Why socialism isn’t the enemy at Thanksgiving time or any other time | Opinion
Thanksgiving isn’t just about passing the turkey and stuffing around the table; ideas and beliefs make the rounds, too. For someone who believes in socialist practices, that’s often the toughest dish to share.
After the House of Representatives denounced socialism in a 285-98 vote last week, I keep asking myself: Is socialism really the villain here, or is it our unwillingness to listen that’s poisoning the table?
The resolution passed Nov. 21 states that “socialist ideology necessitates a concentration of power that has, time and time again, collapsed into communist regimes, totalitarian rule and brutal dictatorships.”
It also condemned the leadership of dictators like Joseph Stalin, who committed the “greatest crimes in history” because of their “socialist ideologies.” Notably, Rep. Ami Bera, D-Sacramento, voted yes.
“I deeply value our democracy and the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution,” Bera said on Tuesday. “That’s why I voted to condemn the atrocities committed by totalitarian regimes throughout recent history. Governments like those in the former Soviet Union and North Korea stand in direct opposition to everything we believe in as Americans: individual rights, free expression and democratic governance.
“I believe we can protect these values while working to strengthen the social safety net that supports hardworking families.”
Bera has the right to hold his own values and to vote as he sees fit. I can respect that this resolution was not directed at any American leaders who identify as democratic socialists, like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
But it’s not a great use of time by House members, and it’s a clear political move by the Republicans to try to undermine the growing support for the socialist political ideology in America.
A September poll conducted by Gallup showed that 54% of Americans have a positive opinion of capitalism, down from 60% in 2021. Thirty-nine percent of adults view socialism positively, a steady figure over the past 10 years. Ironically, such resolutions may only strengthen interest in socialism.
Is socialism really that bad?
A couple of Thanksgivings ago, my ex-girlfriend and I were packed up in her neon-green Toyota Prius, driving to North Carolina. As I do on many trips, I took the opportunity to read, so we stopped at the neighborhood library to borrow a couple of books for the trip. I read “Why Journalism Still Matters,” by Michael Schudson, and “Being Jewish in America in the Age of Trump,” by Jonathan Weisman. Ya know, things we liberal socialists read.
When my ex-girlfriend’s Donald Trump-supporting, capitalism-loving father later came across the books I was reading, his suspicion was immediate. He soon asked if I understood the “dangers” of socialist ideologies.
I froze, not expecting the need to defend learning more about journalism and antisemitism from the perspective of a Jewish American.
I replied that I chose the books I was reading to become a more enlightened person. He scoffed at that notion.
The fun didn’t stop there.
On Thanksgiving Day, after our stomachs were full, the family I was celebrating with played board games without a hint of political conversation.
“Socialism is terrible for our country,” the father shouted out of nowhere, shaking with irritation. I tried to answer, but found myself lost between family and politics — between wanting peace and needing to be heard. The game pieces sat untouched; everyone waited for the mood to lift.
I tried to appeal to his humanity, yet again, by conveying that being a socialist wasn’t an attack on our country — just the opposite.
After that, I settled into the idea that conservatives and Trumpers use socialism as a scapegoat to reject ideas that challenge their own. They choose individualism over collectivism.
Never too late to listen
We are in an odd place in our country, where the American people are in dire need of policies that put them first and not billionaires, yet we are stuck on labels. Whether it’s socialist or not, creating a system where working-class citizens can pay for housing and also afford to pay for groceries is great, regardless of what party or labels come after your name.
Denouncing any political ideology ignores its real meaning for those who believe in it.
This Thanksgiving, it’s not the labels that will linger, but the courage to ask, to listen and to see each other across the table and beyond as more than the sum of our politics.
