Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this episode, we explore the false dichotomy between the “Good Socialist” and the “Bad Communist.” This is the idea that one can separate oneself from anti-communism by dissing communism. However, with the State Department's release of Cuba: The Capital of the 21st Century, targeting anything progressive as “domestic terrorism, it becomes clearer that everyone marginally left is a target. Historically, Black people, whether left-wing or not, are vulnerable to these types of red scares, and thus should be prepared.
To help us discuss these dilemmas, we bring on a friend of the show, Dr. Charise Burden-Stelly. She is an Associate Professor of African American Studies at Wayne State University and the author of the book Black Scare / Red Scare: Theorizing Capitalist Racism in the United States. We discuss anti-communism, what it is, the contradictions it creates, and ways to remain principled in combating it. We also look at the way Anti-communism is weaponized to target Black radical movements.
This is part 1 of 2. For Patreon subscribers who want to listen to both parts, part 2 is available. If you're not a subscriber, please sign up.
Myth: Communism Made Me Do It
youtube.com/live/ZXuC-rPwYZ8?is=3eiIf9R9MGp34P30
Myth: Communism Made Me Do It Pt. 2
youtube.com/live/V4OSrY-tFvY?is=KkWz1ct4YzATtlsv
Cuba: The Capital of 21st Century Communism
state.gov/cuba-the-capital-of-21st-century-communism
NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM/NSPM-7
whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/countering-domestic-terrorism-and-organized-political-violence
In this episode, we explore the false dichotomy between the “Good Socialist” and the “Bad Communist.” This is the idea that one can separate oneself from anti-communism by dissing communism. However, with the State Department's release of Cuba: The Capital of the 21st Century, targeting anything progressive as “domestic terrorism, it becomes clearer that everyone marginally left is a target. Historically, Black people, whether left-wing or not, are vulnerable to these types of red scares, and thus should be prepared.
To help us discuss these dilemmas, we bring on a friend of the show, Dr. Charise Burden-Stelly. She is an Associate Professor of African American Studies at Wayne State University and the author of the book Black Scare / Red Scare: Theorizing Capitalist Racism in the United States. We discuss anti-communism, what it is, the contradictions it creates, and ways to remain principled in combating it. We also look at the way Anti-communism is weaponized to target Black radical movements.
This is part 1 of 2. For Patreon subscribers who want to listen to both parts, part 2 is available. If you're not a subscriber, please sign up.
Myth: Communism Made Me Do It
youtube.com/live/ZXuC-rPwYZ8?is=3eiIf9R9MGp34P30
Myth: Communism Made Me Do It Pt. 2
youtube.com/live/V4OSrY-tFvY?is=KkWz1ct4YzATtlsv
Cuba: The Capital of 21st Century Communism
state.gov/cuba-the-capital-of-21st-century-communism
NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM/NSPM-7
whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/countering-domestic-terrorism-and-organized-political-violence
