In last month’s edition of the Tattler, Isaiah Gutman writes an article asking where today’s “left” is. He explains the lack of a “left” in modern American society, which he brands as a group of people who “oppose oppression wherever it may arise,” He claims that with prevalent economic and social oppression today, the lack of a “left” in both global and American society is troubling.
Following his definition, most of us are “left”. Very few people openly support oppressive behaviors in modern politics — to claim that there are purposeful oppressive measures from an administrative standpoint is inflammatory. Gutman’s strange assertion that most of us are either bystanders or supporters of oppression today is quite frankly horrifying to me.
In his article, Gutman cites that there are few “left” groups, and even those that exist such as the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America) have little influence as a whole. Yet within his definition of the left (the opposition of oppression in whatever form it takes), aren’t other programs also “left” programs? By his definition, a “left” program is simply a program that fights oppressive behaviors, no matter what form it takes.
Health-care programs, help-lines, charities: these are all examples of individuals rallying to help the “oppressed” in the world. There are clear measures taken to help those less fortunate in our society. While their success is inevitably the larger issue, the existence of these organizations cannot be questioned, and I believe that ignoring them is disrespectful to the efforts made thus far.
Later, Gutman talks about a clear enemy in today’s grossly unequal society. He says: “The enemy is nameable, and any respectable left must name it: the enemy is capitalism. His assertion that capitalism is responsible for today’s oppressions is outlandish. While capitalism supports economic inequality, it’s ridiculous to fault the entire system when countries with different political ideologies (ie: North Korea) have more oppressive regimes.
He claims that with the absence of a political left, there are clear missing points in American political discourse. He says that issues such as environmental concerns and mental health are treated “as a result of the tragic flaws of humanity, a simple folly that we must resist within ourselves.” He creates false popular opinions in the media. He says that the common belief is that environmental issues are created due to a “human drive to destroy” and cites that “brain chemistry” is the common belief regarding rising numbers in mental health issues.
Not only are these untrue “popular” opinions — PewResearch states that people 75% of Americans report concern for the environment and HealthAffairs finds that 74% believe that mental illness can happen to anybody — their essence has been riddled with opinionated hyperbole. I find that it’s a good example of exaggeration in an opinion article — Gutman creates a very polarized world in his article, one that unfortunately mirrors today’s political climate. Making up “popular” opinion justifies his claim temporarily, yet at second glance, makes the reader question the intent with which it was written. Was it to support or to purposely mislead?
He paints a world with no hope. With an absence of those who fight against oppression, a looming enemy that takes face as capitalism, and flawed common beliefs, who could have faith in our political climate?
In the end, his claim that America lacks a population opposed to oppression is representative of the overall argument — the opinions are well-stated, yet the basis with which they are supported are not.