Unpacking the Failures of the Millennial Left: A Conversation with Alex Hochuli

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Could the millennial left's political failures be traced back to a misalignment with historical Marxist frameworks? Join us on VarmVlog as we unpack this and more in an eye-opening conversation with Alex Hochuli, author of Omelets with Eggshells: On the Failure of the Millennial Left and co-host of Aufbungabunga Podcast.

We dive into the heart of millennial left politics, pulling apart the complexity of its evolution and examining the personal experiences and organizational challenges faced by key figures and societies. From the importance of understanding local contexts to the critical need for clear demands and structured organization, this episode is packed with insights for anyone wondering where the millennial left went wrong.
The rise and fall of leftist movements like Podemos and the institutionalization of BLM and Me Too are central to our discussion. We'll contrast the short-term gains and long-term struggles of these movements, and how they intersect with the entrenched political systems in Anglophone countries. We touch on the nuanced role of media and social media in shaping these movements, and the constraints that have stifled their potential within the American political landscape. This episode also delves into the speculative nature of political investments and the discomfort with radical change that has plagued recent leftist efforts.
In reflecting on the broader political landscape, we explore the crisis of contemporary political progress and the decline in labor organization. Alex O'Chilly shares his thoughts on the generational gaps within the left and how historical amnesia affects current movements. From the fragmentation of elite-driven politics to the nostalgia for mid-20th century frameworks, we question the left’s readiness to embrace uncertainty and ambition. Tune in to understand why the left needs to move beyond nostalgia and face the unique challenges of the 21st century head-on.

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn
Links and Social Media:
twitter: @varnvlog
blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube
Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon

Bab

1. Failure of the Millennial Left Analysis (00:00:00)

2. Analyzing Millennial Left's Evolution (00:12:20)

3. Crisis of Politics and Populism (00:22:05)

4. Politics of Speculative Continuity and Comfort (00:37:27)

5. Crisis of Contemporary Political Progress (00:43:23)

6. Political Degeneration and Historical Amnesia (00:53:46)

7. Decline in Labor Organization and Politics (00:58:10)

8. Post-Democracy and Political Conflict (01:11:18)

9. Political Crisis and Democratic Disillusionment (01:15:13)

10. Nostalgia and Political Hauntology (01:26:39)

11. Navigating Current Political Turmoil (01:35:23)

12. Critiquing the State of Contemporary Politics" (01:45:03)

13. Navigating Hyper-Political Landscapes (01:55:10)