The Erosion of American Exceptionalism: The Impact of Socialism and Communism

American exceptionalism, the belief that the United States is a unique and exceptional nation, has long been a cornerstone of American identity. It is the idea that America is a land of opportunity, freedom, and individualism. However, in recent years, the rise of socialism and communism has posed a threat to this cherished ideal, eroding the foundations of American exceptionalism and leaving a devastating impact on the nation’s youth and future.

The Rise of Marxism in recent years

Karl Marx believed that with the advent of the industrial revolution, the workers would only continue to suffer under the boot of the men who owned the factories, businesses and farms. He envisioned a world where everyone was equal and that the state would be able to provide for the masses. This ideology evolved into Socialism and Communism over time. Without getting to deep into the weeds, the consensus among scholars and the educated, was that a revolution needed to happen to bring about this change. Although the idea appealed to the working class in Europe and to a far lesser extent Americans, it wasn’t until Vladimir Lenin that this idea really took off.

In America, Socialism and communism, were fringe ideologies, really only propagating in universities. Especially during the Cold War with the Soviet Union. But in the last 20 or so years, have gained popularity among certain segments of the population, particularly among the younger generations. Promoted by self-proclaimed democratic socialists, university professors and left-wing activists, these ideologies promise “equality” [of outcome] and “social justice” (the re-branded proletariat vs bourgeoisie) by advocating for government control of the means of production and redistribution of wealth.

While the intentions behind these ideologies may seem noble on the surface, such as helping the working class, and collectively lifting people up, history has shown us the dangers they pose. The failures of socialism and communism in failed states and countries like the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Venezuela (just to name a few) have resulted in economic stagnation, human rights abuses, and the erosion of individual freedoms -not to mention the immense loss of life. Yet, despite these clear historical examples, many young Americans are being seduced by the allure of socialism and communism, through left-wing Marxist ideologies often promoted by social media platforms like TikTok.

The Influence of TikTok

TikTok, owned by ByteDance (may change in the near future at the time of writing) is a popular social media platform known for its short-form videos, has become a breeding ground for left-wing ideologies, including socialism and communism. While TikTok may seem harmless on the surface, its influence on the minds of young people cannot be underestimated. The platform’s algorithm, controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) often promotes content that aligns with the CCP narrative as well as the user’s interests, creating an echo chamber that reinforces certain beliefs and ideologies.

This is largely done by selectively pushing or promoting videos and influencers, that have certain types of content. For example, Dylan Mulvaney, a young man who used to post animal videos with low engagement. To increase his viewership and followers, he experimented by posting more and more about his sexuality, finding exponential growth in engagement. With no-one pulling Dylan out of the matrix, his videos became more extreme, eventually leading to him “transitioning” and the Bud Light boycott. While the CCP is promoting this type of content, TikTok actively bans content creators who are conservative or are likely to counter the established narrative.

On TikTok, users, often without fully understanding the implications of the ideologies they promote, create videos that glorify socialism and communism. These videos often simplify complex political and economic systems, such as housing, homelessness, or financial subjects; presenting them as societal problems. With the solution being government control, or outright destroying the system. The catchy music and quick editing make these ideas seem appealing and trendy, leading many young Americans to adopt these ideologies without fully understanding their consequences.

The Devastating Impact on American Youth

The adoption of these ideologies among the American youth has had a devastating impact on their understanding of American culture and the principles that have made the United States a beacon of freedom and opportunity. By embracing these ideologies, young Americans are turning their backs on the ideas of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets that have allowed the nation to prosper.

Instead of striving for personal success and achievement, many young Americans are being taught to rely on the government for their well-being. The idea of personal responsibility and self-reliance, which are essential components of American exceptionalism, are being replaced with a sense of entitlement and dependency.

This erosion of American exceptionalism not only harms the individual, but it also weakens the fabric of society as a whole. When the principles of individualism, meritocracy, and free enterprise are eroded, innovation and economic growth suffer. The United States has long been the global leader in innovation and technological advancement, but without a strong belief in American exceptionalism, that leadership is at risk.

Furthermore, the erosion of American exceptionalism diminishes the sense of national pride and unity that has been a driving force behind the nation’s success. When young Americans no longer believe in the unique qualities that make their country exceptional, they lose the motivation to contribute to its success and progress.

Conclusion

The rise of socialism and communism, fueled in part by platforms like TikTok, has eroded the idea of American exceptionalism and left a devastating impact on American youth. By embracing ideologies that undermine the principles of individual liberty and free markets, young Americans are turning their backs on the very foundations that have made the United States a land of opportunity and freedom. It is crucial to educate and engage with the younger generation, reminding them of the importance of being an American and the values that have shaped the nation’s history.