Practically every main stream internet service I can think about that I have used is littered with fascist or imperialist comments. Anytime I push back against it, I have to contend with a wave of reactionaries jumping down my throat.
Sometimes I wonder what’s the point. As in, should I just back off and not say anything? It doesn’t seem like saying anything makes a difference anyway.
I dunno, I guess I’m teetering on the edge of despair a bit. Fascism isn’t fringe on the internet anymore, from what I can see. It makes me worry for the near future.
Fill disclosure: my friend thinks I’m just too online.
A lot of mainstream things are filled with borderline fascist views, I agree. Fitness memes, news, sports, influencers, you name it.
But I feel like you can easily create a bubble where this isn’t the case. On instagram I mostly follow local businesses, bars, museums, etc. Next to that I follow some leftist influencers, the union I’m part of, my marxist party and friends.
I set up my reddit to be just my interests: hiking, gardening, cycling, swoletariat, home decoration, drawing, art, nature and some communist shit.
On YouTube I only watch left wing people or non-political channels.
I rarely see people like Andrew Tate, MTG, or local fascists and I’m doing fine within my bubble. I deal with enough politcal shit through party work and I don’t want to take that home through my social media.
Also
This may very well be a good point. While online marxist influence is key to building our movement, it is important to actually go out and touch grass every once in a while lol. I talk to all sorts of people from everywhere on the political spectrum and I rarely meet actual fascists in real life. Most people are all right and are just trying to get by without causing any trouble. They may not always agree with my marxist views but in general, everyone wants a better life for themselves and the people around them. It’s our duty to inform them about our cause and how they can help to achieve a better world. I have found that many people will listen to our ideas once we dive further into them.
I really like your perspectives. How much time do you dedicate to real-life activism e.g. how much time per week?
Depends on the week. I spent at least four hours a week at one of our party’s free healthcare clinics where I do consult for people that have problems with their energy bills.
This week was busy because we have a protest planned in our city against the rising right wing influence next Tuesday. It took some time planning.
When there are strikes or protests nearby we try to get involved as much as possible. Calling party members to check their opinions or to ask them if they are participating. Organizing teams to visit the picket lines, etc.
Then I have meetings for my youth group to discuss plans for the next weeks and eventually we have to execute those plans as well.
I think I can easily fill 20 hours a week with party work and it’s oftentimes more. It’s basically an extra job at this point.
I spend 10-15 hours myself, altho I commute to meets. lately been doing online stuff for our virtual organizing but i hope we can increase our capacity… our weekly actions are limited by our smaller, recently formed membership
Every action is one towards a better world. Keep up the work, comrade.
this is helpful but it’s kinda hard to avoid when they send recruitment fliers to your doorstep. if i walked down the street with the proletarian banner i’d get shot