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What are some books I can read about socialism/the state vs corporations/the economic and sociological side of government (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 1 year ago by jwiggler@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I don't really know much about socialism, but I want to learn more. I also don't really know what kind of book I'm looking for, but I'm not really looking to read Marx at this point and I also don't want to read a pop economy book like Freakonomics. I want something a little more legit, or academic, I guess. I'm cool with classics, too, if there is a story out there that explores these themes.

Sorry if that's not much to go by, I'm having trouble articulating what it is I want to read

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[–] LilBiFurious@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

Whenever I introduce people to the concepts of Marxism, fascism, capitalism, etc., I start by recommending two books:

Wages of Rebellion by Chris Hedges

and

Blackshirts and Reds by Michael Parenti

Both are written in very accessible language and both do a great job at not just explaining these economic/political theories, but also adding historical context to ground the theories in real-world actions.

[–] jwiggler@sh.itjust.works -1 points 1 year ago

I'm listening to wages of rebellion right now. It's so infuriating being reminded of the shit we live in the US.

It's good, and I'll definitely finish it, but so far hasn't scratched my itch. I guess I feel like most of the atrocities perpetuated by the corporate state are already apparent to the public, but accepted. The idea of freedom of privacy, freedom of speech, they're just illusions. People just accept that radical political speakers, even if they are non-violent, are locked up. They just accept that the corporations and state lull them into placidity with consumerism and entertainment. It feels good and is convenient.

I mean, me too. I really like the convenience of being able to turn on and dim my houselights with my voice. I really like being able to keep in contact with my friends and family using my smartphone. But these things are at the cost of my privacy. An everyday individual does not have a choice to opt out of being tracked short of using a dumb phone and never using the Internet, which simply is not realistic, and still does not ensure complete privacy, as I understand it. It's insanity.

I'm gonna continue on, maybe with Blackshirts or Why Socialim? by Einstein, but I'm also interested in reading some Chomsky (maybe not necessarily about Socialism? but seems like an interesting dude)

Thanks for the recommendation!