American Hypocrisy

[Drace]

The American situation is so full of distortions that it can be considered humor. The nations presents many contradictions, false consciousness, and ignorance among the population.

Despite such a gruesome history, Americans still view the US as a democratic, peace loving, and as liberators of the world.

So here are problems I have with the general thought of Americans.

1. The left now means nothing more than Democrats. The term is used to identify between Democrats and Conservatives. I even hear a news anchor say "I am not a rightist, I don't think there's anything wrong with abortion." Even politicians have fallen to the anti-communist hysteria presented by the mass media in its previous history. Now the propaganda is carried out by the general public themselves. Even major figures and politicians use the term incorrectly.

2. Socialism now equals big government with higher tax. So somehow Obama is labeled as a socialist even though socialists generally despise him. Watching Conservatives talk about the evils of socialism - while referring to the Obama administration and ranting about how the US's is now communist is rather sad.

3. America is a democracy? The system is only democratic to the extent that you can cast a vote in an election heavily influenced by money. Its still a two party state that differs very little on major issues. Candidate popularity is focused on image not politics. Major issues are left out, the Cuban embargo for example. No candidate offered pulling out the war, even though most of the population now wishes too.

4. America is still seen as the liberator of the world. How contradictory is this to a democracy? What right does a nation have to be the world's police - especially given its imperialist history? So what we have is a few man in Washington who get to say whats best for the world and act accordingly, even militarily. Is this not a plutocracy?

5. Class consciousness is non-existent. A man with a net worth of 100 billion who owns 5000 sweatshops can tell the American public that there's nothing wrong with it because private property is good and they will believe it.

6. Freedom of speech and the like, which are rather natural rights, are credited to the government and even worse, America as a nation. And apparently no other country has such freedoms. If some one immigrates to the USA, its because they have immense love to be part of the land of the free, and has nothing to do with trying to find work.

And considering the immense wealth that Americans are able to enjoy, an alternative is not looked at.

[LOLseph Stalin]

That is actually dead on. Good job. You just summerized ameriKKKa in a few paragraphs.

[Jimmie Higgins]

There are some good observations here, but also a lot of stereotypes that originate with the same people in politics and the media who promote the idea of "socialism=government nationalizations". The promote these stereotypes and emphasize "conservative swing voters" over the interests of the vast majority of the population - many of whom don't usually vote.

More than 80% of America is urban as opposed to 19% who are rural (or "real America") and is to the left of the Democrats and Obama on many issues. Universal healthcare has a slim majority of support in many polls over the last decade, most people are against the wars and military spending, most people were not bothered by the charges of Obama's so-called socialism during the last month of the election - many felt like maybe that was needed (even if it was based on a distorted understanding of "socialism").

The things most Americans want and need are no different than what European or Latin American workers want and need - the difference is that the US has no independent working class movements or institutions.

As you said, most people consider the "left" to be the Democrats and this is a long-standing historical barrier to progress. Instead of unions having to rely on working class power and militancy to make gains, they spend dues-money trying to elect friendly politicians... this means that the trade union bureaucracy is more focused on the wishes of the Democrats than their own members. Since the Democrats are in bed with many of the corporations that the unions are up against... there is a very obvious conflict. So Democrats promise reforms in exchange for class peace from the Unions... or civil rights groups... or other so-called liberal "special interest groups".


5. Class consciousness is non-existent. A man with a net worth of 100 billion who owns 5000 sweatshops can tell the American public that there's nothing wrong with it because private property is good and they will believe it.There's class consciousness but it is mostly spontaneous and based on lived experience. People generally hate big business, are angry at the steady lowering of working class living standards over the last generation, are angry at inequality and have instinctual solidarity for Katrina victims and so on.

What is lacking is a coherent expression of class-consciousness: Unions and the Democratic party stress class collaboration; radical left groups are not organized and are marginalized.


And considering the immense wealth that Americans are able to enjoy, an alternative is not looked at.The only time I see Americans who enjoy immense wealth, don't complain about their jobs or employment benefits, don't complain about bills and living expenses, don't complain about medical problems and expenses... is when I turn on the TV and watch a bunch of fictional characters who apparently never have to go to work but somehow live in a fancy big house that is always clean and always decorated with brand new furniture and appliances.

[RGacky3]

More than 80% of America is urban as opposed to 19% who are rural (or "real America") and is to the left of the Democrats and Obama on many issues. Universal healthcare has a slim majority of support in many polls over the last decade, most people are against the wars and military spending, most people were not bothered by the charges of Obama's so-called socialism during the last month of the election - many felt like maybe that was needed (even if it was based on a distorted understanding of "socialism").

The things most Americans want and need are no different than what European or Latin American workers want and need - the difference is that the US has no independent working class movements or institutions.

As you said, most people consider the "left" to be the Democrats and this is a long-standing historical barrier to progress. Instead of unions having to rely on working class power and militancy to make gains, they spend dues-money trying to elect friendly politicians... this means that the trade union bureaucracy is more focused on the wishes of the Democrats than their own members. Since the Democrats are in bed with many of the corporations that the unions are up against... there is a very obvious conflict. So Democrats promise reforms in exchange for class peace from the Unions... or civil rights groups... or other so-called liberal "special interest groups".

Awesome Post, I could'nt have said it better myself


There's class consciousness but it is mostly spontaneous and based on lived experience. People generally hate big business, are angry at the steady lowering of working class living standards over the last generation, are angry at inequality and have instinctual solidarity for Katrina victims and so on.

What is lacking is a coherent expression of class-consciousness: Unions and the Democratic party stress class collaboration; radical left groups are not organized and are marginalized.

Exactly, there IS class-consciousness, only no outlet for it, the traditional outlets for it, (The Democrats, the mainstream unions) are bought out.