Why I Am a Socialist

Growing up, I was taught that we lived in a merit-based society full of great opportunities, but I knew there were many problems with it. I started as an advocate of small changes, in education, minimum wage, healthcare, and environmental justice.

But unlike the good “progressive” that they want us to be, I couldn’t devote myself to a single issue and leave the rest. At this point, I became more conscious of their interrelatedness, but frustration built up as I felt it was impossible to change them all.

Upon coming in contact with Socialist Alternative, I found that they had a clearer understanding of history than all the rest, and one that was free of pretension and illusion. Their understanding was that the ruling class reluctantly hands over concessions in response to organized struggle when left with no other option, not as a benevolent response to polite requests. It all made sense now - the system is inherently corrupt.

At that point, I learned that we are not alone in our struggle and we aren’t the first ones in history fighting against the injustices by the few upon the many. We will also not be the first ones to achieve a victory of the many against the few.