Far-right publication unwittingly promotes Communist Manifesto excerpts

In a recent incident involving the American Reformer, a prominent magazine on the Protestant far-right, a prank was executed by journalist Lindsay who managed to get it to publish what he referred to as the most 'woke' text in history—adapted excerpts from the Communist Manifesto. This event is situated within the context of ongoing struggles within the right regarding what defines 'True conservatism' following the rise of the Trumpist movement in 2015. The tensions within Trump's coalition demonstrate instability and division among political factions, highlighting differing views on the meaning and implications of conservatism in today's political landscape. Lindsay's intentions behind the prank were underscored by his belief that the far-right and far-left share similarities, particularly in how they label societies through the lens of group conflicts. By placing the Communist Manifesto into the dialogue of the right-wing political narrative, he aimed to illustrate how easily leftist ideas could be reframed as part of a conservative agenda that seeks to rally support against what they perceive as the overreach of the left. His belief is rooted in a broader critique of 'wokeness,' which he contends is akin to a form of communism, separating individuals into oppressor and oppressed groups. The scenario brings into focus a profound ideological struggle within the Trump coalition, where various factions are vying for influence and control over the party's direction. Despite the silliness of the prank's execution, it serves as a microcosmic reflection of deeper issues surrounding the future of conservative politics and the ongoing conflict over American identity and values. Conservative factions such as Protestant Christian nationalism and white nationalism have emerged, viewing Trump as a revolutionary figure leading a necessary change against what they deem as dangerous leftist ideologies. Nonetheless, the prank and the discussions it engendered also illuminate how poorly defined the boundaries of 'True conservatism' are becoming under the Trump influence. The right’s infighting and philosophical battles may evolve into more pressing divisions as the coalition struggles to enact tangible policies and maintain unity. This episode not only questions long-standing conservative values but highlights a transformative moment wherein past ideologies could reshape the future political landscape in America, revealing the precarious nature of modern conservatism amidst escalating ideological battles.