how do i talk politics without sounding so boring and mono?

[The Red Next Door]

In which ways should i approach talking about politics without sounding boring and monotone and what do i say to people who says that communists are corrupt.

[Pogue]

Its funny actually, because its really hard not to sound boring and montone, I do it all the time even though I always think about trying to stop it, I guess just speak freely, don't get preachy, and talk in normal language, and when its relevant, and don't go on too much, and just generally get the right tone. Its a problem for all of us to be honest.

[Muzk]

try touching the one youre talking to

[Pogue]

try touching the one youre talking to

Muzk could we please have serious responses in the learning forum please mate.

[cenv]

Try talking about the subjective effects capitalism has on the lives of the people you're talking to. This will probably be more effective than talking about historical materialism or the Labor Theory of Value. ;)

[Pogue]

Whatever you do, don't preach. And don't waste your time on people not worth talking too.

[hugsandmarxism]

This may sound juvenile, but when I see the person I'm talking to's eyes start to glaze over, I slip in a swear word or an inappropriate metaphor in order to shake things up. It tends to catch people off guard, but sometimes that's a good thing... and sometimes it isn't. You've got to know who you are talking to, and it helps to speak to their personal experiences or biases. I can tell my christian mother about these things because I can tell her that Jesus was similar in thinking, for instance. It takes tact, patience, and a little spontaneity.

As for the communists are corrupt bit, libertarian communists can easily denounce past and present revolutionaries off hand, but if you go for a more materialist explanation, be sure you are well read on what you are qualifying or refuting... and it helps to talk about how it isn't as one sided as "those evil reds were corrupt." Talk about some of the supposed "heroes" of the cold war and how the reality behind them wasn't so "heroic" (Winston Churchill, for instance) Talk about how they won't focus on the bad of these individuals and the good of communists historically because the victors who write history have no use in making their enemies look good.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Whatever you do, don't preach. And don't waste your time on people not worth talking too.

I make these two mistakes all the time.

Mainly because out of my group of friends, I make the (false) connection that those who are more liberal and political minded are open to the Socialist mode of thought. It seem though, that they have little interest in engaging seriously with leftist ideas. So perhaps I am wasting my time.

The thing is, I just don't come into contact, because of the part of the world I live in and the social circles that I move in (due to education, childhood friends and so on) with a lot of people who would be open to the ideas of Socialism. :crying:

[Cooler Reds Will Prevail]

Curse often and make fun of a common enemy and agree on a common principle. Make fun of yourself and communists in general. Try to avoid "Marx said, Lenin said" type stuff... When I used to work for a computer company, nobody could give a shit about surplus labor but they all understood when I'd say something like "Man, these motherfuckers just made $2,000 on that computer I sold and the money I got for the work ain't even enough to buy a USB cable. Bastards." Resounding nods of approval, most of the time.

If people want to get into a discussion on history or something less "exciting", just try to watch the intonation of your voice... Elevate and lower from time to time, and oh yeah, make fun of Stalin. :cool:

[Buffalo Souljah]

Study different left orators and their techniques in speaking to audiences. Try these for starters:

Michael Parenti (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AEiP1UGSro): political scientist and historian. Very engaging public discussions on a wide range of ideas.

Noam Chomsky (http://vimeo.com/7350655): linguist and political analyst. Highly informative approach. Low-key and "minimalist" style. Has been speaking in the public for years on a wide range of issues.

David Harvey (http://cgt.columbia.edu/videos/is_marxism_relevant_today/): geographer and economist. Attempts to interpret modern economic trends in traditional Marxian framework. Likes to use irony.

Michel Foucault (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk9ulS76PW8): Deceased, but used a style entrenched in literature and critical theory & deconstruction (questioning the history and nature of semantic terms [signifier] and their relation to the objects or phenomena [signified] in reality.) Very "European", but well-established critique, in general.


Study these and others' rhetorical styles and begin to fashion your own theoretical framework which to apply to real world problems. It's only after you understand the interrelation between theory and practice, design and implementation that the ability to discuss and analyze a wide range of situations will develop. Study and learn, and try to look at every problem from many perspectives. Only in so doing can you hope to understand things in a well-rounded manner. And don't worry about sounding preachy or boring: the situation will present the context in which to present your thoughts, and if people simply won't listen, there's nothing you can do to change that. Listen to their view, and then give them your analysis. The dialectical method encourages individuals to get at every problem from as many perspectives as possible, and the best way to handle the bourgeousie world-view is just to allow them to speak their mind and then form a well-established and logical criticism to it. That's the only way you can hope to offer any sustainable criticism and hope to change anyone's wrong opinion to the right one. Hope this helps.

[#FF0000]

There's a difference though, between giving a talk and talking to people, though.

Make it funny is my suggestion. Easier for some than others though. And don't talk too much, lose the point...etc. I usually preface what I say by reminding the person that there's a lot to what we're talking about and I'm usually just giving them the tip of the iceberg on the subject.

[Chicano Shamrock]

Try talking about the subjective effects capitalism has on the lives of the people you're talking to. This will probably be more effective than talking about historical materialism or the Labor Theory of Value. ;)
This is what I do. You want to talk about the person specifically and their life. It is also good to make a point to not argue with the person. You want to agree with them whenever possible.

As for the past failures of "Communism". It's easier to agree with them that it sucked rather than bullshit your way through saying Lenin or Stalin were great. Nobody is ever going to understand that and rightfully so.

As fo GeorgeBush above me, Noam Chomsky is exactly what the OP doesn't want to sound like.

[The Red Next Door]

This may sound juvenile, but when I see the person I'm talking to's eyes start to glaze over, I slip in a swear word or an inappropriate metaphor in order to shake things up. It tends to catch people off guard, but sometimes that's a good thing... and sometimes it isn't. You've got to know who you are talking to, and it helps to speak to their personal experiences or biases. I can tell my christian mother about these things because I can tell her that Jesus was similar in thinking, for instance. It takes tact, patience, and a little spontaneity.

As for the communists are corrupt bit, libertarian communists can easily denounce past and present revolutionaries off hand, but if you go for a more materialist explanation, be sure you are well read on what you are qualifying or refuting... and it helps to talk about how it isn't as one sided as "those evil reds were corrupt." Talk about some of the supposed "heroes" of the cold war and how the reality behind them wasn't so "heroic" (Winston Churchill, for instance) Talk about how they won't focus on the bad of these individuals and the good of communists historically because the victors who write history have no use in making their enemies look good.
got any suggestion on how to talk politics to teens without sounding boring.

[The Red Next Door]

This is what I do. You want to talk about the person specifically and their life. It is also good to make a point to not argue with the person. You want to agree with them whenever possible.

As for the past failures of "Communism". It's easier to agree with them that it sucked rather than bullshit your way through saying Lenin or Stalin were great. Nobody is ever going to understand that and rightfully so.

As fo GeorgeBush above me, Noam Chomsky is exactly what the OP doesn't want to sound like.
no of course not, i want to sound interesting to my fellow teens who don't seem interested.

[the last donut of the night]

got any suggestion on how to talk politics to teens without sounding boring.

Well, it depends on who you're talking to. Talking to rich teens is pointless; don't waste your time on them. There's no incentive for them to believe what we believe because capitalism has been working great for them.

Now, if you talk to teenagers who are struggling with the prospect of no college, or gangs, or struggling with money, you'll have a chance. The point is to not sound dogmatic and boring; you're not a preacher or a motivational speaker. Talk to them like a friend. Also, be patient. Start off with a simple comment on your situation ("Shit, man, why do I have to work to support the family?") that is a bit subservient, defying your situation. Tell them about your own struggles, and he/she will do the same.

This sense of camaraderie will lead that person to trust you more. Now, one day you start talking about how life could be better (not utopian, something like, "Dude, we could have it better"), and introduce the person to the politics. Slowly, they'll understand.

My advice is just from myself; it's not set in stone, but I hope it helps.

[Jimmie Higgins]

Well everyone has to develop their own style and part of it is just becoming familiar and comfortable with the politics and history.

I don't think I get monotone, but I do run-on (if people have read my posts, they can probably confirm that). So when I talk to live people I try and keep people engaged by asking them questions and trying to connect it to their own lives.

I was talking to someone about the falling rate of profit and they looked like they were about to go into a comma - so i asked her about her job and related it to what they do at her business. It was like a light went off and suddenly she was able to take this idea and apply it in a real way to her experience.

Teenagers might be a little harder since they don't as often have to deal with bosses and landlords and the the bureaucracy of government and corporations. But practice here on this site - troll the learning sections and try to see if you can answer complex questions succinctly and meaningfully and when the same types of things come up in daily life, you will have already had practice.

[Drace]

First become fun and not serious, and then be yourself.

[hugsandmarxism]

got any suggestion on how to talk politics to teens without sounding boring.

If they have a job and hate their boss, use that angle. If they don't like police, talk about how the police exist to protect property and act as the long arm of state repression. Be creative... even kids nowadays who are immersed in bullshit media and can hardly think for themselves have a unique perspective on things that can be used as an angle to explain where you are coming from.

The bottom line, though, is that you can't get everyone thinking, even if you spend all day talking to people, but being a vocal example for your beliefs (and trying to put on a decent example in how you conduct yourself) can get a few people questioning things, and maybe even coming to similar conclusions that you have. When that happens, you have to be receptive to their questions, and roll with the punches when presented with utter stupidity and reaction. It's an uphill battle, but it can yield very valuable dividends.

[the last donut of the night]

I agree with hugs. Even if you don't yield results quickly, become a sort of role model for the people that know you. Now, that doesn't mean acting like a stoic revolutionary hero, having no fun (in fact, that'd burn you out pretty quick); it means showing decent leadership and courage when the police start harassing someone, or when someone shows their racism and homophobia, for example. Stand out for the bullied or teased at your school. That would just let people know that you're a decent person, and it would make them look up to you.

Again, I'm not asking anything of you, this is just advice ovr the internet.

[Wanted Man]

Talk about things that directly affect them, if you can. Many people are pissed off with things that happen around them, even if you don't think that they are "conscious" enough. A lot of people will face loss of job, or, if students, budget cuts. In high school, it's more difficult (most school kids don't really like school, for some reason :p), but still, try to find common ground. It works better than "Marx wrote in the 19th century that the workers have nothing to lose but their chains". :rolleyes:

Also, be sympathetic and sincerely eager to ask them questions and learn from them. Realize that you're on the same level, and that you're not the teacher "bringing consciousness to the oppressed masses" or whatever. Let them feel that the idea that you're trying to get across is theirs.

Nobody will be bored if they are talking about their own lives, having a friendly conversation partner, and developing their "own" ideas.

[jake williams]

I think that the advice in this thread is actually really good.

I'd like to add that a critical thing is just to have respect for and solidarity with the people you're speaking to. The reason we tend to get a reputation for being arrogant and preachy and esoteric is because we are, because we have a bad habit of not living and working and thinking in solidarity with the people we say we're 'fighting for'. It's not an inescapable problem, it's not intrinsic to our character or politics, but it's a bad habit. I'd really recommend just having casual, respectful conversations with people. Listening to what other people say is almost the opposite of being preachy.

[ellipsis]

I would find a level at which you can connect with them at, something relevant to their lives. Ask them lots of leading questions to get them to question their ideas about the world. You don't even have to mention communism or anything like that at first.

This happens to me, people ask me about my tattoo:
what does that mean?
that I am a marxist
what does that mean?
Marx was a 19th century philosopher who laid the ground work for communism and socialism.
Eh ok what does that mean?
....It means that I support all of the oppressed peoples of the world.
Oh ok.

[Black Sheep]

Combine your political talk with partial (or full) nudity.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Thank you social for asking this. i seriously needed some help talking to people. my biggest problem is that i dont talk about relevant and personal issues, only things that are on the 'grand' scale. things like imperialism, capitalism, and revolutionary theory.

one thing i am good at though is pretending to be a soviet-phile. i make authoritarian jokes and all that. sometimes my friends greet me as comrade jokingly. im not really getting through to them though because the way i talk and what i talk about. this thread is definitely something worth reading for all newcomers and learners.

[bcbm]

get drunk and get angry.

[Muzk]

Combine your political talk with partial (or full) nudity.


I have already done that kind of joke, no thanks to harvest anymore, I already got the only one available.

[Comrade Anarchist]

Be very loud and obnoxious. When telling people about politics, if they dont care then they are not going to listen so you have to make them care by calling them nazis.

[The Red Next Door]

Be very loud and obnoxious. When telling people about politics, if they dont care then they are not going to listen so you have to make them care by calling them nazis.
you're gonna get people to hate me.

[mikelepore]

Learn about the common mistakes of public speaking. Never say "ummm" or "uhhh" as filler when you're thinking about your next words -- if you need to pause, pause silently. Never say "you know" as a filler. Don't be like the teacher I know who begins almost every sentence with the word "basically." Consider recording yourself to discover your bad speech habits.

[btpound]

This is an excellent question.

I think there are various different things that people respond to in a discussion. People like listening to someone who is active and engaging. I think it's better, when you are trying to have a conversation not a lecture, to let them lead the conversation. Ask them specific questions about their own views and address the specific things that they say. I have a friend I work with at my job. We are pretty good friends, but he is a bit of a racist. In Florida this is all too common. I would ask him things like "What do you think a bout Hitler? How about genocide against a specific group of people? Why do you feel that way?" Ask hard questions too (if appropriate).

Also, I am going say the opposite of what alot of people have already said which is TO get preachy. I have found that the best public speakers are ministers. They are awesome to listen to sometimes. Thier vocal patterns and manner of speaking, the kind of rythem they have, is something that is very dynamic and powerful. I recomend you listen to Malcolm X speak. In fact I recommend everyone listen to Malcolm X speak. If everyone talked like Malcolm X, we'd get a lot more shit done!

Lastly, what people REALLY respond to is action, not words. Talk is cheap as they say, and you can talk all day about the oppression of the working class or by the police, but acting in a way that defends their interests, or arming them with knowledge in which they can use to help themselves, will both get your point across better and establish trust with them. you mentioned teens so I suppose you are in school. When I was in school, I would stand up for the kids in class who would act out or not pay attention that the teacher would pick on or publicly embarrass. I would tell the teacher that what she was doing is wrong and she should treat these people with respect. One time I even hijacked the classroom for 20 minutes talking about marijuana legalization. That made me pretty popular. :thumbup1:

I went to a school with a lot of South Americans. When one of the girls in class (sort of preppy, really only talked to me cause she thought I would help her cheat) asked what she should write about for some paper. I told her to write about why they can't speak Portuguese in school. That was something she never thought about before, how this was a form of oppression. Things like this do a lot of the talking for you.

Sorry for carrying on a bit, I hope this was useful. But remember, in order to get anyone to believe what you say, you have to believe what you say. Be passionate, be proud, be convicted.

[the last donut of the night]

Recently, I've been talking to a Salvadoran girl who has learned of Pacific Rim, a Canadian mineral company exploiting Salvadoran labor, and has been annoyed by it. I found that from this anger at a company I could start bringing her over to the dark side. We have been talking for some time now, but I haven't yet even mentioned socialism.

What I have done is make subtle attacks on the rich (never use the word capitalist or bourgeoisie, at least in the beginning). She asked me why the Canadian or Salvadoran governments weren't fighting this company if it was committing these atrocities. I mentioned that the rich often infiltrate governments to do their will (another hint at class structures). She mentioned that her family there is poor and her grandfather is sick.

I then asked her about their situation and how they're coping. Hopefully, she will see me as a nice person and open up about her political questions. I have a feeling she in the future will become a socialist.

[Enragé]

talk in a way that provokes reaction. Then let people react, and respond to that.

For example, on gang wars u could say "its just too bad they keep shooting eachother instead of attacking the police together"

stuff like that. You can also use well-known sayings sometimes to keep a point short (do unto others as you would have them do unto you), and sometimes the sayings themselves are already political. For example, in the netherlands, people often say about the police that when you need them they aren't there but when they are you don't need them. I use that saying often to make the point that the police are fucking useless, because for the things they're supposedly here they do shit, they simply arent there. So how do we know we even need them if they're never there when we need them?

Also, you can ask questions which bring the person your talking to to more or less the same conclusion you have (and if not you might actually learn something new, which is also always important in discussions, keeping an open mind).

[Luisrah]

Recently, I've been talking to a Salvadoran girl who has learned of Pacific Rim, a Canadian mineral company exploiting Salvadoran labor, and has been annoyed by it. I found that from this anger at a company I could start bringing her over to the dark side. We have been talking for some time now, but I haven't yet even mentioned socialism.

What I have done is make subtle attacks on the rich (never use the word capitalist or bourgeoisie, at least in the beginning). She asked me why the Canadian or Salvadoran governments weren't fighting this company if it was committing these atrocities. I mentioned that the rich often infiltrate governments to do their will (another hint at class structures). She mentioned that her family there is poor and her grandfather is sick.

I then asked her about their situation and how they're coping. Hopefully, she will see me as a nice person and open up about her political questions. I have a feeling she in the future will become a socialist.

Lol, your talk plus the bearded guy in your avatar made me think you looked like a rapist.
JOKE! No offense intended.

Ontopic:

If you are passionate about what you talk, and if you talk about the possibilities in communism, you can have no problem leaving someone with an open mouth to what communism is.
Remember to take it slow at first, and always say that Stalin, Mao and Castro aren't communists (even if you think they are) and only later explain that they are (if you think they are) and that the thought of them being evil is because of propaganda and whatever.

Be careful with what you say, but don't be afraid to criticize the current system as much as you can.

[mikelepore]

what does that mean?
that I am a marxist
what does that mean?


Marxism means understanding the development of human society with the use of a theory in which specific principles have been identified, including the materialist interpretation of history, Marxian economics, and the class struggle.

[Leaf]

what about asking them questions to force them to participate in the conversation. then its more of a convo than a lecture. of course this works better one on one or in a small group