The Journey of Leftist Content Creation

Red
Apr 1, 2024
5 min read

Updated: Oct 1, 2024

In the constantly changing digital world, leftist content creators have to navigate through challenging waters. At Politdigm, we have experienced our fair share of difficulties and moments of clarity that have impacted the way we view our objectives on the internet. In this article, we are changing our usual Marxist analysis and instead, we are exploring a philosophical self-reflection and the growth journey of being a leftist content creator. We will also discuss the unique obstacles leftist content creators face.

Swimming Against The Flow of The River

For those who identify as leftists and hold firm beliefs against the capitalist system, the world we live in can be incredibly challenging. The pervasive propaganda that we are exposed to daily is intended to alter our thought processes and discourage us from questioning the status quo. The establishment doesn't want us to be rebels who challenge their established norms but rather wants us to be mere cogs in the machine, perpetuating the existing power structures.

For content creators who hold leftist views and especially those who create political content, the challenges can be even greater. Simply by speaking out against the dominant narrative and confronting uncomfortable truths, they become targets. These creators must summon a great deal of courage to take a stance that goes against the status quo, knowing that they risk being targeted by the system.

Jason Hickel describes capitalism as akin to a cancerous growth that is both destructive and unsustainable [1], and we can't help but agree. Through that lens, we find a certain irony when it comes to the way the capitalist system treats leftists, particularly those in positions of influence as if they are foreign bodies that must be eliminated. As a result, they are subjected to severe repercussions.

Leftist content creators online are often subjected to a staggering amount of harassment and vitriol. They endure a barrage of hate comments, doxxing, and other forms of attack, simply for having the courage to challenge an oppressive system. This system, intolerant of those who question its authority, employs every means available to silence influential voices of dissent. Consequently, maintaining leftist beliefs and speaking out against the system requires immense bravery and resilience.

However, these challenges are not exclusive to content creators. Leftist anti-capitalist politicians, as well as any leftist with any degree of influence, also face these issues. The capitalist system, in its attempts to undermine those who oppose it, resorts to spreading lies and false allegations. It aims to tarnish reputations, as it lacks any other effective means of protecting itself against the growing tide of leftist dissent.

Navigating Uncharted Waters

Despite the myriad of challenges they encounter, leftist content creators persistently explore uncharted territories with unwavering tenacity and resilience. Their primary motivation stems from a profound desire to carve out a vital space for critical discourse and alternative narratives. In a world where mainstream media often acts as a conduit for the voices of the powerful, these leftist platforms provide a much-needed counterpoint to the prevailing narrative.

However, traversing the intricate web of social media and online platforms is far from a straightforward task. While these platforms offer unparalleled reach and accessibility, they can also serve as hotbeds for misinformation and targeted harassment. Leftist content creators share their platforms, such as YouTube and Twitter, with their ideological opposites.

The digital landscape is not solely populated by leftist content creators; right-wing content creators also stake their claims. These range from overt neo-Nazis to those who, within the context of the American political system, masquerade as leftists when they are simply neo-Liberals intent on safeguarding their cherished capitalist system.

Right-wing content creators foster their own communities, some of which can be extremely unpredictable. A case in point is the aftermath of Libs of TikTok, a far-right and anti-LGBTQ+ social media account that propagated false claims about Children’s Hospital performing hysterectomies on transgender children, leading to a barrage of bomb threats [2][3].

Leftist creators are constantly under the threat of attacks from those who wish to silence them. This necessitates careful strategizing of their online presence, striking a delicate balance between the need for visibility and the risks associated with online harassment and censorship. These attacks can manifest in various forms, ranging from doxxing and death threats to smear campaigns and coordinated harassment. Despite these daunting challenges, leftist content creators remain vigilant and resilient, steadfastly advocating for their vision of a more equitable and just world.

Embracing The Journey

As the writer of this article and creator of Politdigm, when I look at our leftist colleagues in the political content space, it becomes very clear that it is not a forgiving space. I can see why it is easy to feel demotivated and scared about it. Thankfully I was already aware of the complexities and threats I could face when I introduced Politdigm to the world last summer. Unfortunately, some of the threats are more literal than figurative.

Last year, our approach to learning about politics as we progressed with Politdigm created some uncertainty about whether our team's capabilities were up to the task. Most people in our position would only take the risk of starting a project like Politdigm if they had a degree in Political Science and a team of others who had the same degree.

We took the opposite approach. We didn't wait. We decided to start Politdigm anyway. We are passionate people who want to create a movement and learn together with our members and community. As time went by, we evolved into a Marxist Movement and Organization, and it seems that's the path we will continue to follow. Thankfully it seems that our approach to learning as we go is working.

However, our approach is risky because, as we mentioned above, our ideological opposites are not playing the same game we are. They have systematic protection and aren't driven by the same values we have, meaning that anything goes. That's why we're so open about our mistakes, and why we value transparency so much. Our goal is to be an open book so that if we make a mistake, it can't be used as a weapon against us, but rather as a learning experience. Of course, we can only hope that it happens that way, but it seems unlikely.

Conclusion

Navigating the challenging waters of creating leftist content is not an easy endeavor. As leftist content creators, we are constantly swimming against the current by challenging the prevailing norms of a capitalist society. Despite the continuous attacks and vitriol, we face, we persist in our mission to create spaces for critical discourse and alternative narratives.

At Politdigm, we acknowledge the challenges and risks involved in being a leftist voice in the digital sphere. While we have not yet fallen victim to these attacks, we know that it is important to be prepared for them. Our journey will be marked by uncertainty and challenges, but it will also be one of growth and learning.

We embrace our role as agents of change, committed to advocating for a more equitable and just world. Our approach may be unconventional, but it is driven by passion, determination, and a steadfast belief in the power of collective action. We are not deterred by the threats and obstacles we encounter; rather, we see them as opportunities for growth and proof that we are doing something right.

As we continue on this journey, we invite others to join us in shaping a better future. Together, we can challenge the status quo, amplify marginalized voices, and build a more inclusive and compassionate society. Let us stand in solidarity with one another, united in our commitment to social justice and liberation.

Explore more with us! Join our Discord Server, support us on Patreon, listen to our Podcast, and discover our other captivating content. Together, let's shape a better future. #Politdigm