this post was submitted on 25 Jun 2023
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Whenever I introduce people to the concepts of Marxism, fascism, capitalism, etc., I start by recommending two books:
Wages of Rebellion by Chris Hedges
and
Blackshirts and Reds by Michael Parenti
Both are written in very accessible language and both do a great job at not just explaining these economic/political theories, but also adding historical context to ground the theories in real-world actions.
I've heard so many things by Blackshirts and Reds, I should get around to finding a copy.
I'm listening to wages of rebellion right now. It's so infuriating being reminded of the shit we live in the US.
It's good, and I'll definitely finish it, but so far hasn't scratched my itch. I guess I feel like most of the atrocities perpetuated by the corporate state are already apparent to the public, but accepted. The idea of freedom of privacy, freedom of speech, they're just illusions. People just accept that radical political speakers, even if they are non-violent, are locked up. They just accept that the corporations and state lull them into placidity with consumerism and entertainment. It feels good and is convenient.
I mean, me too. I really like the convenience of being able to turn on and dim my houselights with my voice. I really like being able to keep in contact with my friends and family using my smartphone. But these things are at the cost of my privacy. An everyday individual does not have a choice to opt out of being tracked short of using a dumb phone and never using the Internet, which simply is not realistic, and still does not ensure complete privacy, as I understand it. It's insanity.
I'm gonna continue on, maybe with Blackshirts or Why Socialim? by Einstein, but I'm also interested in reading some Chomsky (maybe not necessarily about Socialism? but seems like an interesting dude)
Thanks for the recommendation!
I'm glad you've enjoyed (maybe that's the wrong word) Wages of Rebellion! It was a book that influenced me a lot and one that I sing the praises of to folks looking to further understand Capitalist hegemony and the need for something more equitable for all. Some say that's Socialism, some say that's Anarchism, but ultimately the ongoing class war and settler-colonialist state of the world must shift if we're ever going to be free.
Speaking of Anarchism, Noam Chomsky is a brilliant guy with some real bangers. Manufacturing Consent is a classic and still extremely applicable to everyday life under Capitalism. I also loved his book On Language, which is more about his academic focus as a linguist, but ties directly into his political philosophy and how he sees the structure of society.