From TikTok to the American Communist Party: Why Young Influencers Embrace Marxism

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion, Carlos Gitto, a Cuban American philosophy professor and Secretary of Education of the new American Communist Party, joins the Kim Iverson Show to explore the resurgence of communism among the youth. Addressing misconceptions, Gitto explains the ideological differences between socialism and communism, emphasizing communism's alignment with American ideals of democracy and people's governance. He challenges the notion of socialism as 'handouts' and argues for a society that serves the people, not capital accumulation, critiquing the parasitic practices of Wall Street and big corporations.

Takeaways

• 📈 The script discusses the rising popularity of communism among the youth, with social media influencers like Jackson Hinkle promoting it.
• 🗣️ Carlos Gitto, a Cuban American philosophy professor and Secretary of Education of the new American Communist Party, is introduced as a guest to provide insight into communism.
• 🏛️ Gitto argues that communism is misunderstood and often demonized in the media, especially on platforms like Fox News, where it is used as a slur.
• 🤔 The conversation aims to explore what communism aims to solve and how it believes it can solve societal problems, despite the host's skepticism.
• 🔄 Gitto explains the difference between socialism and communism, stating that socialism is a transitionary phase towards a communist society, with the latter being more aligned with the ideals of Marx and Engels.
• 🌐 The script touches on the global impact of American foreign policy, particularly its 'hybrid warfare' against nations that challenge its imperialist influence.
• 🏭 Gitto emphasizes the need for a strong state in socialism to defend against external threats and to develop the economy for the benefit of the people.
• 💡 The idea that socialism is a logical extension of American ideals, promoting a government that is truly of, by, and for the people, is presented.
• 👥 The script criticizes the control of big money interests over the U.S. government, suggesting that politicians are more responsive to donors than to citizens.
• 💰 It points out the disparity between the wealth accumulation by a small elite and the struggles of the working class, describing the former as a parasitic culture.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Gitto connects his patriotism to his support for communism, arguing that it is the most faithful way to realize American ideals and create a society that serves all its members.

Q & A

What is the main argument Carlos Gito presents about communism and its relation to American ideals?

Carlos Gito argues that communism is not a break from American ideals but rather a fulfillment of them. He believes that socialism and communism align with the progressive traditions of America, which emphasize a government of, by, and for the people.

How does Carlos Gito differentiate between socialism and communism?

Carlos Gito sees socialism as a transitionary period towards communism. While socialism still involves a state and the concept of 'from each according to their ability, to each according to their work,' communism is the end goal where the state withers away as it becomes unnecessary, and society operates on the principle of 'from each according to their ability, to each according to their needs.'

What does Carlos Gito believe is the role of the state in a socialist society?

In a socialist society, according to Carlos Gito, the state is qualitatively different and serves the interests of the working class and the people. It's a period where the people have control over the state, its institutions, culture, education, and economy to overcome capitalist obstacles and promote development.

Why does Carlos Gito think that socialism is misunderstood and demonized in the United States?

Carlos Gito suggests that socialism is misunderstood and demonized because of the vested interests of the capitalist class who control the narrative through media, education, and politics. They have an interest in maintaining the current system and perpetuating myths about socialism to prevent a shift towards a society that serves the people rather than capital accumulation.

How does Carlos Gito respond to the criticism that communism leads to poverty?

Carlos Gito counters the criticism by pointing to historical examples of rapid development and improved living standards in socialist countries. He cites the USSR's industrialization, the increase in life expectancy in China, and China's economic growth as evidence that socialism can lead to prosperity.

What does Carlos Gito say about the role of investment and lending in a socialist or communist society?

Carlos Gito believes that lending and investment can still exist in a socialist or communist society, but they should be directed towards productive ends that serve society, such as developing industry, housing, and businesses, rather than for speculative purposes or to enrich a few individuals.

How does Carlos Gito view the current financial industry's practices of making money from money?

Carlos Gito is critical of the financial industry's practices of making money from money, which he equates to usury. He sees this as a parasitic practice that does not contribute to the productive economy and is against the principles of socialism and communism.

What is Carlos Gito's stance on private property within a socialist or communist framework?

Carlos Gito does not advocate for the complete abolition of private property but rather the restructuring of society so that private property and capital serve the interests of society as a whole, rather than society serving the interests of capital accumulation.

How does Carlos Gito connect the ideals of the American founding fathers to socialism and communism?

Carlos Gito connects the ideals of the American founding fathers to socialism and communism by emphasizing the principles of democracy, equality, and the pursuit of happiness for all. He argues that these ideals are best realized in a socialist or communist society where the government and economy work for the benefit of all people.

What does Carlos Gito think about the portrayal of communism in American media and education?

Carlos Gito criticizes the portrayal of communism in American media and education as misleading and biased. He suggests that this portrayal is part of a larger effort to maintain the status quo and prevent the American people from considering alternative systems that could better serve their interests.