So sneer and yet so far.. the left-wingers’ comfort zone
DRESS for success, or so the saying goes.
US Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) took that quite literally this week.
Sporting an elegant get-up at the ultra-exclusive, $30,000-dollars-a-plate Met Gala ball, the celebrity socialite…sorry…socialist, mingled with the rich and famous in a stunning gown with a daring “Tax the Rich” call-to-action emblazoned down the rear of her outfit.
AOC’s apparent aim as she graced the red carpet was to raise the topic of wealth-redistribution – a radical concept whereby those who can afford to fund their own space programs should be expected to contribute more to the public purse.
But it also raised interesting questions about the circular firing squad of the political left generally. It is on the left that you’ll find some of the harshest criticisms of AOC.
On the far-left in the States, she is regarded widely as a sell-out.
This, of course, should surprise no one.
For many left-wing radicals, principles come before power. Even if that means never mounting a successful local campaign.
Or standing for election. Or anyone ever knowing who you are, what you do or what you believe.
Your politics are validated, not by public endorsement, but by using social media as a sneer dispensary where you grow increasingly confident in a certain simplistic view of the world, comforted by the certain knowledge you’ll never get close enough to power for your theories to be tested.
The satisfaction for this kind of grumpy leftist comes not from trying to change anything but from finding opportunities to be sarcastic about other people’s attempts to change things. Anyone who manages to professionalise their politics, or becomes moderately well-known, is regarded as a grifter.
Indeed, the fact AOC was even elected to Congress raises eyebrows on parts of the left automatically, for in order to be regarded as credible in the eyes of many a chin-stroker you must first demonstrate, beyond all doubt, that you are politically futureless.
AOC’s public profile and knowing flirtations with the press are, for some, evidence that she has been effectively co-opted, and that her primary function is to provide the Democratic Party (and capitalism), with a leftish veneer. You wouldn’t catch Bernie Sanders (a millionaire) hanging out with rich people.
That is, unless you were at Obama’s last White House Correspondents’ gig, or Joe Biden’s inauguration.
Both being primary locations around which the proletariat are known to congregate.
If making money or being famous corrupts you automatically, then why are intellectual rock stars like Noam Chomsky and Slavoj Zizek held up by so many as paragons of integrity and virtue?
AOC is not in the easiest position ever. Even by making the statement with the dress she was then accused of pulling attention from the Black Lives Matter protest going on outside the venue – a protest which happens every year that has never drawn media attention.
She is, of course, not the first person to make a literal political fashion statement.
From abolitionists in the 18th century, to AIDS campaigners and anti-war activists in the 80s and 90s, political movements often utilise clothing or accessories as a means of generating visibility.
I agree AOC is not going to be firing the starting gun of the revolution. But does that mean she is of no value in the struggle for equality?
My view is that some on the left would do well to consider their own public relations strategies.
Because if you are genuinely serious about radically reforming everyone and everything else in the world, you yourself might dare to try something new – like lightening up a bit.