Why do many people use the words progressive and grass roots instead of socialism?

[TrueLeninist]

Hello all: Why is there a habit in USA of instead of using the word socialist and socialism, to use the words "progressive" and "grass roots" politics to label socialist movements and socialist doctrines? Because i think that it's better to call your self a socialist, leftist or communist instead of calling yourself a "progressive" and a "grass root" political-activist.

TrueLeninist

[Dimentio]

Hello all: Why is there a habit in USA of instead of using the word socialist and socialism, to use the words "progressive" and "grass roots" politics to label socialist movements and socialist doctrines? Because i think that it's better to call your self a socialist, leftist or communist instead of calling yourself a "progressive" and a "grass root" political-activist.

TrueLeninist

Because socialism has a... ehm... not too flattering reputation. Partially because intense propaganda, and partially because of the behaviour of some self-declared socialist societies who have committed... ehm... some "excesses".

I would personally, if I led all the socialist movements, opt for further aesthetic reconstruction. What people should see is what we want, not what the establishment says that we are wanting.

[Pogue]

Progressive is an ambiguous term which can refer to any position deemed more liberal, secular or left wing than the current establishment. Its popular with social democrats, liberals, generally anyone wishing to refer to people supporting social 'progress' instead of 'reaction'.

Grassroots can mean many things. Originally it would mean any form of organisation which favours the membership at the bottom being in control, as opposed to a heirachial beurecratic power.I find it tends to be used by social democrats too, although I suppose it could be used to refer to libertarian organisations, but its usually used to refer to the lower secitons of a breurecratic organisation, i.e. 'The grassroots of the Labour party are opposed to the leadership's decision...'

[Dimentio]

Progressive is an ambiguous term which can refer to any position deemed more liberal, secular or left wing than the current establishment. Its popular with social democrats, liberals, generally anyone wishing to refer to people supporting social 'progress' instead of 'reaction'.

Grassroots can mean many things. Originally it would mean any form of organisation which favours the membership at the bottom being in control, as opposed to a heirachial beurecratic power.I find it tends to be used by social democrats too, although I suppose it could be used to refer to libertarian organisations, but its usually used to refer to the lower secitons of a breurecratic organisation, i.e. 'The grassroots of the Labour party are opposed to the leadership's decision...'

Ambiguity is a good thing regarding ideology during a time when MSM fears movements which want to change society. It is also good since a lot of people could buy an opinion, but few today wants to write themselves up on an ideology. That could of course change, but nowadays, very few voters or people in general are overtly ideological. Most just have opinions about political issues of the day.

I am not advocating that all movements should scrap their ideologies. But it might not be too ideal to fap with the ideologies in the faces of interested viewers.

[Pogue]

Ambiguity is a good thing regarding ideology during a time when MSM fears movements which want to change society. It is also good since a lot of people could buy an opinion, but few today wants to write themselves up on an ideology. That could of course change, but nowadays, very few voters or people in general are overtly ideological. Most just have opinions about political issues of the day.

I am not advocating that all movements should scrap their ideologies. But it might not be too ideal to fap with the ideologies in the faces of interested viewers.

I think what we need to do is be very clear about our positions, without referring to our ideologies too, in the face of 'interested viewers'. Progressive is ridiculously vague and stinks of liberalism/social democracy.

[Dimentio]

I think what we need to do is be very clear about our positions, without referring to our ideologies too, in the face of 'interested viewers'. Progressive is ridiculously vague and stinks of liberalism/social democracy.

That depends on what we're attempting to do, and how the general "air" feels. The goal should be to try to widen the ranks. I am even ready to ditch the colours red and black if that would help.

[Pogue]

That depends on what we're attempting to do, and how the general "air" feels. The goal should be to try to widen the ranks. I am even ready to ditch the colours red and black if that would help.

Well the colours embody the spirit. They are simply a sign. We can be anarchists and not even call ourselves anarchists. The point is to spread our ideas to let the working class emancipate itself, not act as a cult with its own religiously held symbols and colours.

I do like red and black flags, but having a more mutli-cloured feel like the wobs had on the Put people First march is great too. I'll upload a picture when I can grab one off of a comrade.