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superborys
15th September 2010, 23:18
I have recently formulated the idea to speak in public. To get consent from the city hall in my town and to set up a sort of campaign speech sort of thing.

I was wondering how many other RevLefters feel this is a good approach.
I ask because I think that, even though some denizens on RevLeft say that you have to allow the people to find out about socialism through their own epiphanies and revelations, this is a constructive way to spread socialism.

I think a good, functional system would be to hold speeches and then to just tell them about the tenets of socialism, and explain why capitalism and the system of oligopolies that we have is manipulative. Letting people wait until they have their own epiphanies is very slow, and possibly too slow.

In my own opinion, I feel that even though class awareness has long been something that you must realize on your own, that sensibility may not be totally true. I feel that if you go out in public and explain socialism, and show people that big businesses hurt them, explain that a company couldn't exist unless there were some sort of labor-exploitation, that they would realize and perhaps look up for themselves. We cannot expect our dogmas and ideals to just seep out of our communities and suddenly become mainstream one day as we all seem to, and I say this figuratively. I have seldom heard of people talking about public speaking because they feel it's 'pushing the river', but it's not! Being the catalyst for a reaction that happens slowly is certainly not pushing the river, friends.


What does RevLeft think of public speaking as a way to raise public class awareness and salience of socio-communist ideas?

coda
16th September 2010, 02:40
yes. Much revolutionary theory was introduced to the working class through impromptu speeches in the early 20th century. you must be familiar with the term soap-box. Of course, everything needs permits now!!! and the spontaneity is lost.

I think what you need is a good clear consise speech polished up for the working class >>to awaken class conciousness. get all your major points and the essentials down. Follow the Trotsky rule: Understandable enough for even a 10 year old.// Have answers ready for common anticipated questions and counter-attacks. Be prepared to get boo-ed and shouted down--but be bold, unwaivering and never lose your head no matter what and You will be turn a lot of people on to communism.

fa2991
16th September 2010, 03:13
What does RevLeft think of public speaking as a way to raise public class awareness and salience of socio-communist ideas?

Emma Goldman's criticism of speech making stands: it flares passions, but doesn't inform or teach. That's what writing's for, so bring written propaganda.

I personally would love to see more passionate leftist speakers.

Plus it's the best way to look cool in a picture, aside from smoking a pipe. :thumbup1:

http://www.historyofcuba.com/images/castro1.JPG
http://www.stel.ru/museum/lenin_museum_images/lenin_speech2.jpg
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Goldman/Exhibition/eg19.jpg

coda
16th September 2010, 03:25
haha. that's funny! that is exactly who i was thinking of -- emma goldman! she is quite known for her speeches.

Tablo
16th September 2010, 03:57
That is who I was thinking of too! xD

Every time I read one of her speeches I get the chills. Unfortunately there is very little actual video footage of her.

fa2991
16th September 2010, 04:03
That is who I was thinking of too! xD

Every time I read one of her speeches I get the chills. Unfortunately there is very little actual video footage of her.

I think I might rather see her mentor, Johann Most, speak. The way Emma spoke of him, he was an incredible, forceful speaker.

Tablo
16th September 2010, 04:24
I think I might rather see her mentor, Johann Most, speak. The way Emma spoke of him, he was an incredible, forceful speaker.
That would also be very interesting. It is times like these I really wish I had a time machine. :lol: