A concerning parallel has emerged between the tactics of the American Left and the Maoist ideology that once gripped China. This new form of activism, termed "American Maoism," raises concerns about its potential impact on individual liberties, constitutional principles, and the very essence of American freedom.

The alarm was first sounded by a Chinese American woman, a survivor of Mao's Cultural Revolution, who expressed her fear that America is mirroring the oppressive regime she escaped. This sentiment was echoed by other prominent figures, including Xi Van Fleet, a vocal critic of Loudon County's school board policies, and Dimon Liu, a human rights activist. They warn of a growing trend of identity politics, reminiscent of Mao's class warfare tactics, where individuals are categorized and subsequently persecuted or rewarded based on their assigned identities.

This "American Maoism" mirrors several key characteristics of its Chinese predecessor. The systematic use of propaganda and psychological coercion to enforce conformity, seen in universities, media, and even government agencies, recalls the thought control prevalent during Mao's reign. Furthermore, the radicalization of youth and the dismissal of traditional values and historical context mirror the destructive nature of Mao's Cultural Revolution, which aimed to dismantle the "four olds": old ideas, old customs, old habits, and old culture.

The rise of this "networked tyranny," as described by Ben Domenech, editor of "The Transom," is particularly alarming. Unlike traditional authoritarian regimes that rely on centralized control, this new form leverages the power of the masses to enforce its agenda. This distributed approach, coupled with a constantly shifting frame of reference and the erosion of established institutions, creates a dangerous environment of escalating radicalization.

Mao Tse-Tung, chair of the Chinese Communist Party. (Getty Images)

The question remains: if this trend continues unchecked, where will Americans turn to find freedom?