"The situation of the Old Left was the theory of Socialist Realism, etc. It seemed pointless to argue. We stayed carefully away from people who wrote for the New Masses"

George Oppen's quote talks to the divide between the Old Left and the New Left. The Old Left was connected with the theory of Socialist Realism, which was a type of art and literature that was indicated to promote the ideals of socialism. Oppen and those of his ilk felt that arguing with the Old Left was meaningless, so they picked to keep away from those who wrote for the New Masses, a publication connected with the New Left. This quote speaks with the ideological distinctions between the 2 sides, and how they were not able to reconcile their differences. It also speaks with the reality that the New Left was seen as a more progressive motion, and that the Old Left was viewed as out-of-date and out of touch. Oppen's quote is a reminder of the significance of comprehending the differences in between various political ideologies, and how those distinctions can cause an absence of understanding and interaction.