Ways to be a socialist/communist/anarchist person in a capitalist world...

[R_P_A_S]

I find it hard as I'm sure most of you do too. To live life with our ideals in a society that discourages cooperation, altruism and other things that make us all socialist men and women.

I wish I could help and give to all. Inspire and awaken most but it's difficult and very very time consuming while I have my own bills and responsibilities to survive.. to swim and not sink in a capitalist world.

How do you handle homeless people, beggars or just folks who are in dire need of some sort of help... a few coins? do you tell them "the revolution is coming.. organize!" ???

How do I treat a disgruntled and rude worker that gives me attitude while I'm shopping at his work place?

How do I speak to those factions of "progressives" who organize rallies and meeting to discuss democratic issues if they have all hopes still set on Obama?

I know I'm ranting... and possibly not making much sense but this system is really fucked up...

I want to help out my co-worker with some of his work but I know that by doing this the boss will get a free-be from me. Im not paid to organize the warehouse and to clean it.. but to punch numbers and deal with accounts.. However I feel bad and the need to help my coworker with his work... 2 will finish faster than 1. BUT i get paid by the hour and i will have to work twice as fast to finish up my own work if I was to help him. So basically my instinct or whatever u wanna call it as a socialist man is diverted because I'm not permitted to help out since the money incentive is not there...

shame on me...:confused:

[The Idler]

Socialism is class consciousness, not in terms of individual lifestyle decisions. Socialism is the working-class emancipating itself by doing away with capitalism at the very least on a national scale. Get organised for defending your class in a socialist party.

[L.A.P.]

Socialism is class consciousness, not in terms of individual lifestyle decisions. Socialism is the working-class emancipating itself by doing away with capitalism at the very least on a national scale. Get organised for defending your class in a socialist party.

You completely avoided the questions.

[Fulanito de Tal]

I deal with the same thing. Sometimes I think, "Well, let me give this person a hand," and other times,"Fuck em, if they want capitalism, let them eat it." I don't really know.

Maybe this will help...White people tend to boast their "accomplishments" as something that can be mostly attributed to them. People of color generally tend to be more community oriented and understand that they are not closed systems, but that their situation is a mix of their contributions and their environments'.

[Os Cangaceiros]

Maybe this will help...White people tend to boast their "accomplishments" as something that can be mostly attributed to them. People of color generally tend to be more community oriented and understand that they are not closed systems, but that their situation is a mix of their contributions and their environments'.

:confused: how is that relevant to the OP?

[Fulanito de Tal]

:confused: how is that relevant to the OP?

I don't know, but that Fulanito is an idiot!

[Os Cangaceiros]

Here's a picture of two pears!

http://www.lookbeauty.com/images/Pear-Fruit-Face-mask-for-Glowing-Face.jpg

[Chairman Mike]

Well, I'm not sure how much of this would be relevant, but I'd say help those who need help, whether it's a co-worker, a friend, or a total stranger, and do it for nothing in return. As for a homeless person, give them food instead of money, otherwise they may waste it on drugs, or are pretending to be homeless just so they can get your money(there are people who do this). As for the disgruntled worker, you may just want to leave him alone. If he's mad that you're shopping in his store, don't make him more mad by talking to him. Instead of meeting with "progressives" that are still set on Obama, find groups of people who are more geared towards socialism/communism. If you can't find any, then meet with the Obama people, but try and educate them on some of the ideas of socialism/communism. Keep your spending habits to a minimum. Buy only food, clothing, and put money towards your bills. In a capitalist society, it is hard to be a communist. We may never see a socialist/communist government in the U.S., so until then just do what you can with what you've got and find other like-minded people. But if/when the revolution does come, then devote yourself to it.

[Leninster]

Being a revolutionary doesn't need to be a lifestyle.

[R_P_A_S]

thanks guys... I was actually thinking about having some sort of hand out for people that I meet. I live in an area where there is a lot of homeless people I see people sleeping on the ground everyday.

I give them often... and yes food but I wonder if i could give them a piece of paper with information about socialist ideas.. i dunno.. "just saying"

[Leninster]

Many homeless people are actually inflicted upon with alcoholism and drug abuse rather than just financially inept. That said, I don't think they will think of much of any literary work.

[ʇsıɥɔɹɐuɐ ıɯɐbıɹo]

I try to share freely, try not to care about any arbitrary rules, treat others equally, don't hold them to too strict of rules, work for the man to support my family (who isn't as leftist as me :p) and try to keep updated on the happenings of my fellow leftists.

[Enragé]

How do you handle homeless people, beggars or just folks who are in dire need of some sort of help... a few coins?

depends. Sometimes i give some coins, often i ignore them (cuz i dont have much money myself), sometimes i offer them a cigaret/rolled cig (cuz i usually just buy tobacco) instead and have a chat with them.

This one time this guy came up to me saying he had just escaped from an illegal detention center and he wanted to go with the train to brussels to see his wife and kid and he needed 20 euro's. I only had 10 on him, but i gave it to him.
Then 2 weeks later the same guy came up to me in almost the same place, telling the exact same story.
That kind of sucked to say the least.


How do I treat a disgruntled and rude worker that gives me attitude while I'm shopping at his work place?


relax and smile :)


How do I speak to those factions of "progressives" who organize rallies and meeting to discuss democratic issues if they have all hopes still set on Obama?


i would try to talk to them about issues you agree upon and try to come together on some practical points to do. And in putting those practical points into practice, or especially after when u go grab a beer or a coffee together, dont shy away from broader discussions up to and including this whole fucked up system.

or, if u dont have time, just ignore them ;)


I want to help out my co-worker with some of his work but I know that by doing this the boss will get a free-be from me. Im not paid to organize the warehouse and to clean it.. but to punch numbers and deal with accounts.. However I feel bad and the need to help my coworker with his work... 2 will finish faster than 1. BUT i get paid by the hour and i will have to work twice as fast to finish up my own work if I was to help him. So basically my instinct or whatever u wanna call it as a socialist man is diverted because I'm not permitted to help out since the money incentive is not there...

ah thats fucked, makes alot of sense at the same time. I dont know what u could do, maybe talk to your co-worker about this?

[Summerspeaker]

How do you handle homeless people, beggars or just folks who are in dire need of some sort of help... a few coins? do you tell them "the revolution is coming.. organize!" ???

I always give a few bucks if I have any on me. Sometimes more if I have it and they ask. This isn't a great idea under my financial circumstances, but I have trouble not sharing. Luckily I don't carry much cash.


I want to help out my co-worker with some of his work but I know that by doing this the boss will get a free-be from me. Im not paid to organize the warehouse and to clean it.. but to punch numbers and deal with accounts.. However I feel bad and the need to help my coworker with his work... 2 will finish faster than 1. BUT i get paid by the hour and i will have to work twice as fast to finish up my own work if I was to help him.

That sounds like a potential issue to organize the workplace around.

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

Live communism, spread anarchy.
Further advice available in various entertaining books translated from French, or in CrimethInc.'s holy-shit-you've-come-a-long-way-since-that-Days-Of-War-crap "Expect Resistance".

More accessibly, see this thread (http://www.revleft.com/vb/anti-capitalist-lifestylei-t150999/index.html?t=150999). It's basically the same debate, but better, since I've posted in it a few times.

FORMS OF LIFE. WAAAAAH!

[Ele'ill]

I find it hard as I'm sure most of you do too. To live life with our ideals in a society that discourages cooperation, altruism and other things that make us all socialist men and women.

Yes.


I wish I could help and give to all. Inspire and awaken most but it's difficult and very very time consuming while I have my own bills and responsibilities to survive.. to swim and not sink in a capitalist world.
How do you handle homeless people, beggars or just folks who are in dire need of some sort of help... a few coins? do you tell them "the revolution is coming.. organize!" ???

I talked for five minutes with a homeless woman about spring time and east coast thunderstorms last week.


How do I treat a disgruntled and rude worker that gives me attitude while I'm shopping at his work place?

I'd personally identify with what they're going through and ignore it. There isn't a need to say anything more. Upon having a bad day myself I'd find it a bit odd to be given a speech or to have someone trying to find common political ground with me.


How do I speak to those factions of "progressives" who organize rallies and meeting to discuss democratic issues if they have all hopes still set on Obama?

Do you have to do this? Don't feel like you're shorting yourself by not.




I want to help out my co-worker with some of his work but I know that by doing this the boss will get a free-be from me. Im not paid to organize the warehouse and to clean it.. but to punch numbers and deal with accounts.. However I feel bad and the need to help my coworker with his work... 2 will finish faster than 1. BUT i get paid by the hour and i will have to work twice as fast to finish up my own work if I was to help him. So basically my instinct or whatever u wanna call it as a socialist man is diverted because I'm not permitted to help out since the money incentive is not there...

shame on me...:confused:

Maintain a good work ethic so that you know what works and what doesn't after your place of work is boss free. Experience. I of course don't know the details of the entire situation.

[black magick hustla]

do what you think is good but not only good for your fellow men but also what is good to yourself. love yourself you cant love anybody if you dont take care of yourself and your hide pal

[Os Cangaceiros]

Live communism, spread anarchy.
Further advice available in various entertaining books translated from French, or in CrimethInc.'s holy-shit-you've-come-a-long-way-since-that-Days-Of-War-crap "Expect Resistance".

More accessibly, see this thread (http://www.revleft.com/vb/anti-capitalist-lifestylei-t150999/index.html?t=150999). It's basically the same debate, but better, since I've posted in it a few times.

FORMS OF LIFE. WAAAAAH!

You need to report to this group immediately.

http://www.revleft.com/vb/group.php?groupid=687

[IndependentCitizen]

Unfortunately, capitalism is embedding into our lives since the day we are born. We have no choice but to buy certain products in order to survive. The best way to live life when not engaged in action is with family and friends. Such as sharing, teaching and etc with each other. Encouraging them to join in on demonstrations and build those links in order to advance the cause. Because a single person, and even a small group doesn't have too much of an effect on capitalism.

Grumpy workers tend to be grumpy of the situation their in: low-paid job; management disrespects them; and etc. I was thoroughly impressed with how the Solidarity Federation here in Britain helps raise awareness, and promotes solidarity. I'm not an Anarchist, but those guys were amazing - the amount of support they give workers in struggle, and help organise is astounding. Perhaps join one of the local groups.

I do voluntary work for St. Johns ambulance over here in the U.K and tend to work on the Homeless support unit when on duty. What homeless people need is a good chat, and a nice hot meal with a drink. Talk to them about trying to find a local squat, take a couple giant flasks out a few times a week, take some sandwiches and have a chat with them. Most of the ones I've spoken to have some awesome stories, and are right characters. It's upsetting knowing how they got there, but the best feeling in the world is when they say thank you for your help. It's just basic things that tend to make people happy. And support to survive, perhaps give them a book or two for them to read when they're out and about.

Anyway, I hope this somewhat answers your question.

If I'm honest, joining a party won't do jack-shit. It won't help people directly and in a micro perspective. Just find information about local squats, give as much as you possibly can (without putting your own health/financial situation way out on the line). Find literature and distribute to your colleagues and ask them what are their thoughts and etc.

Organisation isn't down to a party, it's down to the people - Yes, I am a member of a party, but my personal experience with helping people hasn't involved parties, nor should it.

EDIT: I don't know if the U.S has squatter rights, but here in the U.K they do. If you don't, then ignore this but for others or if you do: Write their squatter rights! Knowledge is power, if they don't know what to do and need help, advise them!

[The Garbage Disposal Unit]

IndependentCitizen, your post is mostly pretty good, but I have to take issue with two sentences:


We have no choice but to buy certain products in order to survive. The best way to live life when not engaged in action is with family and friends.

We don't have to buy certain products - there are many more satisfying ways of obtaining things. Finding those ways are crucial to our struggles.
Similarly, the best way to engage in action is with our family and friends!

S'all.

[IndependentCitizen]

IndependentCitizen, your post is mostly pretty good, but I have to take issue with two sentences:



We don't have to buy certain products - there are many more satisfying ways of obtaining things. Finding those ways are crucial to our struggles.
Similarly, the best way to engage in action is with our family and friends!

S'all.

Haha, thanks for this, comrade. I'm well aware, I didn't really know what to say. I suppose it depends on the situation in your local area. Brighton's being taken over by major supermarkets, so small shops are becoming rare, and often more expensive to compete against them in order to survive.