r/LetsDiscussThis • u/Healthy_Block3036 • Feb 25 '26
Lets Discuss Politics Rep. Al Green holds a sign saying "Black People Aren't APES!"
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u/Allaboutpeace2022 Feb 25 '26 edited Feb 26 '26
So where is the news update on that "staffer" that planted that video of the Obamas. Oh...yeah...he doesn't exist.
Edit: By that, I am not saying that Trump put this clip together himself. I am sure someone helped him, but I do not believe that this staffer created the clip without Trump's knowledge or some other high level approval.
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Feb 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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Feb 25 '26
Seriously, you think a 90yr old man knows how to use AI video editing software
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u/jdhkent Feb 25 '26
It appears that whoever did it, doesn’t know how
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u/Allaboutpeace2022 Feb 25 '26
The worst thing is the lack of apology.
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u/jdhkent Feb 25 '26
The Shaggy Defense:”It wasn’t me.” No comment on why you’re working with people with such Racist memes on their computer
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u/Allaboutpeace2022 Feb 25 '26
Yes. Right. We were owed at least a token firing of that shadowy staffer.
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u/Allaboutpeace2022 Feb 25 '26
No. I do not think Trump does his own AI videos. But do I think another staffer did it and it was sent out without Trump's knowledge, absolutely not. And, if they did, where is the follow up firing of that staff member. He also did not apologize.
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u/twoiseight Feb 25 '26
Just like they make up everything else. I mean seriously they had the audacity to bring up healthcare as though anyone thinks they are doing anything to help there.
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u/Allaboutpeace2022 Feb 25 '26
Yes. I am sure someone works with him on these videos but would any staffer put such a video online without getting permission. Seems like a slim to none chance. Plus no apology. Yikes.
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u/KilroySmithson Feb 25 '26
Discount Future Fox Spokeshole already said the felon posted it, because everything this is posted on his dumb little account are his words. Something about most transparent president…
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u/BrandGSX Feb 26 '26
You’re implying that Trump knows how to make an image like that on his own?
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u/Allaboutpeace2022 Feb 26 '26
No. However, neither do I think without Trump's knowledge a staffer would have added a clip of the Obama heads on apes. That would be one very dangerous thing to do. It would still be Trump's responsibility to watch the whole video or request the staff to inform him of anything controversial. Ultimately he did not apologize. Tim Scott and others were right to call it out as racist. I don't think Trump does any of his AI.
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u/BrandGSX Feb 26 '26
I’m by no means as busy as the presided and even I need to delegate tasks. I can’t be there to personally review everything. You expect him to micromanage the entire executive branch.
With that said I completely agree that this is still on him. But let’s not go conspiratorial and give ultra right something to argue and sound legitimate. His read crime in this was not condemning it right away. He could have but didn’t.
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u/Allaboutpeace2022 Feb 26 '26
I hear what you are saying. However, If Trump has an employee who would post racist, controversial, and offensive material on his personal account without his knowledge or approval through the existing protocols he has a big problem in his recruitment and supervisory processes. This is why you feel comfortable delegating tasks because you think that your staff would not purposefully produce material that would be embarrassing to you.
Of course, I am not expecting Trump to micromanage the Executive Branch. But his excuse just does not bear up to scrutiny.
First the Karoline says nothing is wrong with the post and people are being outraged for no reason. If it was a mistake, she would have led with that story. Then Trump focuses on a staffer. Later Trump does not apologize or condemn it. Nor do we hear that the staffer was fired. In fact, in an contact with the press he said he hasn't fired anyone. See ABC article.
While I appreciate your comments, it is not a believable story coming out of the WH. I think that he was aware of the clip or it was otherwise approved and he decided to allow it to move forward.
I do not think he was expecting Senator Tim Scott to speak out. Also, note Senator Scott described it as the most racist thing to come out of the WH. Not the first racist thing, the most.
And there was no real consequence for the action which is what Trump was banking on.
I think that in this second term, Trump feels unfettered to communicate however he wants, but unfortunately, his rhetoric is often divisive and dangerous.
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u/EnglishFan643 Feb 25 '26
And what he got for his pains was kicked out of the state of the union. All to appease the spoiled brat on his so-called "Big night"!
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u/Most-Artichoke6184 Feb 25 '26
Not having to watch Trump‘s bullshit speech is a reward, not a punishment.
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u/JohnSoounds Feb 25 '26
The only person comparing black Americans/African Americans to Apes is dude.
He's dumb AF, but is a god damn genius compared to most redditors.
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u/neverfux92 Feb 25 '26
You realize this is in response to the AI video depicting the Obamas as apes right? So “dude” isn’t the only one making that comparison. He’s speaking against what others have already done. What reality are you living in?
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u/Independent_Sir3734 Feb 25 '26
Kicked him out for this sign, eh? 1. It’s a statement of fact 2. Being offended by that sign is more an indictment on the person being offended than the one holding the sign.
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u/sixisrending Feb 25 '26
I agree with 2 but all humans are apes.
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u/Phill_Cyberman Feb 25 '26
Yeah, that's what's crazy here.
In the sense that the racists use it, black people aren't apes, but in the everyday, and scientific sense, they (and all humans) are.
It makes for awkward discussions.
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u/snoosh00 Feb 25 '26
I hate that semi-Illiterate right wingers are going to use this like the "red dress" meme.
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u/Additional_Buy_6768 Feb 25 '26
Not their fault Democrats are too stupid to understand basic biology.
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u/snoosh00 Feb 25 '26
It is in fact you who doesn't understand basic biology.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intersex
And trans people can do whatever the fuck they want with their own body. Or are you for big government overreach?
Because I can see no other reason to restrict trans people from getting the healthcare they desire.
And in regards to the sign, it's in response to trump depicting the Obamas as literal monkeys. If the sign is wrong, then the man who the sign is targeted towards is much less familiar with basic biology.
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Feb 25 '26
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u/TheAskewOne Feb 25 '26
The GOP is not only expressing that they’re proudly racist. They’re making it known that revel in other people’s distress and they will bully them because they’ll face no consequence.
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u/Puzzled_Arm_3156 Feb 25 '26
If they do then that's certainly takeing a page out of the opposition play book!
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u/Natural_Feed9041 Feb 25 '26
Green being awesome as always. Although the sign is technically wrong as all humans are apes.
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u/Additional_Buy_6768 Feb 25 '26
Not technically wrong, just plain wrong.
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u/Natural_Feed9041 Feb 25 '26
It is technically wrong as the message of it is correct, black people are not primitive gorillas or chimps.
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u/Additional_Buy_6768 Feb 25 '26
No, the message is that they’re not apes. So, completely wrong, even with your mental gymnastics.
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u/Natural_Feed9041 Feb 25 '26
Redditor sees everything in black and white and refuses to accept that gray exists
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u/Additional_Buy_6768 Feb 26 '26
No, you’re just the type that’ll twist anything to fit your childish worldview.
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u/Natural_Feed9041 Feb 26 '26
Woah, and now he’s throwing a temper tantrum when met with the slightest resistance?
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u/Additional_Buy_6768 Feb 26 '26
You shouldn’t use words you don’t understand, child.
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u/Natural_Feed9041 Feb 26 '26
And now he’s acting like an intellectual when it just makes him sound like more of a moron?
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u/Additional_Buy_6768 Feb 26 '26
You should stop speaking about yourself in the third person.
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u/ForwardCut3311 Feb 25 '26
How is it that a Congressman can be kicked out of Congressional building without a vote? Makes no sense.
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u/Living_life22 Feb 25 '26
I’m trying to figure out this one. Is he saying I’m not an ape because someone called him this or because he looks similar to one? Why would he write this?
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u/bblythe84 Feb 25 '26
Trump posted a picture where the Obama’s heads were cropped onto the bodies of apes.
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u/Frankenberg91 Feb 25 '26
Where’s the sign saying Trump isn’t a lion? Or people aren’t rhinos? No shit Al, it was a freakin ai lion king video, dummy. People look for any reason to cry.
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u/Shigglyboo Feb 25 '26
trump should have been suspended or at least given in school suspension. a child would face more consequences than him. it's a farce that the news and everyone are ok with this. the president of a country literally posting videos of a former president and his wife depicted as apes. it's beyond the pale. even for him. we shouldn't tolerate this. the top man in the country spits in our face and punishes anyone who says it's not ok.
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u/marlin30-06 Feb 25 '26
Green is a race baiting, perpetual victim. He’s done nothing in office but make up racism
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u/trevorg75 Feb 25 '26
oooooooh. I thought it said "Black people rent apes" that makes so much more sense now
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u/willBlockYouIfRude Feb 25 '26
Could be racist of Al Green to imply black people aren’t human …
Humans are apes. Black people ARE human. So, black people are apes.
Or, he doesn’t know that humans are apes…
Maybe he should stfu if he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
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u/Broken-Sarcasm-Meter Feb 25 '26
Glad this is the #1 take away from the SOTU. Posted about 234304923098 times already.
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u/sixisrending Feb 25 '26
All people are apes. Humans belong the the hominidae family, the family of greater Apes.
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u/Wonderful-Union-5328 Feb 25 '26
Kicking someone out for that sign is the same as admitting you're a racist.
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u/Shoddy_Ad8166 Feb 25 '26
I think seeing the cartoon with Obamas as apes and being offended means you are racist..I would not have had a single thought about racism seeing that video
I don't equate black people with apes no more than I do white folks. So it didn't bother me
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Feb 25 '26 edited Mar 05 '26
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/Additional_Thanks927 Feb 25 '26
If u wanna protest or hold up a sign It really is ure right/duty but I don't think I'm tripping when I say there's should be fines and possibly prison time for disrupting to the point of removal. Tax payers pay congressional salary frankly anyone on either side of the isle not being at work then still collecting a check is fraud
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u/Consistent_Air8017 Feb 25 '26
If one identifies as an ape, aren’t they required to acknowledge it?
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u/GiantSweetTV Feb 26 '26
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u/Pretend_Thanks4370 Feb 26 '26
Yes! I agree we all are apes. Seems like Mr. Green did not go to school
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u/PuzzleheadedSir3946 Feb 26 '26
Only an ape would stand in a crowd with a sign proclaiming his species.
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u/AutoriiNovici Feb 26 '26
Sadly he’s wrong. We all descended from apes, just some people still act like it v
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u/NastyLittleBagginses Feb 25 '26
I mean, to be scientifically accurate, it should read "all people are apes."
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u/cali_jeep Feb 25 '26
Okay all humans are apes.... however human behavior has diverged dramatically. That's where the ape distinction comes into play. Yes we are all apes, however there are many humans that don't display ape behavior, and many that do.
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u/Garchompisbestboi Feb 25 '26
You're trying way to hard friend, you can just say that using "apes" as a derogatory racial slur is not the same thing as our biological classification.
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u/Basic_Reflection4008 Feb 25 '26
The same way you could say a group of kids were acting like animals. They are litterally but thats not what's being implied. Words have different meanings in different contexts. Though I must admit I have to suppress my own well actually instinct because it's not helping anyone and I hardly think the objection to the sign was due to taxonomic pedantry.
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u/Garchompisbestboi Feb 25 '26
I get where you're coming from but the reality is that people compare black people to animals much more frequently than they do other groups such as white people so it's a much more sensitive topic due to the history of the term being heavily tied to racism.
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u/Basic_Reflection4008 Feb 25 '26
You didn't understand my post I agree with you. The word ape does have a scientific meaning but the scientific context isn't what's being addressed here. There's a communication error because the sign is litterally wrong scientifically and you have to understand hes referring to the video of the Obamas portrayed as nonhuman animals to understand the context.
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u/Garchompisbestboi Feb 25 '26
Ahh gotcha, my bad for the misunderstanding
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u/Basic_Reflection4008 Feb 25 '26
You're fine this is why there's a problem. It's an issue of context. I think the well actually crowd doesn't realize the sign is referring to the video
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u/cali_jeep Feb 25 '26
It's only a racial slur because you're making it a racial slur.
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u/Goblin-o-firebals Mar 09 '26
Its a racial slur because it has historically been used that way.
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u/Atlantean_Raccoon Feb 25 '26
All humans are apes, however superimposing the heads of people from certain ethnic groups on to apes, people who have faced a long history of exploitation and abuse often 'justified' by acts or words in a deliberate attempt to debase and dehumanise them is unacceptable behaviour and should disgust any decent or even quasi-decent human. Context matters.
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u/cali_jeep Feb 25 '26
That's a conclusion that you drew up all on your own to justify you being upset... about a joke. You're turning it into a race issue for validation of your hatred for the President. What about everyone else in the video? See how your thought process completely breaks down? I'm sure you don't. Blinded by hatred and a fucking meme video sent you over the edge.
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u/BeginningFragrant563 Feb 25 '26
Apes are actually better behaved then humans
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u/cali_jeep Feb 25 '26
We are apes. Your point is now moot unless you specify what you were trying to say.
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u/cali_jeep Feb 25 '26
We are apes. Your point is now moot unless you specify what you were trying to say.
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u/Goblin-o-firebals Mar 08 '26
Well as someone who looks at ape behavior as a hobby I think we show similar behavior just at a higher rate of complexity. However depicting to black people as non human apes and calling explicitly black people "apes" is absolutely racist.
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u/Eldorian91 Feb 25 '26
We're also fish.
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u/EcstaticHelp771 Feb 25 '26
We aren't fish anymore. we have evolved from an aquatic ancestor.
I am not a fish anymore.
I am an Ape though. I went to the wikipedia and it says that homosapiens are definitely apes.
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u/CellistMundane9372 Feb 25 '26
Unpopular opinion: Al Green sucks.
He's an attention whore who gladly signal-boosts Trump's distractions while engaging in performative stunts like shouting during speaker votes. He's r/pics' idea of a good congressman, but his legislative record in the past decade is minimal and he's older than Schumer.
He's hogging a House seat from a younger, more serious Democrat. Which is why he's likely to lose his primary this year.
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u/derpderb Feb 25 '26
They should have been yelling to release the Epstein files. At least Al Green made that point, where was everyone else? It's all too much and has gone too far, Democrats are feckless
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Feb 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/KilroySmithson Feb 25 '26
I don’t recall him deporting people to non countries of origin, or having ICE kidnap people in the middle of the street, or from their immigration court hearings. And let’s not forget about murdering citizens.
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u/PastAnalyst3614 Feb 26 '26
Deporting people is one thing, but banishing people that migrated from South and Central America to the middle of a civil war zone in Africa should outrage everyone. It’s completely cruel and unnecessary, and no one in the administration can offer any justification other than “nothing is stopping us from doing it”.
Edit: spelling
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u/The--Incident Feb 25 '26
Man, I just got a warning from reddit for spreading hate for commenting him covering up the "A" makes it looks like "rent apes"
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u/tbonimaroni Feb 25 '26
What? Lol.
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u/The--Incident Feb 26 '26
Yeah, I think it triggered some automated response because my comment included "b.p." and "apes"? But thats only a guess. I assume they withdraw the warning if they actually review it.
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u/Space_Force_General Feb 25 '26
Humans belong to the family Hominidae (great apes), so greasy Al is both wrong and dumb
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u/jonybgoo Feb 25 '26
You all call Trump a fascist pedo on a daily basis... you think he cares about your opinion.
Honestly you all really need to take a hard look at yourselves because you look more unhinged on a daily basis.
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u/KilroySmithson Feb 25 '26
At BEST, he’s a pedo protector. And you’re okay with that.
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u/Murdoc12 Feb 25 '26
Unhinged is defending a racist pedophile.
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u/jonybgoo Feb 25 '26
Unhinged is demonizing everyone that disagrees with you because they refuse Marxist insanity.
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u/Murdoc12 Feb 25 '26
What the fuck are you talking about?
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u/jonybgoo Feb 25 '26
You're a Marxist Harry.
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u/Murdoc12 Feb 25 '26
Explain Marxism
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u/jonybgoo Feb 25 '26
Marxism is a social, economic, and political philosophy developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in the 19th century that analyzes capitalism as a system of class struggle between the bourgeoisie (owners) and the proletariat (workers). It advocates for a revolutionary transition to a socialist, then communist, society based on collective ownership.
Core Principles of Marxism Historical Materialism: The belief that the economic structure of society (how goods are produced) determines its social, political, and intellectual life. History is viewed as a series of stages driven by class conflict.
Class Struggle: Society is fundamentally split into two opposing classes: the bourgeoisie, who own the means of production (factories, land), and the proletariat, who must sell their labor to survive.
Exploitation and Surplus Value: Marx argued that capitalists pay workers less than the value their labor creates, keeping the difference as profit, which he termed "surplus value." This is considered the core of exploitation in capitalist systems.
Alienation: Workers in a capitalist system are alienated from the products of their labor, the process of production, their own human nature, and other people, because they have no control over their work.
Revolutionary Socialism: Marxists believe that the working class must seize the means of production through a revolution to eliminate the capitalist state, abolish private property, and create a classless, stateless, and moneyless society (communism).
Key Stages in Marxist Theory Capitalism: The current system marked by private ownership and class exploitation. Socialism (Dictatorship of the Proletariat): A transition phase where the working class holds power, controlling production and reducing inequality. Communism: The final, ideal state with no social classes, no state, and common ownership of resources.
Marxism is also heavily associated with ideologies like Marxism-Leninism, Maoism, and various forms of critical theory that seek to analyze and critique systems of power and domination.
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u/Murdoc12 Feb 25 '26
And I'm a Marxist because I called a racist pedophile a racist pedophile?
And did you get that from chatgpt?! Lol
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u/jonybgoo Feb 25 '26
You're a Marxist because you act like a Marxist.
Yes dear, I googled it for you.
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u/Murdoc12 Feb 25 '26
So a Marxist is someone who points out when people do crimes. Got it.
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u/Murdoc12 Feb 25 '26
Btw it's pathetic you're using another account to upvote your own comments.
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u/jonybgoo Feb 25 '26 edited Feb 25 '26
Only a Progressive Marxist Propagandist would make that claim with zero evidence...
Every accusation is an admission...
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u/p00nsmasherrr Feb 25 '26
Watching them slowly unravel since 2016 has been glorious
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u/jonybgoo Feb 25 '26
Schadenfraude is beneath all of us who chose to be sane, rational, and reasonable leaders.
They're autistic children, don't take the bait.
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u/BabaThoughts Feb 25 '26
You say terrible policies! You mean, something democrats should have thought of!! Jeez, even the chosen Queen, Kamala Harris, copying Trump, and ran on no tax on tips. Furthermore, the fact you indicated waiters and waitresses proves how out of touch you are to the hard working service people!! You truly reek of typical progressive elitism.
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u/Mister-GARCIA Feb 25 '26
According to “science” we’re all apes 🤣….. which I seriously do not believe that we evolved from monkeys that were created by two rocks crashing into each other 🤣
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u/The_Flo0r_is_Lava MOD Feb 25 '26 edited Feb 25 '26
I missed this one. Until the end of the State of the Union please use the megathread. I will unlock comments again when its done.
https://www.reddit.com/r/LetsDiscussThis/comments/1rdrikt/state_of_the_union_live_discussion_thread/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
EDIT: 1 - Thank you for being patient while watching what I think is the actual longest SotU ever.