I was a communist, but being left-wing was fashionable. I was no different from thousands of middle-class kids.
This quote highlights how political ideologies can sometimes be adopted as trends rather than genuine beliefs. It reflects a self-awareness about conforming to social trends rather than inner conviction. The speaker recognizes a tendency to follow popular movements, especially among the youth, which can dilute the authenticity of one's political stance. Such observations remind us to examine whether our beliefs stem from conviction or social pressure, encouraging a more honest engagement with our values.