AOC

Fifteen writers reflect on the meteoric rise of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

When Ocasio-Cortez was elected as the U.S Representative for New York’s 14th congressional district in 2018, having defeated a 10-term incumbent, she made history as the youngest woman to serve in Congress. She also set the path for a new breed of young, social justice–minded politicians. Lopez, an Emmy-winning radio and TV journalist who anchors WCBS NewsRadio in New York City, assembles a bright and uniformly compelling collection of thought pieces on AOC. Her contributors—from the arts, media, and political landscapes—closely examine the essential qualities of AOC’s broad appeal. The right voice at the right moment, AOC embodies a growing progressive movement in the U.S. Deeply conscious of working-class values and environmental concerns, she’s a feminist with nimble social media skills, effectively communicating her message to an expanding mass of supporters. Among the many memorable essays are “In No Uncertain Terms,” in which Peru-born novelist Natalia Sylvester digs into AOC’s Latin roots and demonstrates how she and AOC share an imperfect yet emotionally engaging bilingualism; Pedro Regalado’s precise consideration of “the complexity of Ocasio-Cortez’s Latina background” within the historical context and expanding strength of Puerto Rican activism in New York; and Nathan J. Robinson’s eloquent summary of AOC’s enduring influence. “[Her] democratic socialism is a threat to the established order,” writes Robinson, “because she presents a vision of a possible politics where young people, working people, women, and people of color all create a humane and decent society together, one where everyone is clothed, housed, fed, and given quality healthcare, and you don’t have to be a billionaire to serve in public office….She is the expression of a profound and new kind of socialist politics, one that may very well change the world.” Other contributors include Rebecca Traister, Jennine Capó Crucet, and Carmen Rita Wong.

Enlightening and engaging perspectives on a remarkable political ascent.