Grace Ryan, a 25-year-old self-described socialist and recent college graduate from an affluent family, has drawn scrutiny for her public statements on wealth and privilege. Ryan, whose family owns Maramor Chocolates, a national candy brand valued at approximately $10 million, recently posted on X, formerly Twitter, defending her position.
"Everyone’s trying to dunk on me for being a progressive from a privileged background but like have y’all never heard of noblesse oblige?" Ryan wrote, referencing the French term that suggests nobility comes with a duty to help the less fortunate. She added, "I have a moral obligation to use my advantages to help those who are struggling."
Ryan, who graduated from New York University and previously worked as an organizer on Rep. Brad Lander's congressional campaign, has been vocal about her privileged background and her concerns regarding income inequality. Social media posts have shown her on a boat at a family lake house, wearing designer clothing, and posing next to a $115,000 Hummer. She also posted about attending beach clubs and reformer Pilates classes.
Critics, including investigative analyst Stu Smith of the Manhattan Institute, argue that individuals like Ryan, who come from wealth, are out of touch with the struggles of the working class. Smith suggested that their activism, while possibly well-intentioned, is misguided and that they possess a safety net that allows them to disengage from the causes they advocate for.
The concept of "noblesse oblige" has been described by critics as antithetical to the socialist goal of a classless society, as it allows for the preservation of wealth. Ryan's own living situation has also drawn comment; she resides in a $3,170-a-month rent-stabilized studio apartment in Brooklyn. Former Council Member Robert Holden criticized Ryan for occupying a rent-stabilized unit, stating that such actions can displace long-term residents and contradict socialist ideals.
Ryan's work on Brad Lander's campaign concluded after he won the Democratic Primary for New York's 10th Congressional District. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating she was proud to be part of the "Brad Lander school of politics."