Elements of the right wing have tried to use Halloween to discredit socialism. Bashing socialism is something they often feel a need to do. But by dragging Halloween into it, they’ve shown that, like your common zombie, what they really need is brains.
The memester mash
A few prominent right-wing figures posted variations on the same meme. These people included the editor-at-large of Infowars – a site that previously claimed the Sandy Hook massacre was staged:
Teach your kids the joys of socialism by giving 50% of their trick or treat hoard to the fat kid down the round who played Xbox all night! 😀
— Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) October 30, 2017
This is a new take on a right-wing classic:
Hmm…this tweet sounds familiar… pic.twitter.com/KoQNijTv9q
— Jeremy M (@downtownbrown80) October 30, 2017
It makes even less sense when applied to trick or treating, though – an activity that involves three things capitalists hate:
- Generosity.
- Community.
- The redistribution of wealth (in this instance, sweets).
Teach your kids about capitalism by making them pay strangers for candy they'd otherwise get free under socialist holiday known as Halloween
— Erin Conroy (@chargrille) November 1, 2017
Copycat
Donald Trump Jr. tweeted something very similar a day afterwards. This was unsurprising, because if there’s one thing Trump Jr. is known for, it’s following on from someone else while offering nothing original of his own:
I’m going to take half of Chloe’s candy tonight & give it to some kid who sat at home. It’s never to early to teach her about socialism. pic.twitter.com/3ie9C0jv2G
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) October 31, 2017
He did provide others with the opportunity to say something fresh, though:
She was given candy for free.
You inherited all your money.
You met with Russian spies.
It’s “too”. https://t.co/Bsf5wkQxST— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) November 1, 2017
Imagine being the son of Donald Trump and believing you earned your candy.
— Max (@5max16) October 31, 2017
it's never *too early to teach your child – who just got candy for free off someone else's dime – about the kindness of sharing https://t.co/LczyPjCWCt
— Holly Thompson (@lusterleafholly) November 1, 2017
Spooky
Halloween is traditionally the time of year when unspeakable ghouls wander the land, spreading terror and mischief. In 2017, however, unspeakable ghouls are an everyday occurrence; which is why their ridiculous comments need to be staked at every available opportunity.
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