Skip to main content
On writing as a leftist
From intellectual heavyweights of the academy to organisers like me who have come to the role via a life on the shop floor, writing by leftists must centre communication — and if capable of it, even fun, writes ROGER McKENZIE
RED WRITINGS: Lenin at Work, Igor Reznik, 1970

RECENTLY I have found myself wondering why socialists or communists write as journalists, authors or poets — or any other kinds of writing I’ve missed off the list.

Sometimes I think it has more to do with demonstrating a superior grasp of Marxist-Leninist theory than anyone else. Good for you if it floats your boat to fill page after page with a demonstration of your superior intellect — particularly in non-theoretical publications.

Just let me know in advance so I can put some John Coltrane on to get me through. Coltrane’s Love Supreme possibly accurately describes a love that many of these writers or critics appear to have for themselves.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
autism
Books / 30 April 2026
30 April 2026

MATTHEW HAWKINS relishes the literary output of autistic writers, and recommends its insight to readers both including and beyond the community themselves

Resisting Operation Dudula: why we must name xenophobia in South Africa
Features / 23 August 2025
23 August 2025

We are experiencing a wave of organised, often deadly violence targeting migrants from other parts of Africa — but the poorest South Africans reject this hatred, staying true to the spirit of Ubuntu and Pan-African unity, reports NIGEL BRANKEN