How Have I Become a Leftist?

And what does that even mean?

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Most of my life, I have been oblivious to politics. If you asked me what I think about social benefits, the current state of human rights or the economic system, I would at best answer: it depends.

But over the past few months, something has obviously been changing. I have been called a few labels that I never expected myself to wear — like, an “eco-freak” or a “feminist.” Recently I was also called out on something I posted on Facebook as being a “great example of communist rhetoric.”

I am starting to realize that people around me see me as a leftist. But am I one? And what does that even mean?

The nonsense of labels

I decided not to do any research for this post, purposefully. I want to expose all my ignorance of politics, because I think this will give you a more complete picture of where I am coming from and how much I don’t know. It is only fair to make sure you understand that.

However, the fact that I am not fluent in political or sociological vocabulary and concepts doesn’t mean that I don’t have my own observations about the world. And I think that these observations are still valid, even if they lack completeness. In the end — can you show me one person who “knows it all”? Somebody who is able…