The Myth of Cultural Marxism – Anatomy of a conspiracy theory
Feb 12, 2025
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Dive into the fascinating world of the Cultural Marxism conspiracy theory. Explore how this concept emerged in response to social changes and political events, particularly the 2011 Norway attacks. Discover the connections between key historical figures like Francis Parker Yockey and the Frankfurt School. Unpack why this theory has gained traction among mainstream conservatives while critiquing its oversimplified views on complex social issues. The conversation is laced with humor, making the heavy themes both entertaining and enlightening.
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Quick takeaways
Cultural Marxism is portrayed as a conspiracy theory alleging Marxist intellectuals are covertly undermining traditional Western values through cultural movements.
The theory gained traction as a justification for extremist violence, notably cited by figures like Anders Breivik amidst broader conservative backlash.
Contemporary political discourse leverages the term to frame social justice initiatives as threats to societal cohesion, fueling ideological polarization.
Deep dives
The Concept of Cultural Marxism
Cultural Marxism is framed as a conspiracy theory, suggesting that a covert group of Marxist intellectuals, particularly from the Frankfurt School, orchestrated a cultural assault to undermine traditional Western values. It is claimed to have gained notoriety following violent events, such as the Anders Breivik attacks, where perpetrators cited their belief in this ideology as justification for extremist actions. The term has been used broadly across the political spectrum, with politicians and commentators positing that cultural Marxism encapsulates the liberal agenda, often conflating it with political correctness and social justice movements. This narrative has gained traction in recent years, becoming a significant talking point among far-right circles as they mobilize against perceived threats to conservative societal structures.
Historical Development and Origins
The roots of the cultural Marxism theory trace back to the post-World War II era when critics began to analyze the failures of traditional Marxism and sought to understand cultural dynamics influencing societal change. The Frankfurt School's emphasis on cultural critique and critical theory is often misrepresented by those asserting cultural Marxism, leading to a distorted understanding of their academic work. Notably, figures such as Paul Weyrich and Michael Lind have contributed to the popularization of the term by linking it to broader fears regarding the destruction of American values by progressive movements. Over the years, the conspiracy theory has evolved, integrating elements from various anti-liberal and anti-progressive sentiments while perpetuating a narrative of cultural decline.
Connection to Modern Political Discourse
In contemporary politics, terms associated with cultural Marxism have become shorthand for invoking a range of social issues, including identity politics, political correctness, and social justice activism. Figures like Jordan Peterson have reinterpreted the narrative, suggesting a seamless transition from Marxism to postmodernism amidst rising social concerns. Critics assert that this repackaging serves to simplify complex social discussions into a manageable attack on cultural change, characterizing it as a sort of ideological invasion. Consequently, political discourse increasingly incorporates this terminology, causing significant ramifications in how discussions about race, gender, and traditional values unfold.
The Role of Conspiracy Theories
Cultural Marxism serves as a manifestation of broader conspiracy theories that have found footing within far-right ideologies, paralleling historical fears such as those surrounding Jewish influence in society. The language and structure of these theories often echo previous narratives that scapegoat marginalized groups or progressive movements, marking them as threats to societal cohesion. This phenomenon not only inflates fears among the populace but also facilitates the politicization of academic concepts and discussions, rendering them as tools of oppression rather than vehicles for dialogue. Ultimately, the proliferation of such theories contributes to the polarization of political discourse, undermining the significance of genuine debate over complex societal issues.
Cultural Marxism's Impact on Society
The pervasive idea of cultural Marxism furthers an ideological divide, framing social justice initiatives and progressive ideologies as detrimental to traditional Western ideals. This framing can lead to backlash against fundamental discussions on equity and justice, which are now frequently dismissed as part of a 'cultural war' perpetuated by leftist agendas. As political rhetoric grows increasingly charged, the implications of the cultural Marxism narrative extend beyond simple disagreement, often inciting hostility toward those advocating for social change. In this way, cultural Marxism encapsulates not only a conspiracy theory but also contributes to a broader erosion of civil discourse in contemporary society, posing challenges for mutual understanding.
Welcome to another Origin Story bonus episode. This week we’re discussing the conspiracy theory of Cultural Marxism. In the 1990s, cultural conservatives in America began pinning everything they hated, from feminism and gender studies departments to pop music and horror movies, on the legacy of the Frankfurt School, a group of German intellectuals who came together at Frankfurt University in 1923 and resettled in New York in 1935. The theory claims that these Teutonic eggheads, most of whom were Jewish, used critical theory and social studies to infiltrate American life and undermine “Judeo-Christian culture” from within. Hence, allegedly, political correctness and much else besides.
The delusion of Cultural Marxism was made famous by Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik in 2011 but it is not confined to neo-Nazis. As a pseudo-intellectual justification for the anti-woke backlash, it has been cited by Jordan Peterson, Paul Dacre, Viktor Orbán, Ron DeSantis and Suella Braverman, making it perhaps the clearest bridge between the far
right and “respectable” conservatism: a modern Red Scare for a cultural Cold War.
Dorian takes Ian through the evolution of the theory, from post-war fascist Francis Parker Lockey via conspiracy theorist Lyndon LaRouche to the paranoid fringes of conservatism and ultimately the mainstream. Is Cultural Marxism just a rebranding of Hitler’s antisemitic obsession with “cultural bolshevism” or something more ornate? Who were the Frankfurt
School and what were they really trying to do? Why do conservative politicians keep using a phrase popularised by a fascist terrorist? And what does this have to do with the Beatles or A Nightmare on Elm Street? Join us as we unravel one of the most perniciously influential conspiracy theories in the world.
Matthew Rose, ‘A World After Liberalism: Philosophers of the Radical Right’ (2021)
... reading list continues – full list available on Patreon
Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey and Ian Dunt. Produced by Simon Williams. Music by Jade Bailey. Art by Jim Parrett. Logo by Mischa Welsh. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Origin Story is a Podmasters production
