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Everyone is well aware of the unusual election we had this past year. The political aftermath has thickened lines between parties, and each side is gradually showing their teeth. While the outcome washistoric, another factor has proven its impact eversince:Bernie Sanders democratic socialist platform against HillaryClintons traditional democratic approach.

Sanders entrance into the race highlighted many ideals Americans hadnt heard froma candidate, and heconnected deeply. Specifically young Americans were his biggestgroup of supporters, garnering over2 million votes from constituentsunder the age of 30 in last yearscaucuses, according to The Washington Post. Clinton and President Donald Trump combined only gained a little under 1.6 million. The effect of Sanders and the rise of democratic socialism on Americasmillennialsis not something to ignore.

After Sanders campaign, membership ofthe Democratic Socialists of America tripled to 19,000 members and is still growing. Local chapters are popping up in every state with many more awaiting verification. Because of the age group that is largely a part of this movement, many college campuses are having their own discussions and groups on the topic.

Even on this campus, a democratic socialist meeting is scheduled forApril 9at Aura Coffee. Forrecent rallies atDentonSquare, talk of socialism is intertwined with feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration issues and et cetera. This is because of the beliefthat you cant talk about any of those issues without acknowledging how the current capitalistic government has impacted the marginalization of each group.

Why is socialism so popular among young Americans? If you think about it, it is no surprise. Most of us grew up during the Bush administration and PresidentObamas humble beginnings right after. Whether you liked Obama or not, the resurgence of socialism from Sanders outlined some dilemmas in those years thatnoone elsetouched on.

Throughout my life, and Ill even go as far to say our lives, socialism is castinto a negative light and is oftenassociated with the Russian Revolution and communism. So to see socialism reclaim its own name and emphasize its true idealswhich have been ignored for some timeisrefreshing.

Socialism isnt bad, it just got the wrong attention during a bad time. As forthe current politic climate, it seems we may be due for another socialist rise. Historically, socialism sparked during eras of despair and injustice. Many view the ideals of democratic socialism as just that, ideal, as if they are only obtainable in an idyllic world.

On the DSA homepage, the organization statesit is not trying to be a third party, mainlybecause our two-party system makes it almost impossible for third parties to be successful. They just want to be a strong presence in the Democratic Party, so that their beliefs may actually be accounted for, other than ignored forneoliberalisminterests.

According to PBS, only five U.S. states have Democratic-controlled legislatures and governors, and only 25 states have complete Republican control. With far-right movements picking up speed throughTrumpsadministration, it appearsthat the perfect match is not mainstream liberalism, but democratic socialism.

Sanders may have lost to Clinton, but this was only further proof that his supportersneeded to fight outside the norm. A Fox News poll from March, of all outlets, found that Sanders is the most popular U.S. politician right now.And his favorisnt slowing down anytime soon.

Young Democrats are politically conscious right now, and evaluate the inequalities of race, gender, capitalism, sexual orientation and more. The divide between millennials andolder Democrats is evident. Past Democrats toe the line, compromising where compromise shouldnt be. But democratic socialism isthe new way to confront these issues in a stronger, more explicit way where Democratsare not afraid toask for it.

Featured Illustration: Antonio Mercado

See the article here:
Democratic socialism: Has the far-right met its match? - North Texas Daily