Introduction: Recognizing the Influence of Propaganda
Capitalist propaganda in America is pervasive, often shaping our beliefs without us realizing it. Many people hold strong opinions about capitalism, socialism, and politics, yet struggle to explain or understand the concepts deeply. Here are 10 signs that you may have been indoctrinated by American capitalist propaganda.

1. You Love Capitalism But Can’t Define It
You claim to support capitalism, but when asked to define it, your explanation boils down to something like “capitalism means free markets” or “the exchange of goods and services.” In reality, that’s just commerce. Capitalism involves private ownership of the means of production and profit-making through wage labor, not just market transactions.

2. You Hate Socialism But Can’t Define It
You fiercely oppose socialism, but your understanding is vague, equating it to ideas like “the lazy taking from the hardworking” or conflating it with authoritarian regimes. Socialism, in its essence, advocates for public or collective ownership of the means of production, aiming for more equitable distribution of resources.

3. You Believe the Democratic Party is Left-Wing
You think the Democratic Party is a left-wing party, or even socialist or communist, when in reality, it’s a right-wing neoliberal capitalist party. While it may appear more progressive than the Republican Party, its policies are deeply rooted in capitalist interests.

4. You Can’t Tell the Difference Between Liberals and Leftists
You conflate liberals and leftists, believing they’re the same. In fact, liberals and conservatives often have more in common with each other than liberals do with leftists. Leftists critique the capitalist system entirely, while liberals seek to reform it but not abolish it.

5. You Think Billionaires Are Self-Made
You believe that billionaires earned their wealth through hard work and personal effort. In reality, they accumulate wealth by extracting the value of thousands of other people’s labor. It’s the workers, not the billionaires, who create the products and services that generate profit.

6. You Think Government Isn’t Working
You feel like the government is failing everyone, but in truth, it’s working exceptionally well for capitalists. The government protects the interests of big corporations and the wealthy while leaving working-class people behind. It’s not that the government doesn’t work—it’s just not working for you.

7. You Have to Work for a Living But Think You’re a Capitalist
You consider yourself a capitalist but still have to work to survive. In reality, if you have to sell your labor to make a living, you’re part of the working class. Capitalists are those who own the means of production and make money off other people’s labor.

8. You’re a Christian Who Focuses on Abortion and LGBTQ+ Rights
You identify as a Christian but primarily focus on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, neglecting the teachings of Jesus about love, compassion, helping the poor, and supporting marginalized groups. These social justice values were central to Jesus’ message, yet they’re often ignored in modern interpretations.

9. You Believe Your Favorite News Outlet is the Beacon of Truth
You believe that your preferred media outlet (whether it’s on the right or left) is the absolute truth. In reality, media outlets cater to different target demographics, often reinforcing capitalist narratives and biases to maintain viewer loyalty and profit.

10. You Believe Either Party Serves Working-Class Interests
You think the Democratic or Republican Party represents the average American, when in fact, both parties serve the interests of capitalists and the wealthy elite. Neither party fundamentally challenges the capitalist system that benefits from your labor and struggles.

Conclusion: Breaking Free from Indoctrination
Recognizing these signs is the first step in understanding how deeply American capitalist propaganda can shape our views. By questioning and critically examining these beliefs, you can begin to see the broader structures at play and develop a more informed perspective on capitalism, socialism, and political realities in the U.S.