Why you should be a socialist

Nathan J. Robinson

Book - 2019

"A primer on Democratic Socialism for those who are extremely skeptical of it. America is witnessing the rise of a new generation of socialist activists. More young people support socialism now than at any time since the labor movement of the 1920s. The Democratic Socialists of America, a big-tent leftist organization, has just surpassed 50,000 members nationwide. In the fall of 2018, one of the most influential congressmen in the Democratic Party lost a primary to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a 28-year-old socialist who had never held office before. But what does all this mean? Should we be worried about our country, or should we join the march toward our bright socialist future? In Why You Should Be A Socialist, Nathan J. Robinson will ...give readers a primer on twenty-first century socialism: what it is, what it isn't, and why everyone should want to be a part of this exciting new chapter of American politics. From the heyday of Occupy Wall Street through Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign and beyond, young progressives have been increasingly drawn to socialist ideas. However, the movement's goals need to be defined more sharply before it can effect real change on a national scale. Likewise, liberals and conservatives will benefit from a deeper understanding of the true nature of this ideology, whether they agree with it or not. Robinson's charming, accessible, and well-argued book will convince even the most skeptical readers of the merits of socialist thought"--

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Subjects
Published
New York : All Points Books 2019.
Language
English
Main Author
Nathan J. Robinson (author)
Edition
First edition
Physical Description
viii, 326 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 271-316) and index.
ISBN
9781250200860
  • Introduction: Millennial Discontent and the Rise of a Democratic Socialist Alternative
  • Part I. What Is The Left So Mad About?
  • 1. Revulsion, Curiosity, Moral Instinct: Orienting Ourselves in the World
  • 2. Neoliberal Nightmares: Our Depressing and Unacceptable Present
  • 3. The Army of Psychopathic Androids: How Capitalism Works
  • Part II. What is Socialism and Why Is It Good?
  • 4. Solidarity Forever: A Set of Principles
  • 5. A Better World: Envisioning Utopias
  • 6. Socialism, Democracy, Social Democracy: Sorting Out Words & Terms
  • 7. One Long Struggle: The Grand Libertarian Left Tradition
  • 8. Making Our Plans: Sensible Agendas
  • 9. Getting It Done: Effective Strategies
  • Part III. What are the Other Political Ideologies and Why Are They Bad?
  • 10. Mean, False, and Hopeless: The Ugliness of Conservatism
  • 11. Polishing Turds: The Inadequacy of Liberalism
  • 12. Response to Criticisms: Why Opponents of Socialism Are All Wrong
  • Conclusion: Reflections on Hope, Justice, and Solidarity
  • Appendix: A Left Media Diet
  • Acknowledgments
  • Notes
  • Index
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Current Affairs editor Robinson profiles the progressive movement shaking up the Democratic Party's old guard and makes the case for a new brand of socialism in this cogent debut. He begins by identifying sources of "millennial discontent, " including the 2007--2008 financial crisis, student loan debt, and disgust with status quo politics following the 2016 elections. According to Robinson, the "neoliberal" belief that "capitalism should be free to do pretty much whatever it pleases" has produced massive inequality and a world teetering on the edge of "civilizational suicide." He addresses numerous concerns in no particular order (global warming, racism, the opioid epidemic, rising suicide rates, sexism), and loosely defines socialism as a "kind of instinct" that "refuse to accept that this is the best we can do." He distinguishes between "socialist ethics" and the "socialist econom" of authoritarian regimes like the Soviet Union, and sketches the history of socialism in America. Robinson outlines the many goals contemporary socialists such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are working to achieve, including campaign finance reform and "Medicaid for all," and advises readers on how to help. His breezy humor and firm command of source material ingratiate, but the slipperiness of his terminology ("socialism" is both "pragmatic" and "utopian" and as difficult to define as "love," he writes) will frustrate skeptical readers. Curious liberals, however, will value this lucid guide to leftist politics. (Dec.)

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