Maybe youve got a few particularly vocal friends who keep posting about the Democratic Socialists of America.
So, towards that effort: what exactly is the DSA?
Heres a short course.
Chaptersexistin almost every state.
What does democratic socialism mean?
In some circles, the term socialism has become almost derogatory.
Its the term your crazy right wing uncle uses to describe anyone supporting universal health care, for instance.
Its Stalin or the cause of the chaos in Venezuela.
By adding that little D word before it, Democratic Socialism tries to distance itself from these negative connotations.
They spend a lot of time discussing and planning how, exactly, this transformation should happen.
Modern-day communism is seen as highly undemocratic and totalitarian in practice.
That said, youwilllikely hear DSA members toss around terms like Late Capitalism.
It also connotes extreme income inequality.
Whats the DSAs platform?
Put it this way: if there is a spectrum, Betsy DeVos is at the opposite end.
Currently, post-Trump, the DSA is focusing on candidates and initiatives at the state level.
But they do have an international agenda.
Whats their target demographic?
At the recent convention, various sources clocked the crowd as being predominantly under theage of 35.
Many members also recognize the organizations recent growth as a result of Bernie Sanders populist campaign.
That said, there are clear ties between the candidate and Democratic Socialist ideas.
For example, Bernie addressed the movement in1991.
At the convention, DSA Guidelines for Respectful Discussion were followed.
There are also at-large delegates to represent areas where there are no active chapters.
But, like all democracies, its not easy.
Then it was pointed out that this would include…. (They dont like Hillary much, for instance).
But thats not to mean they, as a whole, desire anarchy.
Its more about outside-the-box thinking.
