DURHAM, N.C.—While not studying for his economics classes, Max Lennon (T ‘26) can often be found on campus perusing various leftist literature. “He’s really passionate about it,” said close friend Sarah Reed (P ‘25.) Lennon, who first grew interested in Marxism as a freshman, says that he thinks being a Duke student allows him to drive real change.
“Other students—not myself—have a lot of privilege here, so much that it’s sickening. I feel really strongly about the organized proletariat revolution, and I’m doing a lot of grassroots work myself to make it happen,” he said.
Lennon, who boasts 82 Twitter followers, says his main community organizing consists of posting and reposting tweets. “It’s a really unconventional, out-of-the-box, and modern method. On social media, I can really get in touch with working-class people.”
Lennon also cites his refusal to use Duke’s MobileOrder app as another example of his ability to stay in touch with workers. “I actually speak to them, you know? To their faces. I can tell they appreciate it.”
However, some students doubt Lennon’s commitment to the cause. “He pays these guys to do his laundry and literally bring it to his door, yet still insists he’s the ideal worker,” said Lennon’s roommate, Alex Martinez (T ‘26.)
“I don’t think Alex understands,” shrugged Lennon. “Allowing workers to compete in this tough market is doing them a service. That’s what my dad, CFO of Lockheed Martin, has always taught me.”
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