What's your "Leftist Ideology"?

[Nikolay]

Title says it all.

I am still not sure what exactly I am, so I've labeled myself a "Young Marxist", but I am slowly turning to Anarchism..

I really hate being confused. :(



*If this thread doesn't belong here, I'm sorry.

EDIT: Just took the Political Compass test, here's my results:

Economic Left/Right: -5.62
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -6.26

[Muzk]

I was a trot for some time, until I embraced forkliftism as the only true revolutionary doctrine.

[mikelepore]

You'll be even more confused if you adopt a ready-made label, and then you assume that you are required to believe that certain propositions are true because that's the position held by everyone who wears that label. If you can make a list of idea that you believe to be valid, what do you need the label for?

[PilesOfDeadNazis]

IT's very difficult to just pick any single ideology when contemplating the Left. With all of the sectarianism that some people enjoy so much. I found that a good amount of studying will often open doors. But you may find that you don't fit in to any one ideology. That's fine. some people find that their personal beliefs fit perfectly in with an already-created ideology. It is not always that way though. I wouldn't worry that much. It takes time and patienceto ge one's thoughts straight. Especially if you're anything like me. LAWLZ....no but, seriously.

[RasTheDestroyer]

There are a wide range of revolutionary ideas and left-wing currents out there. Some will appeal to you and others won't. In the early stages of your investigations, you will have more options to choose from. Eventually you rule some ideas out while preserving others through critical analysis. The primary consideration in choosing an ideology should be creating a sound methodology.

[F9]

Title says it all.

I am still not sure what exactly I am, so I've labeled myself a "Young Marxist", but I am slowly turning to Anarchism..

I really hate being confused. :(



*If this thread doesn't belong here, I'm sorry.

I have moved it.

Your case sounds a lot like what i used to be, i disagree with people saying that its too early to decide a label, if you know the general things about ideologies, you can attach yourself in the one you agree, and then go in deep.Thats what i did, and helped me a lot, i decided i was an Anarchist, something i hardly was at that time, i knew very few things, i knew though it was a more equal-freedom approach to communism than anything else, it didnt had reactionary things inside like state etc, so with those simple things i attached to the label of Anarchist and few years after, i can say im pretty much good informed on Anarchism, but on other ideologies also.Of course i kept studying other ideologies with open mind, but none managed to "overpower" Anarchism.
Key thing is, keep an open mind, read and ask questions, you cant fail with this.

Fuserg9:star:

[this is an invasion]

Some sort of insurrectionary/nihilist/awesome communist/anarchist/hooligan.

Whatever.

Just do yo thang. Check out the link in my sig tew ;)

[sweetandy]

Revolutionary Communist. I look to Bob Avakian to a great degree for influence and inspiration, though I like doing my own research in the ideas he presents.

[Tower of Bebel]

I'm not fond of labels either. I'm a marxist, socialist in general. I don't call myself Trotskyist but admit being part of an organisation that's Trotskyist to the core.

I guess we don't need to label ourselves because, in the end, all that matters is unity around a common programme while aknowledging basic principles, like class struggle, and demands that can protect and advance this struggle.

[Taikand]

Labels are limited, you need to be heterodox, at least that's what I think.
I never actually chose a label, labels are usually connected to peoples (LENINism, TROTSKism, STALINism, MAOism) or very vague ideas. Humans can't always be right be it Kropotkin, Mao, Marx or Marceau. Ideas are the one evolving and changing, make your ideology be a complex of linked ideas, not a religion praising one man and his book.

[NGNM85]

I'm an Anarchist. I might have more in common specifically with the Anarcho-Syndicalist tendency, but I don't feel the need to pigeonhole myself with superfluous titles.

[Tablo]

I generally consider myself an Anarcho-Communist though I am a big fan of some Marxist theory. I don't get along too well with any Leninist ideologies.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Marxism-Leninism.

started off anarcho-communist/syndicalist but certain things just sort of caused me to move onto leninism.

[mikelepore]

Labels are fine to communicate, that is, to explain to others what you believe.

However, some people try to use labels to _find out_ what they believe. First they pick a label, then they try to find out what they are expected to believe after accepting that label. For example, someone may say, "I recently decided that I'm a Marxist. Now I have been informed that we all agree with some idea called 'surplus value', whatever that is. Well, since I believe in it, I had better find out what it is."

This happens more often than we like to admit. Most people do it to some extent, on the left as well as the right, including ourselves. Beginners do it, and old-timers like myself, a Marxist since the 1960s, can catch ourselves doing it. We always need to be diligent about this bad habit.

[Invincible Summer]

I enjoy a strange combination of Anarchist and Technocratic ideals mixed with Maoist theory and praxis

[Terminator X]

Hell, I can dig and appreciate the contributions of both Trotsky and Stalin.

It helps me avoid getting the ol' blood pressure up every time a sectarian thread breaks out. :thumbup1:

At the basic level, though, I'm a Marxist (where it evolves from there is a bit murky and still to be determined).

[Barry Lyndon]

Generic Marxist-mix of Trotskyism, Maoism, Castroism, and Bolivarianism. At times sympathetic to anarcho-syndicalism.

[x371322]

Kind of a Syndicalist with Technocratic sympathies. Techno-Syndicalism?

[Weezer]

I'm a Trotskyist. Not orthodox, but certainly not Third Camp either. I support every genuine worker's movement, regardless of tendency.

[ovrproof]

trust me... labels are bullshit... don't let anybody else define who you are... if you really think about it - what defines you? it's going to be multiple things... a marxist-blah blah isn't going to help you define yourself... only you can do that...

read... if you disagree with things don't worry... being completely theoretical and not practical is what is killing the left all over the world... see what you can do to make a difference in your area... make things happen... a book means nothing unless the ideas are put into reality...

peace

[scarletghoul]

Maoism-Freshism with a massive Black Panther influence and a llittle bit of Anarchism.

As others have said just study and think about things until you arrive at your conclusions. But remember, it's all about getting free. When you lose sight of that you stop being a communist.

[Ele'ill]

I'm an anarchist.

I guess one of those quiz things put me at:

Economic Left/Right: -8.50
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -8.00

[Optiow]

I have not decided yet. I just consider myself a socialist, and I will decide when I am well informed enough to make the big decision of where I stand.

Although in my opinion, we are all leftists. That is all that matters, I think.

[Stephen Colbert]

Anarcho-Syndicalist

[ContrarianLemming]

Although in my opinion, we are all leftists. That is all that matters, I think.

That'l wear off after about 100 posts in here.

poor thing..I was once like you.. :crying:

[IllicitPopsicle]

You're free to create your own. Happens all the time.:thumbup1:

[The Red Next Door]

I am a Marxist Leninist Maoist with a little anarchism. I was anarchist until I join the PSL, now i am moving from ML to MLM.:D

[Chimurenga.]

Ceauşescuist with Polpotist and Biaoist sympathies.

Ceauşescu's ideas and contributions to Marxism are far too often overlooked. It's a real shame.

[Tablo]

I'm happy too see everyone taking a little bit of influence from all across the Leftist ideological spectrum. :)

[The Ben G]

The Coolest Non Sectarian Bolshevik-Leninist Evarrr.

[InuyashaKnight]

Marxist-Leninist

[Q]

Communist leaning to "Orthodox Marxism" and with a Trotskyist background, like Rakunin.

[Nikolay]

I'm an anarchist.

I guess one of those quiz things put me at:

Economic Left/Right: -8.50
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -8.00

In my OP I put my results in that test:

Economic Left/Right: -5.62
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -6.26

[Who?]

I guess I'm a Marxist-Leninist with a lot of anarchist influence.

[Os Cangaceiros]

communism.

[Stranger Than Paradise]

I'm a Communist. Anarcho-Syndicalism is the praxis which I believe is the strongest path towards this goal.

[Ele'ill]

In my OP I put my results in that test:

Economic Left/Right: -5.62
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -6.26


I think we'd both be considered in the sphere of 'classical anarchists'

[Q]

I think we'd both be considered in the sphere of 'classical anarchists'

Pretty much 90% of Revleft scores in that area on the political compass test, from anarchists to ardent stalinoids.

I score pretty consistently -9/-9 for years now.

[ComradeOm]

I get called a Leninist a lot. As a label it works *shrugs*

[Zanthorus]

Pretty much 90% of Revleft scores in that area on the political compass test, from anarchists to ardent stalinoids.

Yeah, unfortunately they never thought to add in a section testing people's attitude towards forced labour camps.

[Taikand]

Ceauşescuist with Polpotist and Biaoist sympathies.

Ceauşescu's ideas and contributions to Marxism are far too often overlooked. It's a real shame.
Ceauşism? Wow!
Did he wrote anything?Now that his body is unburied and all, it got my interest.

[Nikolay]

I think we'd both be considered in the sphere of 'classical anarchists'

What's the difference of being a 'Classical Anarchist'?

Sorry for this stupid question. I'm new to all this. :blushing:

[StoneFrog]

Councilist, i just call myself that atm. I seem to be swaying about at the moment and entertaining some theories not normally associated with council communism, so just sticking with Councilist for a bit. Still routed in Marxism and the use of councils though, i predict ill more than likely fall back into Council Communist.

[Q]

Ceauşescuist with Polpotist and Biaoist sympathies.

Ceauşescu's ideas and contributions to Marxism are far too often overlooked. It's a real shame.

Yeah, I should pick up his main work one of these days: How to get yourself executed by an outraged working class that hates you to the guts.

[Taikand]

Yeah, I should pick up his main work one of these days: How to get yourself executed by an outraged working class that hates you to the guts.

The buses nowadays are full of old people nostalgic to that period, and nowadays there's a theory that the revolution was actually a coup.

[Garret]

I'd be a Marxist-Leninist slipping into Maoism.

[Paulappaul]

Somewhat of a Council Communist, somewhat of an Anarcho-Syndicalist. I really like the early American Socialist movement as well, particularly Bill Haywood, Daniel De Leon, James Connolly and Eugene Debs. The Works of Sylvia Pankhurst and other English Left Communists are quiet inspiring as well.

When it comes to more modern "alive" tendencies and people, I respect alot of what Noam Chomsky as say, the Socialist party USA does some good stuff, as well as the more Left Communist leaning World Socialist Party. IWW does alot of respectable stuff too.

[Tower of Bebel]

The buses nowadays are full of old people nostalgic to that period, and nowadays there's a theory that the revolution was actually a coup.
Why do you believe that nostalgia necessarily means they want all of it back? It's equally wrong to think that "love for your country" necessarily means unconditional support for your ruling class.

[Ovi]

Ceauşescuist with Polpotist and Biaoist sympathies.

A supporter of the former regime isn't called ceauşescuist, but ceaușist or, more commonly, pupincurist (literally ass kisser :D)
Me? I'm an anarchist who sees all non anarchists as capitalists.

[LaRiposte]

Trotskyist/ Bolshevik-Leninist. A Grantite, if you must know.

Anti-Stalinist, Anti-Maoist, Anti-theoryofstatecapitalismist.

Lol @ anarchistist.

[this is an invasion]

I thought Polpotists were restricted...

[Chimurenga.]

A supporter of the former regime isn't called ceauşescuist, but ceaușist or, more commonly, pupincurist (literally ass kisser :D)

This is the joke.


I thought Polpotists were restricted...

Failure to see an obvious joke should be followed with restriction.

[Raúl Duke]

My ideology is a mix of ideas and a few persona observations plus drug use...I call it gonzo anarchism.

[this is an invasion]

This is the joke.



Failure to see an obvious joke should be followed with restriction.

Ah yes, the famed Stalinist sense of humor. We are all privileged to have seen such a thing.

[punisa]

From theoretical aspect, I'd call myself a Marxist (not Marxist-Leninist), from practical stance I'd say I'm a Titoist (while still criticizing some bad ideas of it).

Also, did you notice that virtually everyone who deals with that political compass thingy always ends up Libertarian? Authoritarian is becoming rather scarce here, almost up to that point that I'm afraid to say my results :laugh:


Me? I'm an anarchist who sees all non anarchists as capitalists.
Neat. I see all anarchists as "I'm-under-21-but-love-politics" :lol:

[Invincible Summer]

Trotskyist/ Bolshevik-Leninist. A Grantite, if you must know.

Anti-Stalinist, Anti-Maoist, Anti-theoryofstatecapitalismist.



You really don't help stereotypes.

[this is an invasion]

From theoretical aspect, I'd call myself a Marxist (not Marxist-Leninist), from practical stance I'd say I'm a Titoist (while still criticizing some bad ideas of it).

Also, did you notice that virtually everyone who deals with that political compass thingy always ends up Libertarian? Authoritarian is becoming rather scarce here, almost up to that point that I'm afraid to say my results :laugh:


Neat. I see all anarchists as "I'm-under-21-but-love-politics" :lol:

Even Barry Pateman?

[Chimurenga.]

Ah yes, the famed Stalinist sense of humor. We are all privileged to have seen such a thing.

...Anytime. :cool:

[Ovi]

Neat. I see all anarchists as "I'm-under-21-but-love-politics" :lol:
Sorry, I'm 22 :p

[RATM-Eubie]

Democratic-socialists....

Soooo i guess that makes me a "revisionist"?:blushing:

[What Would Durruti Do?]

trust me... labels are bullshit... don't let anybody else define who you are... if you really think about it - what defines you? it's going to be multiple things... a marxist-blah blah isn't going to help you define yourself... only you can do that...

read... if you disagree with things don't worry... being completely theoretical and not practical is what is killing the left all over the world... see what you can do to make a difference in your area... make things happen... a book means nothing unless the ideas are put into reality...

peace

but books are very useful for putting those ideas into reality.

Labels do not define who you are, but you do define labels. For the people saying that labels have to purpose: of course they do. There is a reason there are so many labels because people believe different things. If we could all get along and pursue the same goals we wouldn't need labels, but we do.

As you figure out your ideology, your label will become clear. Don't look for a label, look for enlightenment. Your views on revolutionary tactics, post-capitalist organizing, vanguardism, centralization, etc will decide what your label is.

[Warboy99]

Titoist.

[GrungeGestapo]

Is it possible to agree with ALL leftist ideals?

[Homo Songun]

Lifestyle Stalinist: my friends and I like to form queues to the dumpster.

[Jazzhands]

Lifestyle Stalinist: my friends and I like to form queues to the dumpster.

:laugh::laugh::laugh: I lol'd so hard

anarchist, recovering sovietophile/Luxemburgist.

[JacobVardy]

What's the difference of being a 'Classical Anarchist'?

Sorry for this stupid question. I'm new to all this. :blushing:

Classical anarchism generally refers to the positions held by anarchists in the 19th century. Stuff like the abolition of capitalism (although not necessarily markets), the abolition of the State, patriarchy, the Church, etc... Most anarchists (and Marxists) still hold these position but are divided by what tactics to use.

The classical position is probably best summed up by Emma Goldman
"Anarchism, then, really stands for the liberation of the human mind from the dominion of religion; the liberation of the human body from the dominion of property; liberation from the shackles and restraint of government. Anarchism stands for a social order based on the free grouping of individuals for the purpose of producing real social wealth; an order that will guarantee to every human being free access to the earth and full enjoyment of the necessities of life, according to individual desires, tastes, and inclinations."