Episode #43 - What is Socialism with Robin Clapp

Episode #43, our second of 2021, and it’s our most comprehensive episode yet! We chat to the incredible Robin Clapp about what is socialism, the current state of the political movement, its leadership challenges and why he’s still optimistic about youth in politics. Heads up, this is a long episode but if you’ve ever felt curious about socialism and want to learn more, Robin is a fascinating storyteller and the most knowledgeable guest we could have possibly found to discuss this topic.

Key Message: Socialism is a form of activism that’s necessary for a better world. We just need to go to where the workers are.

What we talk about in this episode:

• Robin’s political journey to socialism
• Why socialism
• What socialism is
• Break the ‘Us vs Them’ mentality
• Challenges facing socialism
• How do we get from Capitalism to Socialism
• Socialism as activism
• The importance of leadership
• Marxism & Capital
• Labour in the UK
• Youth in politics

Further Resources

• The Capitalist Crash and the New Challenges Facing Socialists
•  Biden & The British Labour Party Leadership
• Global capitalism at most dangerous conjuncture since the 1930s

Who is Robin?

Robin has been a socialist since 1973 after witnessing his father lose 3 jobs in 12 months as a result of a massive recession. He currently sits on the National Committee of the Socialist Party of England and Wales. Full bio at Robin Clapp | Tom, Stu and You

You can follow Robin’s work at the below links:

Website

Robin’s Quotes:

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: You need to listen to what ordinary people are saying. Some of the most inspirational things I’ve learned in my life have come from workers

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: Socialism is about fighting for a world in which the people who produce the wealth, own the wealth, control the wealth, distribute the wealth in an equitable way.

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: I want to see a world where a young person can say when I grow up, I want to be a scientist or a musician, and they can have encouragement and a pathway towards realizing that dream rather than the uncertainty of not being able to afford to…

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: For many working people, they don’t need me to say to them what’s wrong with society, they can articulate what’s wrong with their life. What they doubt is whether anything can be done about it.

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: We are an activist based organization. For socialism to be really relevant, it has to be seen by ordinary people as connecting to the issues they are concerned about.

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: No social system gives up without a titanic struggle to retain its privileges. That’s why socialists need to be organized.

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: If you do not take advantage of a favourable situation, the capitalist class, even if they seem down and out, will regroup, recover and will crush you.

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: [re. youth] what they need to stay engaged is political ideas that can actually map a route to victory. We don’t want to be having this discussion again in 10, 20, 30yrs down the line.

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: My brain rebels at the thought that this is the best the world is capable of being, that this is the best that human beings are capable of achieving. If I thought that, I really would pack it in tomorrow morning.

• #TSAYQuotes Episode 43

RobinClapp: We have to take back the common cause of humanity, which is that of creating a better world, a world fit for the 21st century.

You can now watch our podcasts on Youtube if you’d prefer to also check us out while listening to our beautiful voices 😉 Head over to our Youtube channel at Tom, Stu and You Podcast

Like us on Facebook and Instagram @tomstuandyou or send us an email at hi@tomstuandyou.com with any questions, comments, thoughts, or queries you have on the topics we’ve discussed or any suggestions of topics you’d like to hear us address.

Thanks so much for your support!