Morning Comrades.
We have discussed the Marxist concept of Alienation here a number of times, not only for its inherent merits but also because its net results is something we all can relate to, because let’s face it, the sheer act of existence under present day capitalism is alienating as fuck, let alone thinking and acting in opposition to it.
I came across a few pieces of writing over the last few days that spurred this train of thought, one a book title about Gudrun Ensslin with a subtitle “for life, against death” as well as a piece about how dissenters against the ruling classes wish for reality are faced with a alienation within their own realities. Again, something I believe we can all relate to. Taking a stance openly can be a very isolating experience in the current political landscape. Talking about this feeling of disconnect and disbelief in the face of decision-makers’ cognitive dissonance, a friend of mine mentioned they felt strongly reminded of exile literature. Just like they forcefully alienated populations around the world, the Western elite is alienating everyone who dares to question the status quo within their own borders.
Never contempt with merely analyzing problems and leaving that potential understanding out there for anyone to figure out, I wanted to get into this, because not only is this feeling of alienation a real one, it exists because they ruling elite wants you, us, to feel small, alone and isolated, and let me tell you something, that’s bullshit. Fighting that feeling and reality however, is work and not surprisingly work that is at the core of any all workers orientated solidarity.
Let’s get into what this top-down alienation is, what solutions there are and more.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Black Lodges to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.