Independent Media | Campaigning Journalism
Twitter had the perfect response to the right’s latest attempt to badmouth socialism
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 #WaveCastOR (@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.
— hdishhakabs (@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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