“This feels a lot like church,” I thought. It was 2017, and I was seated with a hundred other people for a Brooklyn chapter meeting of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Like many of those who have joined DSA recently, I came of age during the Occupy protests, was inspired by Bernie Sanders, and was galvanized into action with the election of Donald Trump.
Toward the end of the gathering, people—who were mostly under 35 with a handful over 60—passed around lyrics sheets so we could sing, “Solidarity Forever,” a popular trade union anthem. It was my first time experiencing collective singing outside of church, and it felt familiar, from the loudly exuberant singers to the masses of people awkwardly fumbling with a new tune. At the end, discussion groups were announced: DSA wanted people to gather in apartments to read foundational texts and histories of people around the world whom we were supposed to feel connected to as one global proletariat.
Read Full Article »