The article reflects a retired union-activist-journalist grandfather’s struggle to pass on over fifty years of left-wing knowledge to his grandchildren, who primarily consume information via social media rather than traditional reading. Initially frustrated by their disinterest in reading, the author recognizes the importance of listening to younger generations and adapting to their communication style. He draws from his experience in union organizing, emphasizing the need to meet people where they are, rather than imposing his own views.
He acknowledges the challenges of transmitting wisdom about combatting capitalist dictatorship and addressing oligarchy and authoritarianism in political systems. To bridge the generational gap, he turns his book project into a series of short YouTube videos titled “Your Socialist Grandfather.” This “video book” aims to create an inclusive language around economic democracy and emphasize the original leftist goal of advocating for democracy in both economic and political arenas.
The videos, which are designed to appeal to younger audiences, discuss the importance of solidarity in battling inequality and challenge capitalist claims of ownership over economies. The grandfather’s endeavor symbolizes a commitment to sharing knowledge and the urgency of guiding younger generations through contemporary political crises.
