Influence of Rick 'The Pr*ck' Mann

In their compelling book, "NextGen Marxism: What It Is and How to Combat It," authors Mike Gonzalez and Katharine Cornell Gorka explore the evolution of Marxist ideology in contemporary America, tracing its roots back to influential figures like Eric Mann. Mann, who gained notoriety for his radical activism during the 1960s, has played a significant role in shaping modern leftist thought, notably influencing Patrisse Cullors, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, who identifies as a "trained Marxist." The authors highlight the historical context of Marxism's adaptation in the U.S., particularly through the Frankfurt School's escape from Nazi Germany. Key figures such as Max Horkheimer, Theodor Adorno, and Herbert Marcuse brought their theories to America, where Marcuse's ideas on sexual liberation and anti-capitalism found fertile ground. This "new" leftist approach, as described by Gonzalez and Gorka, cleverly masked its authoritarian tendencies under the guise of cultural renewal, appealing primarily to students rather than the traditional working class. Gonzalez and Gorka argue that this shift in revolutionary focus has profound implications for American society. They contend that the current generation of activists, including those involved in the World Social Forum, share a vision of dismantling existing structures in favor of a radical reimagining of society. The book serves as both a historical analysis and a call to action, urging readers to recognize and combat the pervasive influence of NextGen Marxism in contemporary discourse.