The *Actual Left: Theory & History

Posted in r/Buddhism by u/[deleted] • 427 points and 270 comments

Oprah is appealing because her stories hide the role of political, economic and social structures in our lives. They make the American dream seem attainable

The Decline of Poverty Your opinions about global inequality really depend on where you’re standing If you’re over the age of 18, you probably grew up with the story of how the world is divided …

Before you say no, take a moment to really ask yourself whether it’s the system that’s best suited to build our future society.

When I worked at Trilogy, one of my fellow managers seemed to have a brutal case of absenteeism. He was never at his desk. Even more concerning, when I did see him he seemed to be doing random things — talking to one person, going for coffee with another, or maybe just standing around and looking at people.

Economists believe in full employment. Americans think that work builds character. But what if jobs aren’t working anymore?

“…everyone but an idiot knows that the lower classes must be kept poor, or they will never be industrious.” —Arthur Young; 1771

The ant colony has often served as a metaphor for human order and hierarchy. But real ant society is radical to its core

Economists believe in full employment. Americans think that work builds character. But what if jobs aren’t working anymore?

Syrian Kurds have launched an unlikely radical experiment in governance without hierarchy, patriarchy or capitalism.

Experts say lobbying and business interests influenced the 2015 US dietary guidelines for Americans

"Well, I'm conservative, but I'm not one of those racist, homophobic, dripping-with-hate Tea Party bigots! I'm pro-choice! I'm pro-same-sex-marriage! I'm not a racist! I just want lower taxes, and smaller government, and less government regulation of business. I'm fiscally conservative, and socially...

Popular revulsion for the ruling elite is nearly universal. Are we going to see an uprising?