Thread by @alindguzik

AOC has everyone repeating “tax the rich” today and people are confused why she went?

Shoutout to the people who hold it against her that inequality wasn’t solved last night, or who suggest that this one appearance is the sum of her work. Meanwhile, everyone’s going to have an opinion on this dress. Think of all the conversations.

https://twitter.com/alindguzik/status/1437820071716524038

“Messaging alone won’t create systemic change.” True. Good messaging is necessary but not sufficient. Propaganda is complementary to organizing, legislating, litigating, investigating, voting. There are lots of ways to put pressure on power, and it’s not zero sum.

“Tax the rich isn’t a new slogan.” Right, which is why she chose it. There’s power in repetition. It’s a popular proposition that’s now fresh in people’s minds.

If propaganda seems off to you, that doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. It usually means you’re not its intended audience. I say this as a Soviet historian whose spent many years thinking about ideology, propaganda and change.

Thanks for sharing! If you want more thoughtful analysis to process this chaotic time, follow and read @Convo_ist! The Conversationalist is a feminist nonprofit publishing smart, empathetic journalism from
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PS. She did not pay for a ticket or the dress. She was invited for free to wear the dress for photos and then return it after the party. She promoted the designer, Brother Vellies, and fundraised for the Met. She used the red carpet to make a political statement. Take the win.