. Discussions delve into the contrasts between New York and California's left-wing influence, with insights on unions, finance capital, and the impact of different industries.
Challenges and Fragmentation in Leftist Movements
The episode highlights the challenges faced by leftist movements in the US, pointing out the decline in counter-systemic movements post-Trump administration. The analysis covers the shift in left-wing popularity, the decline of certain progressive ideas, and the inability to mobilize substantial change despite growing dissent.
The Impact of Political Polarization on the Left
The conversation navigates through the impact of political polarization on the left, detailing the reactionary responses to cultural and political shifts. It looks at the fusion of right-wing and left-wing narratives, the complexities of activism post-Occupy movement, and the role of social media in shaping ideological battles.
Challenges in Leftist Organizing and Ideals
The podcast delves into the challenges within leftist organizing and ideological trends, exploring the failures in building a unified left front. It scrutinizes the shift towards verticalism, NGOization, and the struggle to sustain horizontal organizing models, reflecting on the ongoing debates around demands, strategies, and the integration of social democratic ideas.
The Challenges of Building a Coherent Left Subject
Looking forward, the podcast delves into the necessity of shifting focus from attempting to align with various movements and issues towards constructing a coherent left subject. The discussion highlights the importance of forming meaningful positions as workers and intervening in politics independently rather than as support for established parties. By emphasizing the need for a unified leftist identity and approach, the episode queries the feasibility of envisioning a future where workers organize autonomously.
Diverse Forms of Workerism Emerging
The episode identifies three emerging forms of workerism within the left movement. It contrasts the right-wing adjacent populist left, the Jacobin center, and a leftish workerism dynamic. These distinctions point out the contradictions and challenges faced within these factions, from aligning with nationalism to grappling with party affiliations and navigating the complexities of social reproduction and sexual liberation within leftist ideologies.
Navigating Political Incoherence and Media Influence
The podcast critiques the Millennial Left's entanglement in identity politics, which often leads to making political statements out of mundane activities. Additionally, it scrutinizes the influence of media market dynamics on shaping political discourse and the pitfalls of following slogans with radical undertones but vague reformist implementations. The episode also delves into the challenges of policy proposal differences within leftist movements, highlighting the need for clarity and consistency in political messaging and action.
Is the millennial left crumbling under its own weight, or is it poised for a groundbreaking resurgence? Join us on VarmVlog as we dissect the intricate evolution and fragmentation of the millennial left post-Bernie Sanders. With insights from Alex Gendler, we reflect on the legacies of Mark Fisher, David Graeber, and Michael Brooks, and how their contributions continue to shape contemporary leftist politics. We compare the vibrant political ecosystems of New York and California, exploring how their unique industrial landscapes influence local leftist movements.
We'll navigate the treacherous waters of U.S. electoral politics, scrutinizing the left's response to Trump-era strategies and the current state of the Democratic Party. From the decline of Graeberite anarchism to the rise of semi-reformist Marxist-Leninist tendencies, this episode uncovers the fractured nature of leftist groups like the DSA and the complex challenges of modern political organizing. We also examine the reactive nature of leftist politics, particularly in relation to international crises and domestic policy shifts, and question the feasibility of certain ideological perspectives.
Finally, we confront the uncomfortable truths and strategic missteps that have plagued leftist movements. From the perplexing support for figures like Alexander Dugin to the organizational flaws within movements like BLM, we dissect the multifaceted challenges of forming a coherent and impactful leftist movement. We also explore the potential for revitalizing the workers' movement, addressing the generational wealth disparities, and examining the subtle manipulations within leftist media. Tune in for a comprehensive and critical analysis of the millennial left's past, present, and possible future trajectories.
Links and Social Media: twitter: @varnvlog blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social You can find the additional streams on Youtube
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