The Many, Many Deaths of the Millennial Left with Alex Gendler

Varn Vlog

Is the millennial left crumbling under its own weight, or is it poised for a groundbreaking resurgence? Join us on VarmVlog as we dissect the intricate evolution and fragmentation of the millennial left post-Bernie Sanders. With insights from Alex Gendler, we reflect on the legacies of Mark Fisher, David Graeber, and Michael Brooks, and how their contributions continue to shape contemporary leftist politics. We compare the vibrant political ecosystems of New York and California, exploring how their unique industrial landscapes influence local leftist movements.
We'll navigate the treacherous waters of U.S. electoral politics, scrutinizing the left's response to Trump-era strategies and the current state of the Democratic Party. From the decline of Graeberite anarchism to the rise of semi-reformist Marxist-Leninist tendencies, this episode uncovers the fractured nature of leftist groups like the DSA and the complex challenges of modern political organizing. We also examine the reactive nature of leftist politics, particularly in relation to international crises and domestic policy shifts, and question the feasibility of certain ideological perspectives.
Finally, we confront the uncomfortable truths and strategic missteps that have plagued leftist movements. From the perplexing support for figures like Alexander Dugin to the organizational flaws within movements like BLM, we dissect the multifaceted challenges of forming a coherent and impactful leftist movement. We also explore the potential for revitalizing the workers' movement, addressing the generational wealth disparities, and examining the subtle manipulations within leftist media. Tune in for a comprehensive and critical analysis of the millennial left's past, present, and possible future trajectories.

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon

Chapter

1. Millennial Left and Political Fragmentation (00:00:00)

2. Political Fragmentation and Democratic Loyalty (00:15:04)

3. Leftist Response to Current Events (00:32:43)

4. The Left's Political Fragmentation (00:36:41)

5. Navigating Leftist Political Fragmentation (00:53:49)

6. The Collapse of Leftist Politics (01:00:30)

7. Rebuilding Workers Movement and Left Internationalism (01:13:15)

8. Leftist Media Manipulation and Engagement (01:28:47)

9. Mainstream Journalism Decay and Information Chaos (01:34:54)

10. Nuclear Weapons, Syria, and Mass Politics (01:38:14)

11. Leftist Strategy and Worker Organization (01:54:16)

12. Navigating Diverse Working Class Politics (02:01:59)