How to explain people beliefs

[dudeitseddy]

I am in high school and I live in Miami which has a huge anti-leftist population (thanks to the exiled cubans). I sometimes feel like I cannot freely say what I believe without people instantly mocking me or just being ignorant. I will admit I am not good with words so I may not be very convincing. It is really frustrating. I want to spread these ideas but the only thing I have been able to do is write some stuff on bathroom stalls and walls. I always feel that revolution will be impossible because of people's closed mindsets. Any advice on what I should do or what I am doing wrong?

[Brother No. 1]

the Revolution impossible. Really now you must think why we fight. Also dont think its hopeless then the Capitalists win. Also you need to have a positive mind and speak to a few of your friends and continue slowly. Thats all i have for now.

[swirling_vortex]

It's difficult to state your ideas if your audience already has a closed mind to these matters. I don't think writing on the bathroom walls will do you much good either. :)

First, try to find people who are willing to listen. For instance, if you're talking to a bunch of neo-nazis, you'd have a better chance with a brick wall than with them. Once you have some people who are willing to listen, explain the mis-conceptions about communism and socialism. For example, a lot of the Scandinavian countries have adopted socialist policies and it has benefited them greatly through public services such as universal health care and low income housing. It's also important to note that these countries have significant progressive income taxes & regulation and yet these economies have managed to not only survive, but grow quite a bit. Germany has the 3rd largest GDP in the world and Sweden's citizens are quite healthy. Once you can use real-world examples, you can pretty much nullify any argument that a free-marketer throws against you.

Also, it's important to note that instant revolution isn't the goal at this point. The key to convincing people is to give them the information and go at a nice steady pace. If they like capitalism, acknowledge their viewpoints but also explain to them nicely why you believe your ideas are more sound. The last thing you want to do is erect barriers over political ideologies.

[Brother No. 1]

Really people can desribe better then me. But still I applode your post comrade.

[revolution inaction]

I try to express my ideas with out using obvious terms like communism, proletariat, bourgeoisie etc. People usually agree with a lot of it when they don't associate what you are saying with there negative ideas about what communism is.
Of cause people eventually realize that i am talking about communism, and think i am advocating something like the USSR so when that happens i make it clear that countries like the USSR and cuba have nothing to do with communism.
It doesn't convert people to communism on to spot but i think it can help make people more aware of what is possible.

[dudeitseddy]

Thats true. Those words scare people away.

[dudeitseddy]

I agree with you. But problem is most people are really close minded around here.

[Decolonize The Left]

I am in high school and I live in Miami which has a huge anti-leftist population (thanks to the exiled cubans). I sometimes feel like I cannot freely say what I believe without people instantly mocking me or just being ignorant. I will admit I am not good with words so I may not be very convincing. It is really frustrating. I want to spread these ideas but the only thing I have been able to do is write some stuff on bathroom stalls and walls. I always feel that revolution will be impossible because of people's closed mindsets. Any advice on what I should do or what I am doing wrong?

Perhaps what you require is a change in tactic. When dealing with highly close-minded people, (to use a metaphor) you cannot knock on the front door. You have to say hello in the marketplace first, then again at the school, and then have a conversation over coffee.

What I mean by this is it does you absolutely no good to speak of 'communism, anarchism, revolution, USSR, Cuba, Che, etc...' None. A much more sophisticated approach would be the following:
1) Identify the individual's leanings. Are they liberal, conservative?
2) Should you succeed, you should have a general understanding of the individual's political values. "Freedom, equality, liberty" are terms they are probably familiar with, and value highly.
3) Latch onto these values and demand explanations for how they are realized within our society. Demand explanations as to why the current system (political: representative democracy, economic: capitalist) does not realize these values for everyone.
The main point here is to sow the seeds of doubt within their minds.
4) Ask them what their ideal society would look like. How would these values be realized is such a way so that everyone could live them?
5) When they have elaborated a bit, acknowledge their desires and sympathize. Why? Because you actually do sympathize, you merely have a more thought-out theory.
6) Ask them why this ideal society cannot be realized.
7) Shift the focus to class. Discuss the nature of class struggle and how it relates to the previously discussed values.

If you are successful in these steps, then conclude the conversation. You do not want to discuss communist/anarchist theory with this person. You only want them to consider class as the primary factor in economic and political reality.

If they are really interested, you can have another conversation expanding on the previous according to your best judgment.

Hope this helps.

- August

[dudeitseddy]

Wow this is perfect! thank you!

[Auspicious one]

Perhaps what you require is a change in tactic. When dealing with highly close-minded people, (to use a metaphor) you cannot knock on the front door. You have to say hello in the marketplace first, then again at the school, and then have a conversation over coffee.

What I mean by this is it does you absolutely no good to speak of 'communism, anarchism, revolution, USSR, Cuba, Che, etc...' None. A much more sophisticated approach would be the following:
1) Identify the individual's leanings. Are they liberal, conservative?
2) Should you succeed, you should have a general understanding of the individual's political values. "Freedom, equality, liberty" are terms they are probably familiar with, and value highly.
3) Latch onto these values and demand explanations for how they are realized within our society. Demand explanations as to why the current system (political: representative democracy, economic: capitalist) does not realize these values for everyone.
The main point here is to sow the seeds of doubt within their minds.
4) Ask them what their ideal society would look like. How would these values be realized is such a way so that everyone could live them?
5) When they have elaborated a bit, acknowledge their desires and sympathize. Why? Because you actually do sympathize, you merely have a more thought-out theory.
6) Ask them why this ideal society cannot be realized.
7) Shift the focus to class. Discuss the nature of class struggle and how it relates to the previously discussed values.

If you are successful in these steps, then conclude the conversation. You do not want to discuss communist/anarchist theory with this person. You only want them to consider class as the primary factor in economic and political reality.

If they are really interested, you can have another conversation expanding on the previous according to your best judgment.

Hope this helps.

- AugustThis is great information, i wish i could have come up with this...;)