Critical thinking is necessary, but that’s not really something we socialists have any power over in the broad populace.

I believe that we all have the power to educate others to think for themselves and to think critically. It may not be as substantive and impactful as we'd like from a single interaction, but it's nothing to write off. I feel that there is a lot of untapped potential for all of us to realize, especially with the use of modern technology.

The internet is an truly an amazing thing for humanity. I just have to point out the work r/LateStageCapitalism has done to educate and inform others over the years. Many people have likely been radicalized due to their work (i.e. encouraged to think for themselves and see beyond mainstream narratives) and I'm pretty sure it's a ML space, as well.

It's easy to see that traditional institutions are losing trust broadly and that mainstream media is falling off. The narrative seems very difficult for those currently in power to both spread and control the perception of.

I try to do my best to explain that I want a better world, but that also requires being honest and forthright with me being a communist, and explaining exactly what that means and why.

I value your example and honesty. I have witnessed many interactions between you and other people on the fediverse and I applaud your efforts and diplomacy.

As for Marxism-Leninism, I’d argue its controversy mostly stems from it being the branch with the most actual existence in the real world.

Most people here on the fediverse loosely agree on what needs to change, but most of the disagreement I feel comes from the methodology of bringing about that change. I'd say there is a time and place to discuss methodology or introduce people into specific ideology, but getting people to realize a better world is possible is something we can all work broadly work towards and I feel there is a lot of value in that sort of action.