practising socialism in pre-revolutionary times

[punisa]

I was interested in this particular subject. We are aware of our goals and we also agree upon (mostly) the methods that would be used to achieve them.
There is also a certain "wait" period until our ranks reach critical mass which will carry out the socialist revolution.
This special period could take years, maybe decades.
What can we do in the meantime and still remain inside our scope?
The obvious tasks are well known - getting educated, spreading the word.

What about our day-to-day lives? Do you feel that it would be wise to organize our time in a "lefty" manner?
The topic could potentially cover great amount of things:
- how you approach your basic needs? Shop in big supermarkets or rather tend to help out small folks? Perhaps grow your own stuff?
Boycott certain products?
- how to position your ideas in the workplace? Maybe work in an environment where you have greater chance to influence other workers?
- Change workplaces if possible? Travel to different countries to get first hand experiences of people living there?
- In what ways to raise family, kids. Is the family an obstacle in your revolutionary path?
- Blend in with the society or seek people that share your ideology?

It's a broad topic, but rather simple in its core :)

[rednordman]

This is a really thought provoking post. But I cannot give you definite answers. Its funny how you mentioned the buying from smaller buisness/individuals. Imo the best quality stuff is from smaller/local buisnesses. But alot of those people totally hate leftwingers of any grade and they (the buisnesses) are so one dimentionally self obsessed, as they associate left with goverment and goverment with restriction, and they have dreams of making it big and being better than everyone else. They all seem to think that with less restriction/regulation that they will all get immidiate prosperity. lol, i know.
As far as work goes, I tend to stick to jobs that are hands on, or labourous. This is because they are simple and there isnt much room to fuck up, but also because imo, its an honest way to make money, im not taking advantage of anyone, or exploiting anyone. And I dont kiss ass or bullshit. I must add that this a personal thing to me and its not a recommendation or advice, because I (we) get treated like shit for it. While at work I always work as hard as I do strongly believe in a good work ethic (even though I dispise the company I work for).
I must add that if (in any miracle) I decided to start up a buisness, It would be very difficult for me to have people working for me due to my opinion on exploitation.

[punisa]

While at work I always work as hard as I do strongly believe in a good work ethic (even though I dispise the company I work for).
I must add that if (in any miracle) I decided to start up a buisness, It would be very difficult for me to have people working for me due to my opinion on exploitation.

I like that - "good work ethic". The sole reason that all of us are indeed exploited does not mean that we should act hostile towards the definition of work.
I strongly believe that a socialist must first be a true worker :)

[rednordman]

I like that - "good work ethic". The sole reason that all of us are indeed exploited does not mean that we should act hostile towards the definition of work.
I strongly believe that a socialist must first be a true worker :)
Yep this is something that I have had since I was 16. I dont know why, but during my summer break from uni i worked at a factory with an agency. It was hard work but something just felt correct about it. Even though I was only there for 6 weeks, it left a big impression on me which has lasted all my life since. I dont know, mabey I just like hands on work (then again, both sides of my familly where very socialistic, and I did get taught a mindset that appreciates hard work) . Also, I accept the harsh reality that just after revolution, initially there would be need for alot of hard work, no matter what. So its best to practice that so everyone it prepared to put everything into what happens when capitalism becomes irrational (which imo is edging very close).

[griffjam]

The important thing is to show that there is an alternative, that struggle is not futile— Build communities of resistance. Fight the forces you hate, and protect the ones you love, And wield power without oppressing others. Start by smashing capitalism and overthrowing hierarchy in your own life, And seizing all the means of production you can get your hands on. Also, inspire others to do the same.

Those who break windows during protests don't care if they offend suburban homeowners, because they don't see them as a potential element in a revolutionary anti-capitalist coalition. They are, in effect, trying to hijack the media to send a message that the system is vulnerable— hoping to spark similar insurrectionary acts on the parts of those who might consider entering a genuinely revolutionary alliance: alienated teens, oppressed people of color, rank-and-file laborers impatient with union bureaucrats, the homeless, the criminalized, the radically discontent. If a militant anti-capitalist movement was to begin in America, it would have to start with people like these: people who don't need to be convinced that the system is rotten, only that there's something they can do about it. And at any rate, even if it were possible to have an anti-capitalist revolution with out gun-battles in the streets— which most of us are hoping it is, since let's face it, if we come up against the US (or whatever nation's) army, we will lose— there's no possible way we could have an anti-capitalist revolution while at the same time scrupulously respecting property rights.

None of us have much faith left in "the" revolution in the old 19th or 20th century sense of the term. After all, the total view of revolution, that there will be a single mass insurrection or general strike and then all walls will come tumbling down, is entirely premised on the old fantasy of capturing the state. That's the only way victory could possibly be that absolutie and complete-- at least, if we are speaking of a whole country or meaningful territory.

[Klepto]

In my humble opinion...

What we can do today is much more important than what we might do tomorrow. Broadly speaking I believe that we should organise alternative infrastructures for the organisation of labour, production and distribution of goods, education and all the other essential parts of a civilised society. This shadow infrastructure should be kept as separate as possible from the existing capitalist structures. Once the new order becomes self sufficient it's members can abandon the old order en masse as the new order is capable of satisfying all needs. I know that's not the orthodox idea of revolution.


- how you approach your basic needs? Shop in big supermarkets or rather tend to help out small folks? Perhaps grow your own stuff?Growing your own is ideal but not always possible in an urban setting. I try and buy as much as I can from local suppliers at farmer's markets and the like.


Boycott certain products?Yes, and tell as many people as you can why. Mostly this is linked to my environmentalism, but it can also be politically motivated.


- how to position your ideas in the workplace? Maybe work in an environment where you have greater chance to influence other workers?Watch for good examples in your workplace of how the current order is unfair and has a negative impact on workers' lives. Talk about this with your workmates, explain the methods and alternatives. Try not to come across as an extremist :)


- Change workplaces if possible? Travel to different countries to get first hand experiences of people living there?I see no reason for this. While learning is always good I am in favour of acting locally (while thinking globally).


- In what ways to raise family, kids. Is the family an obstacle in your revolutionary path?
As a single parent I am very aware that my freedom is limited. I can't put myself in danger as my children have no one else to care for them. I also find that I must moderate my own beliefs somewhat, and conform to social norms for the sake of the children. I talk to my children about my beliefs, but I always offer opposing arguments and never demand they agree with me.


- Blend in with the society or seek people that share your ideology?I joined this site because I was seeking others with the same ideology, I expect that's true for the vast majority of people here. If we are to organise then we must seek others who share our views.

[robbo203]

In my humble opinion...

What we can do today is much more important than what we might do tomorrow. Broadly speaking I believe that we should organise alternative infrastructures for the organisation of labour, production and distribution of goods, education and all the other essential parts of a civilised society. This shadow infrastructure should be kept as separate as possible from the existing capitalist structures. Once the new order becomes self sufficient it's members can abandon the old order en masse as the new order is capable of satisfying all needs. I know that's not the orthodox idea of revolution..


Very well put, Klepto. My only reservation is how far this process can go on its own before we face the need to confront capitalism politically in order to get rid of it- I dont think that going down this road will automatically lead to the outcome you suggest. It has to be accompanied by the political movement for an alternative to capitalism with a clear idea of what that involves. That is why I think a dual approach is required whereby one approach supports and reinforces the other