Intentionality of Interjection of Marxism

Gramsci’s reading was quite interesting, especially in the ways it differs from Marxism. The black and white separations that define classes in Marxism seem to completely shift in Gramsci’s ideas of hegemony. Where there is no social mobility and seemingly a bitterness between the Bourgeoisie and the Proletariat in Marxism, Gramsci suggests an alliance between the classes. What I found most interesting is the way there can still be ruling, but this can shift and is not limited only to the Bourgeoisie class. A class in charge can force ideologies among the other classes to accept their ideas of politics and culture. In a way, ,it seems like a colonization of classes where they must assimilate themselves to the ruler. However, as with colonization, hegemony control can be taken by understanding the other’s interests. Although, there is a dominance rule, there is still possibility of mobility. This idea seems to make it better than Marxism because it does not leave one group out.

In the Marxist readings, the most useful thing is how accurately the ideas of Marxism are captured. Especially in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, it forces us to look at literature and media in new ways. I actually had to go back and look at clips of the movie to see Herbie being the only elf with blonde hair and rounded ears. I would have never thought to look at a movie which brings the magic of Christmas every year and seems to promote that everyone has a place, in meaning the exact opposite. Although everyone does have a place, it is not a place they would prefer. Class mobility (in Herbie’s case, moving from a Proletariat elf to a Bourgeoisie dentist) is impossible and his place is already chosen among the elves. So many things in this story surprised me and really made me question if it was something intentional.

In Jamaica Kincaid’s “Girl”, there is a set place for her as well. Being a woman and of a lower class, she is doomed to a life of stagnation. Ideas of Marxism are prevalent throughout much of our media, even today. All of the ideas arise when we see the oppression of women or what seems to be the true meaning of Christmas. It forces readers to question other ideologies and how violation of them can lead to failure or being deemed a “slut” as seen in “Rudolph” and “Girl”.