The Enduring Allure of Communism

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The author, a former communist, reflects on the enduring appeal of communism and its progressive 21st-century permutations, even in the face of the well-documented atrocities committed under communist rule. She argues that communism's utopian vision of a better world, along with its ability to provide a sense of purpose and community, continues to draw in new followers, particularly young people, despite the overwhelming evidence of its failures.

Why it matters

This article provides insight into the persistent attraction of communist and socialist ideologies, even in the modern era, and the challenges in educating people about the true horrors of communist regimes. It highlights the importance of understanding the psychological and emotional factors that contribute to the allure of these ideologies, rather than simply dismissing their adherents as ignorant or misguided.

The details

The author recounts her own experience of encountering a self-described communist as a freshman at Berkeley in 1985, and her subsequent journey of listening to their arguments and becoming convinced that communism could work. She explains that the left's ability to present a compelling narrative of fighting for justice and a better world, combined with the right's perceived indifference to the plight of the less fortunate, makes communism an attractive alternative for many. However, the author also acknowledges that the path to communism inevitably leads to repression and brutality, as the utopian vision denies fundamental truths about human nature.

• The author's encounter with a self-described communist occurred in 1985 when she was a freshman at Berkeley.
• The article references events that took place on October 8, though the specific year is not provided.

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