Lack of objectivity and indoctrination on western schools

[NecroCommie]

So I had an argument with my social democrat parents once again. This time it was about accusations of me being unobjective, "brainwashed" by "communist propaganda" and about communism being an "extremist" movement.

The brainwashing accusation was pretty easy seeing that every conceivable media actively hates communism today, and I was a communist before actively seeking out communist literature and influences underground. But the thing is, no matter how much I explained them and gave them examples they could not wrap their heads around the fact that "extremism" is a subjective concept, and that objectivism does not mean neutrality.

I tried to point out that while western schools might not teach about the immortality of Lenin and the inevitability of revolution, they have equally dogmatist nationalist alternatives in their curriculum. Neither could they wrap around their heads the fact that our entire nordic political spectrum would be considered left-wing extremism in america, and therefore accusations of extremism cannot be considered valid arguments.

Now, it is obvious to me why these are not valid arguments, but I am asking if anyone has any better examples through which I could get my point through their thick skulls.

Oh yeah that's right, christmas in our family = a lot of political debates.

[Savior]

So I had an argument with my social democrat parents once again. This time it was about accusations of me being unobjective, "brainwashed" by "communist propaganda" and about communism being an "extremist" movement.

The brainwashing accusation was pretty easy seeing that every conceivable media actively hates communism today, and I was a communist before actively seeking out communist literature and influences underground. But the thing is, no matter how much I explained them and gave them examples they could not wrap their heads around the fact that "extremism" is a subjective concept, and that objectivism does not mean neutrality.

I tried to point out that while western schools might not teach about the immortality of Lenin and the inevitability of revolution, they have equally dogmatist nationalist alternatives in their curriculum. Neither could they wrap around their heads the fact that our entire nordic political spectrum would be considered left-wing extremism in america, and therefore accusations of extremism cannot be considered valid arguments.

Now, it is obvious to me why these are not valid arguments, but I am asking if anyone has any better examples through which I could get my point through their thick skulls.

Oh yeah that's right, christmas in our family = a lot of political debates.

My mother and grandmother changed sides to Communism from what ive explained to them. The only one in opposition is my father, who is a Capitalist.

[Sixiang]

First of all, how have you been brainwashed? Is "communist propaganda" shown in the media all the time where you live? I assume not. Second of all, I have associated with communism being a heavily objective (not like Ayn Rand Objectivism, though) ideology. I mean objective in the scientific sense. I don't know what they're going on about. Extremism is a subjective term on their part and you are absolutely right about European politics being considered radical leftism in my country.

At least you have any dialog of this sort. No one even talks or thinks about these things in America. In my school, all they teach is that capitalism and republicanism are the only way. There is no introduction of anything else. The only debate is about insignificant matters like tax policies and foreign affairs, or as I like to call it: imperialism. Anything critical of the existing order of society is deemed as crazy, or as most people say, "that's just the way things are."

[bailey_187]

Why just 'Western' schools?

[NecroCommie]

Because I have no experience of other educational systems.

[Thirsty Crow]

The "brainwashed by propaganda" argument is very common.
Since you are dealing with your parents, you might use a cheap shot of sorts, appealing to their emotion side.
I aways thought that this argument is an insult of sorts, demeaning an individual and practically arguing that he/she doesn't have a developed capacity for critical thought. As if he/she functtions like a sponge, taking in whatever is offered without considerations.
Turn it against them and ask them if they think so. Another step would be to question why haven't you taken up other kinds of propaganda, which are uncomparably more pervasive, if you possess the "ability" of easily getting brainwashed.

As far as "extremism" goes...well, that's a dead end. From my experience, middle age humans tend to stick to the "golden middle" line, for a host of reasons. Especially if your parents are well off, they will see no reason why to endanger their lives by actively seeking to transform existing social relations.
Other factors include cynicism - "extremists whou would perform a coup and run everything in a totalitarian manner", or "there is no point in trying to promote big, structural changes since humans are naturaly greedy and possessive" and plain old fear of social upheaval which could negatively affect someone's life.

[ZeroNowhere]

Tell them that the Doctrine of the Mean is not a decision-making protocol.