Written by Katin for IPCRESS Blog
I prefer the terms, “Establishment” and “Opposition” to the old, Marxist-flavored, “Bourgeoisie” and “Proletariat.” It’s not necessary to read Marx to know that we live under Elite Rule and many of the Marxist categories pertaining to these terms are of little relevance these days. “Establishment” refers not only to The Elite and their system of mass control, but also the loose ideology which accompanies The Establishment. This ideology is much more complicated and involved than Marx can explain, and by limiting ourselves to discussions of Capitalism, much of the character of the modern Establishment is lost. This Establishment ideology is far-reaching and has a profound connection with everyone in our society. Any effective understanding adopted by Opposition elements must first clearly disassociate itself from any Establishment influence.
It’s not that The Establishment simply dictates to a compliant society, but The Establishment fashions certain tools and models with which the people can interpret their world. In this way, whatever understanding is adopted by the citizens will always work to the benefit of The Establishment. This mechanism is apparent in any serious ideological attempt at creating an Opposition consensus. The Establishment succeeds in hiding behind these apparent contradictions, idealistic platitudes, and political sophistries, and so eludes serious critical analysis while at the same time splitting Opposition elements which are unable to agree on any popular understanding. In other words, why dictate policy if you can control the debate which determines policy?
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