For each new class which puts itself in the place of one ruling before it is compelled, merely in order to carry through it aims, to present its interests as the common interest of the members of society, that is, expressed in ideal form: it has to give its idea the form of universality, and present them as the only rational, universality valid ones (Marx, pg. 40)
This quote, extracted from the Marx reading from this class, was what captured my thoughts the most. I thought was extremely relevant to our modern times and could be applied to so many interesting situations. First off, I defined the ruling class as the financially elite, like celebrities, millionaires, etc. Marx is saying that as new ruling classes into power, they will push their interests and morality on the general public to make it feel like that is the proper way to live life. Though the values presented by the ruling class are not always right or correct in any way, many people still feel like those values become the “universal” ones.
I think an example that can be applied to this quote very easily. The current political landscape within celebrity culture in the United States. A lot of celebrities are very liberal and left-leaning in their beliefs. Thus, a lot of young people and the media culture is very left-leaning. Though I personally don’t disagree with their views, their views now are seen more like the “universal” or “rational” point of view. I’ve heard of cases of conservative or even centrist actors not get a role because of their political beliefs. Within academia, I feel like if someone is more conservative in their point of view, they are seen as “irrational” and going against universal human rights because of their beliefs. While there are some people on the right who definitely think like, there is a stigma around not believing in left-leaning values wholeheartedly. This summation is based on my interaction with media, within academia, and within my own home life.
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