Настроение:	amused
Entry tags:	russia, ukraine, ww3

Seize the means of production: Artists as Capitalists
Some artists, particularly those established in elite cultural circles, do gatekeep their craft, framing AI as a threat to their status rather than a tool for broader access. The left’s defense of “human art” can sometimes smell like protecting a privileged class—those with the time, training, or connections to dominate creative industries. This isn’t universal, but it’s visible enough to spark accusations of hypocrisy, especially when the same left critiques capitalism elsewhere but defends this niche form of “labor aristocracy.”

The left of Kropotkin or Lenin focused on systemic upheaval for the working class, often embracing disruptive tech if it served the cause (e.g., Lenin’s enthusiasm for electrification). Today’s left, particularly its cultural wing, often prioritizes identity, moral signaling, or niche cultural battles over class struggle. Defending artists against AI while ignoring how AI could empower the masses (e.g., letting anyone create art without expensive training) can feel like a betrayal of that older, more materialist vision. It’s less about liberating the proletariat and more about preserving certain professions’ prestige.

The modern left’s cultural focus can feel like a departure from class-based solidarity toward a fragmented, performative politics. Some argue it’s been co-opted by corporate or academic elites who use progressive rhetoric to maintain influence, leaving workers and peasants disillusioned.