Praxis Babe Manifesto

What is Praxis Babe Leftism? 

Praxis Babe Leftism is a direct response to “Theory Bro” online leftism that runs unchecked in its misogyny, racism, and queerphobia. While theory is important to the leftist movement, it is not the entirety of the movement. Theory Bros have done so much harm to the movement they claim to uphold. Their hubris, rage, and toxicity consistently alienates potential allies and denies the merits of other leftists making real change in this world - aka the Praxis Babes.

Definition of Praxis

Praxis is the process by which a theory, lesson, or skill is enacted, embodied, realized, applied, or put into practice. "Praxis" may also refer to the act of engaging, applying, exercising, realizing, or practising ideas. (courtesy of Wikipedia)

Leftist philosophy within Praxis Babe Leftism is expressed as such:

We live in an evil, capitalistic, white supremacist, heteronormative, patriarchal, colonialist, imperialist society that hurts everyfuckingbody. And we all need to collectively work towards a new society where everyone - regardless of identity - is given dignity, respect, and autonomy.

- from Marie Soledad’s TikTok video: “On Leftists (Pt 4): idc about the differences between c*mmunism and s*cialism”

What is a Praxis Babe? 

A Praxis Babe (Girlie/Dude/NB/Pal/etc.) is a leftist whose political ideology prioritizes the strategic and sustained praxis (or practice) of leftist ideals within their real life and online communities. The basis of Praxis Babe Leftism is rooted in intersectional feminism - which includes anti-racism and queer liberation in conjunction with women’s rights. This basis of intersectional feminism is essential as it allows for a greater understanding and compassion of the larger leftist community Praxis Babes engage with. Praxis Babes are not exclusively women, just as Theory Bros are not exclusively men. 

Why “Babe”? 

Originally, the term was “Praxis Girlie” to place this movement in direct opposition to the already established culture of Theory Bros. But after hearing from queer and trans folks uncomfortable with the term “girlie,” I’ve switched to the term “babe.” It’s still a feminine term that forces leftists engaging with this concept to confront any underlying misogyny they have. It is a bit more gender neutral than “girlie” and was an alternative that most of the queer folks in my comments seemed content with. Thank you to everyone who shared their opinions to make this movement stronger and more welcoming!  

“Babe” is a fun, cute, casual affectation that denotes familiarity and positivity on and offline. While leftism contends with some of the most heinous evils in this world, it also promises a world that is filled with joy and hope for all people. Praxis Babe is meant to reflect that part of the movement.

As a flirty genderfluid woman, Praxis Babe quickly became my preferred term.

Also, I think it’s funny and accurate to subtly call leftists doing good work in the world hot. Because we are. 😉

Can I be a part of PBL if I don’t identify with the term “babe”? 

Absolutely! A core tenant of PBL is queer liberation and, therefore, gender inclusivity. You do not have to be a Praxis Babe. You can be a Praxis Dude (or even Bro), Praxis Girlie, Praxis Pal, Praxis Bestie, etc. Please choose whatever makes you feel the most comfortable! 

Why We Need Praxis Babe Leftism

Part One: The Problem with Theory Bros 

Praxis Babe Leftism is a direct response to the toxic online culture of American leftism that has been cultivated by racist, misogynistic, queerphobic Theory Bros since the inception of the internet. 

The core of this online division stems from the long-time division within the larger leftist movement between feminists and misogynists. 

Leftism as a whole encompasses many liberatory movements - including anti-capitalist movements and intersectional feminism. Leftism by dictionary definition is NOT explicitly anti-capitalist (look it up yourself if you don’t believe me, fucker). However, leftism is strongly defined as anti-capitalist in every meaningful way on a social, political, and cultural level. There is nothing wrong with anti-capitalism being at the core of American leftism. The problem is that in strictly “leftist” spaces, a narrow interpretation of anti-capitalism as defined by Theory Bros becomes the ONLY movement respected and recognized as leftism.

Theory Bros value anti-capitalist governmental theory written primarily by male revolutionaries. Theory Bros are mostly marxists, communists, and/or socialists and center those perspectives. There is nothing wrong with reading or engaging with these materials. There is great value in the wide range of leftist works that Theory Bros value. The problem is that Theory Bros value these works exclusively and at the expense of every other leftist movement - most notably intersectional feminism. 

Intersectional feminism is a leftist movement - as well as every other wave of feminism predating it. Full fucking stop. 

Unfortunately, anti-capitalist men within the leftist movement have ALWAYS had trouble recognizing that. Some of the greatest anti-capitalist revolutionary theorists were also violent misogynists who did not see women as valuable members of the movement, but as servants at best and disposable outlets for sex and violence at worst. Toxic leftist men, like Theory Bros, solely focus on fighting the evils of capitalism so that they do not have to contend with the evil they enact upon the women in their own movement. 

Toxic American masculinity combined with leftist ideology birthed Theory Bro culture. Theory Bros are anti-capitalist leftists who aggressively dictate what is “real” leftism and who gets to be a “real” leftist through hostile language and incessant purity tests based on their preferred leftist theory. Theory Bros are especially interested in theories that discuss violent revolution as those theories easily fit into the “virtuous patriot fighting for freedom” narrative America feeds to all men from a young age. Toxic masculinity and individualism pushes Theory Bros to try become experts on systems of governance in hopes that one day, they will be called upon to lead because of their superior intellect. Each Theory Bro feels a need to be THE true deciding voice of leftism.

Theory Bros do not tend to engage with other leftists in good faith in order to build community, but will try to dominate other leftists with their knowledge to prove their moral and intellectual superiority. This culture of constant dominance and submission encourages radicalization as every Theory Bro competes with each other to be the best leftist. 

Of course, this rank ass fucking attitude is highly unappealing to most people and not conducive to effective community building. This is why Theory Bros stay in the realm of leftist theory and rarely delve into leftist praxis. 

Leftist praxis requires being in community with people of differing opinions, purposes, and backgrounds while still respecting their humanity. It requires compromise and collaboration for the good of the movement as a whole.

When we look at the whole of leftism - as a widespread liberation movement to combat the oppressive systems within society - American men should not be the sole voices of the leftist movement because they are the most centered and privileged by oppressive systems. This is another reason why Theory Bros only seem to engage with anti-capitalist theory and ignore intersectional feminism. Everyone is a victim of capitalism, so American men can center themselves and speak on that topic without guilt or needing to examine their own complicity in the oppression of others.

Part Two: How Theory Bros Dominated Online Leftism 

Online culture has never been safe for marginalized people. While there is not an immediate physical threat of violence when engaging with people online, there is a greater threat of harassment because of that lack of physical presence. People get bold online because they can hide all their actions behind screens and various levels of anonymity. The people that tend to get the most audaciously violent online are insecure men.

Because online culture is dictated primarily by insecure men, it tends to be violently misogynistic. In the 2010s, I remember millennial women joking about online harassment as the expected fate of any “woman on the internet.” Gamergate and the incessant violent harassment towards women in the gaming community online is a perfect example of how toxic men can be online towards women and feminists.

Online leftism SHOULD be a space where people of all genders are accepted and heard. Instead, online leftist spaces can become just as toxically misogynist, racist, and queerphobic as any other space online. In a way, they’re worse than the outright bigoted spaces because online leftists will try to shield their problematic behavior as simply defending the virtues of leftism.

For all the reasons I outlined in Part One, online leftist spaces are dominated by Theory Bros who overly police the use of the terms leftist and leftism. 

When feminists also identify as leftists on the internet they risk the additional ire of online Theory Bros who will flood their comments and DMs with general insults, angry essays on why their work isn’t real leftism, and sometimes threats of violence.

Because of this, it’s easier and safer for a woman (or other marginalized person) to just do their community work online without attaching themselves to the larger leftist movement. 

This has had a horribly debilitating effect on the online presence of the leftist movement as a whole. The internet is humanity’s greatest communication tool and Theory Bros have communicated to everyone online that leftism is exclusively male-led anti-capitalist revolutionary theory and that leftists are hostile, aggressive, condescending intellectuals hellbent on proving their theoretical dominance to any perceived challenger.

Of course, leftism in all of its varied complex iterations continues its work whether it’s identified as leftism or not by Theory Bros. Intersectional feminists, BIPOC and queer liberationists, disability activists, and so on continue their work online with amazing success and progress day after day, year after year. Leftist community-based work does not need to be identified as leftist in order for it to continue or be effective. Leftist praxis is a tangible reality that exists whether Theory Bros recognize it or not.

Even though the leftist movements outside of anti-capitalism have had their own success defining themselves outside of Online Leftism, I believe we are at a disadvantage as a collective movement when we cannot identify as one online. Unity against our shared struggles can never happen if we do not have a shared identity. Leftism IS that identity and we deserve to speak and act as leftists online - and be in community with our fellow Theory Bros. 

Part Three: The Need for Praxis Babe Leftism 

I’ve been a leftist for nine years in intersectional feminist spaces. Those spaces were always able to hold the entire spectrum of emotion that comes with being a leftist fighting for your own humanity and the humanity of others. Contending with the injustices of the world will quickly fill you with grief, rage, and despair. It is vital to the effectiveness of the leftist movement and to individual leftists that we are able to balance out those debilitating moments with the restorative power of community support and upliftment.

In these spaces, I’ve also learned that leftism is not reserved for the few who are able to understand dense political theory, but for all of humanity. Understanding that anyone and everyone can be a leftist means understanding that leftist principles should be made accessible to people at all levels of education and interest. To recognize someone’s humanity in terms of political education means leaving the fucking condescension at the door, allowing people to make mistakes so they can learn and grow in their own personal political power.

Every time I try to engage with leftism online, I feel forced to engage in the language and tenor of Theory Bros. I become condescending, hostile, aggressive, and dismissive of others because that’s the culture Theory Bros have built. The energy feedback loop in online leftists spaces is rank as fuck and needs to be fixed expeditiously. 

Already through the comments and interactions with my Praxis Babe videos, I have seen the positive impact of naming this community of leftists. The engagement and tenor of conversations amongst these eager leftists is (for the most part) much more understanding, positive, respectful, and encouraging than any other explicitly leftist online space I’ve been in. 

Obviously, this is just getting started, but the immediate positive response to an alternative leftist online presence that is explicitly welcoming to women, queer folks, and people of color shows how much we have needed to identify ourselves. 

My intention with Praxis Babe Leftism is not to hate on leftist men or deride those who value leftist theory. It is about discussing a long-standing divide amongst leftists and making space for those of us who have been excluded from online leftist spaces.

Ultimately, I hope one day we can do away with Theory Bros and Praxis Babes altogether and just be united as leftists online. Until then, Praxis Babes Unite! 

How to be a Praxis Babe 

Praxis Babes are leftists that value and understand leftist theory, but do not prioritize that as the most important or only aspect of leftism. 

Praxis Babes understand and respect that each person has their own interpretation of leftism and has their own respective place in the larger leftist movement. When confronted with the inevitable contradictions and tensions of a diverse and vast community, Praxis Babes engage with each other in good faith to see if there is any compromise or consensus to be made. If that cannot be reached, Praxis Babes disengage before conflict becomes destructive to keep their own peace of mind and safety a priority.

Praxis Babes are not condescending to people unfamiliar with leftist theory or sentiment. We understand that leftism is something that needs to be taught to most people as it is not the political philosophy our oppressive society values or promotes. Everyone comes into leftism with different levels of education, so Praxis Babes give grace and take opportunities to educate people in the language that is most accessible and relevant to the conversation. 

Praxis Babes understand that they are not the masters of leftism and, no matter how much theory they read, they never can be. Leftism is a living breathing movement that changes over time to reflect the needs of the people in their various communities. Praxis Babes are eternal students learning, unlearning, and re-learning as they better understand the world and their place in it.

Praxis Babes know that they are not a lone warrior fighting to protect the sanctity of leftism. They are one person working in concert with countless other leftists in the larger movement. This allows Praxis Babes to lean on each other in hard times and to take breaks as needed from the work without guilt. The movement will always be there for you to come back and be active when you are ready.

Praxis Babes are light and love, but WILL fucking clear a bitch (especially a bigot ass bitch) if needed.

Praxis Babes explore leftist ideology with a practical real life approach to see how they can best be of utility to themselves, their community, the movement, and the world. Because they have done the work to value and understand their own individual place in the movement, they can give that same respect to other individuals.

Praxis Babes recognize their own humanity and the humanity of others, so we allow for the entire range of human emotion to be expressed throughout our work. Engaging in leftist work will inevitably expose a person to grief, rage, and despair, but we must look to ourselves and our community to celebrate progress and find restorative moments of joy, peace, and hope.

Concluding thoughts 

Leftism at its core is the fight for humanity in a constantly dehumanizing world. This work is never ending and can cause us to become jaded, nihilistic, and hostile. We must remember that we are not alone and that we deserve to see the humanity we fight for reflected in our everyday lives and our communities. 

If we want to see dignity, respect, and autonomy for all people, we must see that in ourselves and give that to each other - even in our most conflicted moments. 

My personal views on leftism have always centered on love as a source of power and my leftist communities have always reflected that back. Praxis Babe Leftism is my attempt to bring that love back into the online space

with love and power, Marie Soledad 💖🫶🏼