Conservative MP embroiled in controversy over use of “cultural Marxism” phrase
A Conservative MP has become embroiled in controversy over her use of the phrase “cultural Marxism”.
Speaking on young people’s futures at this year’s National Conservatism conference, Miriam Cates MP told the audience: “That hope is sadly diminishing in so many of our young people today, because liberal individualism has proven to be completely powerless to resist the cultural Marxism that is systematically destroying our children’s souls.
“When culture, schools and universities openly teach that our country is racist, our heroes are villains, humanity is killing the Earth, you are what you desire, diversity is theology, boundaries are tyranny and self-restraint is oppression, is it any wonder that mental health conditions, self-harm and suicide, and epidemic levels of anxiety and confusion characterise the emerging generation?”
The phrase “cultural Marxism” is popular in far-right circles to allude to the perceived collapse of societal values as masterminded by Jews. It has also spread, with innocuous intent, to the mainstream political right, but still risks being understood by the far-right as a dog whistle even when this is not intended, as is the case with Ms Cates.
In 2020, the All-Party Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism (APPG) warned a group of Conservative MPs and peers against the use of the controversial phrase “cultural Marxism”, noting that the term could “inadvertently” act as a “dog-whistle for the far-right”, where the phrase is increasingly popular.
A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “Terms such as ‘cultural Marxism’ can function as an antisemitic dog whistle, even if they are not always intended as such. The phrase is often used as a coded means of pinning the perceived degradation of society on Jews, implying that they are masterminding a widespread collapse of values and ethics for their own gain, thereby employing the antisemitic trope of wielding power and influence and drawing upon the far-right believe that Jews are moral degenerates.
“While there is no indication that Miriam Cates meant the phrase in this way, politicians should generally endeavour to find better terms to promote their politics.”
Campaign Against Antisemitism advocates for zero tolerance of antisemitism in public life. To that end we monitor all political parties and strive to ensure that any cases of concern are properly addressed.
