I No Longer Debate Politics
I no longer debate politics. As someone who studied politics at university and has been active in my community as an advocate and even a political candidate, I once held the value of political discourse in high regard. I believed in the power of open dialogue and thoughtful, constructive conversation, even with those who held opposing views. I entered each debate with the hope that through genuine exchange, we could find common ground or at least foster mutual understanding.
As a communist, I’ve always believed that human life is the most valuable thing on earth, and that we have a moral obligation to ensure that each person has access to the basic necessities that allow them to live with dignity. Yet, over time, I’ve realized that many opposing views are not rooted in the same fundamental respect for humanity. Instead, they often seek to protect systems of exploitation and inequality that devalue human life. When the principles of equality and justice are not shared, meaningful dialogue becomes almost impossible.
People are deeply entrenched in their positions, and perhaps one could say the same about me. However, I believe there is a critical difference. The position I hold is centered on uplifting the collective well-being of humanity, while many of my opponents prioritize maintaining systems of privilege, exploitation, and inequality. It’s not just a matter of disagreeing on policy; it’s a clash of moral foundations. I advocate for a world where no one is left behind, while others fight to preserve structures that perpetuate suffering as long as it benefits a select few.
In today’s world, ignorance is no longer an excuse. We live in an age where knowledge and information are more accessible than ever before. If someone is genuinely curious about communism — or any ideology for that matter — they don’t need to rely on hearsay or outdated propaganda. The literature is there, the research is available, and the evidence is clear for those who are willing to look. If you choose to reject those principles after understanding them, then you must confront a hard truth: you are, at some level, comfortable with systems of exploitation and the devaluation of human life, as long as those systems preserve your comfort and privilege. Accept that reality and stand by it, but don’t misrepresent the ideology to save face or justify your position. Be honest with yourself and the world — you won’t be alone, and at least there will be clarity in your conviction, however uncomfortable it may be.
I am simply too exhausted to debate anymore. I’m tired of having to justify why my existence matters, why the earth matters, why humanity itself matters. I’m drained from repeatedly explaining why racial and gender violence is wrong, why the exploitation of land and people is immoral, and why these basic truths should not be up for debate. It feels like I’m speaking into an echo chamber, where the same debunked arguments are recycled again and again, mindlessly regurgitated by those who prefer the comfort of ignorance to the discomfort of critical thinking.
It’s almost ironic. In right-wing circles, people proudly label themselves as “critical thinkers” or “free thinkers,” claiming they reject mainstream narratives in favor of alternative truths. Yet, all they seem to do is swap one form of propaganda for another — trading in mainstream media for conspiracy theories and misinformation that align with their worldview. They convince themselves they’ve uncovered hidden truths, when in reality, they’ve simply chosen a different flavor of deception. And as for liberals, I no longer waste my time. Many liberals pride themselves on being progressive, but in reality, they are often just Republicans who support gay marriage — a surface-level concession to social justice while refusing to confront the deep systemic issues that perpetuate inequality.
I’ve come to realize that the energy I once spent debating politics is better used elsewhere. Real change doesn’t happen in circular arguments with those who are unwilling to examine the foundations of their beliefs. It happens through action, through organizing, through building alternative systems that prioritize humanity over profit, and justice over power.
The time for debate has passed. Now is the time for action, for solidarity, and for a radical reimagining of what is possible. The conversations I used to seek, filled with hope and idealism, have turned into battles against entrenched ignorance. And while I no longer have the patience for these endless debates, I do have the resolve to continue fighting for a world where no one has to justify their existence, their dignity, or their worth. Because in the end, it’s not about winning arguments — it’s about winning justice.
