These teens are getting roped into neo-fascism in absence of Marxist guidance showing them what the “matrix” actually represents. Vulnerable young men are getting told that yes, corporations are oppressing them, and yes, the US government is a puppet of the rich - but the solution being presented to them is to become an exploiter themselves rather than any form of class solidarity or dialectical materialism. I really feel like this “escape the matrix” rhetoric is the kind of thing we can capitalise on instead of just standing idly by as young men have their very real grievances with modern life twisted into something wholly unhealthy
a problem we’ve had locally is people dating in-party (or in other leftist groups), having a falling out and causing a divide or friction in the group
i have a lead position and feel like i shouldn’t date anyone really, even outside of the party. between that and keeping a roof over my head I really don’t have time or the emotional space to engage in romantic relationships
Sadly it is an inescapable human fault that we innately seek out relationships and partnerships. It would be a fools errand to try and push back on this instinct and need. However I feel the problem doesn’t lie with the people involved, but the fact that people are not taught how to properly communicate, when and how to express humility, what to look for and find what you want in a partner, and how to be amicable even if separation is the best answer to a problem in a relationship.
This is by design in a capitalist system, which creates and feeds off of the toxicity, desire for status, selfishness, objectification of people, desperation, hostility, and depression created by the endlessly consumerist, and individualist minefield that most modern “relationships” have become. This will have to be repaired and rectified in a communist world, but for now the best we can do is be aware of ourselves and work to improve ourselves beyond what various systems tell us.
So there’s no fault in how you feel comrade, in fact it is significantly more respectable and healthy that you realize that you don’t have the resources to handle a relationship at the moment. I wish you all the best with everything going on in your life, you’ve got this : )
just got to this, thank you for your insight, comrade!