Why conceal your beliefs?

[DeBon]

Greetings comrades,

I've noticed a fair amount of people talk about being closet commies, not revealing their ideas, not being open about them with other people, I ask why? Are people really paranoid that the police are going to take them in for questioning? Just curios here.

[Ismail]

There are three possible reasons.

1. It causes unnecessary tensions within the family.
2. It causes unnecessary tensions within the workplace.
3. A person may live in a country where being an open communist significantly affects the safety of the person in some way.

[citizen of industry]

I conceal it in my workplace because people are brainwashed against Marxism and some people buy into the "trade unions are all communist" mentality. I am a union organizer, so I don't want people to know my political beliefs when I am talking to them about the union. But I don't really conceal it - if someone were to ask me I'd tell them. I just don't go around advertising it. And it's pretty clear from my facebook profile.

[Smyg]

I keep it hidden from my paternal grandparents, because I don't want them to hate me. :D They're the only ones.

[MustCrushCapitalism]

I don't conceal my beliefs. However, the fact that I've had a dead fish thrown at me for them speaks volumes by itself.

[Susurrus]

I don't conceal my beliefs. However, the fact that I've had a dead fish thrown at me for them speaks volumes by itself.

I want to hear this story...

[PC LOAD LETTER]

I don't go out blabbering I'M A COMMIE

But if someone asks me or it comes up in conversation I'll tell them. I usually say Libertarian Socialist ... and then I get a weird look and told that doesn't make sense.

I work at a restaurant serving up fried chicken in the south (I work up front and in the kitchen cooking, but I don't eat meat, weird huh) so a lot of the people that come in for beer and stuff tend to be southern 'publicans. Most of the time I have to be careful about what I say when partaking in small talk with the customers.

[Искра]

I'm not closed... I can't stop talking :laugh:

[Aleenik]

I think only my sister, mom, uncle, aunt and grandma know my beliefs in RL. I have Anarcho-Communism in my Facebook info, but who knows if anyone even checks that lol. My grandma probably doesn't fully understand what I told her though. She didn't even know what Capitalism was. Most of my family is Conservative and some have even went to Tea Party rallies. As a result, the majority of my family probably (Idk cuz Facebook) remains in the dark about my political beliefs. I found my sister actually holds some of the beliefs I do. On the interwebz, I usually openly talk about being an anarcho-communist.

[Nox]

I want to hear this story...

Same, Revleft is turning into fucking Eastenders.



But if someone asks me or it comes up in conversation I'll tell them. I usually say Libertarian Socialist ... and then I get a weird look and told that doesn't make sense.

I just say "I'd rather not say if you don't mind" whenever someone asks me about anything to do with politics, it just isn't worth the argument.


I have Anarcho-Communism in my Facebook info, but who knows if anyone even checks that lol.

Haha, same here (but M-L instead of A-C) but I bottled it after someone saw it and asked me about it lol.

[Vladimir Innit Lenin]

Aside from genuine security concerns, there is - imo - no excuse for a committed Socialist to conceal their beliefs fully. If they don't want to contribute to the movement then that's fine and their choice, but you can't have it both ways.

Luxemburg et al. didn't die in fucking vain.

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

I don't have beliefs to conceal.

[ВАЛТЕР]

My FB page says I am a Communist, but that is about as far as I go with it. When I speak with people on politics, it's pretty easy to quickly identify where I stand. I do not bring it up directly and say "I am a Communist!" but if the person has any knowledge at all they will quickly ask me, "Are you a Communist?" To which I say, "I suppose I am."

However, I do not talk politics with close-minded people who would start an argument about it, only with those I see as the kind of people I can infect with the idea.

All in all it isn't hard to see where I stand if you ask the right questions. However, you aren't going to see me walking around with a hammer and sickle drawn on my forehead, waving a red banner, and screaming the lyrics to Bandierra Rossa...

[NoOneIsIllegal]

I'm open about my beliefs to my friends, family, strangers, etc. I get asked very often (sometimes to the point of exhaustion and annoyance) about my tattoos (sabotage cat, red and black flag). It's a very open and easy way to talk to people about politics.
I think the people who ask the most frequently as gas-station cashiers. Just an observation.

The only place I conceal my beliefs to a point is my workplace, which I only tell very close people I can trust if they ask about my tattoos. Surprisingly I've never had a boss ask!

[Il Medico]

There are three possible reasons.

1. It causes unnecessary tensions within the family.
2. It causes unnecessary tensions within the workplace.
3. A person may live in a country where being an open communist significantly affects the safety of the person in some way.
This.

Personally I don't hide my politics, but I don't trumpet them either. Most political conversations I have go by without a single mention of me being a communist, I just present my argument and be done with it. It always is humorous when people try the "But that's communism!" argument on me though.:lol:

[Nox]

I think the people who ask the most frequently as gas-station cashiers. Just an observation.


Why are gas station cashiers so god damn nosey?

[thriller]

I'm open about my beliefs. I usually don't conceal my beliefs at work, but I'm lucky enough to live in a place where people are very open-minded to different political beliefs. I don't scream it in the job interview, but if asked, I share. My family is very accepting which I'm grateful for. I can understand if safety is an issue, though. I got in some trouble in Texas when I was there.

[Dzerzhinsky's Ghost]

I have this weird compulsion to avoid unnecessary annoyances.

I also don't publicly announce it because it's nobodies business aside from the comrades I may work with and just because it's post-Cold War doesn't mean they still don't take that shit seriously. I do not craft my entire identity around being a Marxist and strategically think it's better to play it cool.

[Tablo]

I just don't mention it to people. If they ask about my politics I just say I'm a socialist or lib socialist to save myself the shock. There is no reason to walk around in commie shirts singing the internationale and condemning capitalism.

[Triple A]

My grandparents were raised under a fascist dictorship the only thing they know on politics is that communism is evil, whats the point of going and say communism fuck yeah.

[thriller]

There is no reason to walk around in commie shirts singing the internationale and condemning capitalism.

Yes there is, because it is fun!

[The Stalinator]

I only deny/conceal it from people who would give me a lot of shit about it. Most people just go "oh how cute" and act like I'm gonna grow out of it in a few years. It's fucking annoying, but hell, at least I'm not getting yelled at.

[Iraultzaile Ezkerreko]

I don't keep it a secret, but it's not like I went up to everyone when I became a socialist and said, "Hey guys, I'm socialist!" My parents probably know, my grandparents don't. Which is good. Because I'm Cuban.

[OHumanista]

I am VERY open about it because my parents are commies and most of my family is at very least social-democratic.
So I feel no need to hide, but I understand why MANY would at least not mention it.

[Fopeos]

I've never told my parents I was a commie, but I have discussed my ideas about class-division. It's funny because they agree that the working class is exploited by the wealthy and has no voice in American politics. They agree that racism is pointless. They agree that we need a more democratic system with a better distribution of resources. If I labeled these ideas "socialist" they would go right back into cold-war hysteria mode and disagree with me. I'd rather they agree with the ideas.

[A Revolutionary Tool]

I don't hide my ideals, I just don't go around telling everybody that I'm a communist. When I'm talking politics or economics it becomes pretty obvious but I've only been asked a few times if I was a communist and my answer was yes.

[PC LOAD LETTER]

I only deny/conceal it from people who would give me a lot of shit about it. Most people just go "oh how cute" and act like I'm gonna grow out of it in a few years. It's fucking annoying, but hell, at least I'm not getting yelled at.
I get that same reaction sometimes.

My parents know and don't care. My dad agrees with me on a lot of issues, but he's been around it a long time; his brother was a communist. My mom doesn't really talk about politics. I was on the phone with my mom about a year ago and she asked if I was thinking about joining the Navy or Air Force. I told her, "Ma I'm a communist that'd be hell for me." She says "Well don't tell them that!!"

[Agent Ducky]

Why are gas station cashiers so god damn nosey?

With me it's ice-cream/frozen yogurt cashiers. They always ask me about my commie glasses (3D glasses sans the lenses completely covered in duct tape and then I drew the hammer/sickle on the tape-lenses... and wear it on my forehead.... yeah, I'm weird.)

[NewEast]

I went to the Philippines recently. Anarchists are okay, we can still express ourselves publicly there. But for Marxists it's a different story. With the NPA there, the soldiers of which are willing to shoot anyone for a US$50 fee, communism is a dirty word. You could get yourself thumped, or worse, shot, for professing to be red there. Anarchists are OK, Etniko Bandido infoshop in Buting has an anarchist flag painited on the front of it and they're considered an important part of the community.

[GatesofLenin]

I'm open about my Marxist views if asked. I've had some weird encounters at a nearby Starbucks I frequent. (Coffee is my drug, please don't hate me for visiting Satan Schultz). Anyways, I get into a discussion of how people need to face life and it's numerous bumps and stop running to religion as a scapegoat. The guy behind me slams his laptop cover and walks off to the other side of the store. Guess he didn't like my viewpoint. I also love to get into discussions with the employees, asking them about work conditions, length of breaks. etc...
Had a funny moment a few days ago, I was told price is going up on all Venti drip coffees and I asked the barista is this means she's getting a raise as well. Loved the giggle she gave me. :thumbup:

[Tomhet]

Why are gas station cashiers so god damn nosey?

Hey man, we aren't that nosy...

[NoOneIsIllegal]

Hey man, we aren't that nosy...
Yes, you are. Every goddamn gas station cashiers asks me what the hell my red and black flag is.
Hell, I was just asked yesterday again.

I'm open about my Marxist views if asked. I've had some weird encounters at a nearby Starbucks I frequent. (Coffee is my drug, please don't hate me for visiting Satan Schultz). Anyways, I get into a discussion of how people need to face life and it's numerous bumps and stop running to religion as a scapegoat. The guy behind me slams his laptop cover and walks off to the other side of the store. Guess he didn't like my viewpoint. I also love to get into discussions with the employees, asking them about work conditions, length of breaks. etc...
Had a funny moment a few days ago, I was told price is going up on all Venti drip coffees and I asked the barista is this means she's getting a raise as well. Loved the giggle she gave me. :thumbup:
SWU :thumbup:

[DeBon]

I went to the Philippines recently. Anarchists are okay, we can still express ourselves publicly there. But for Marxists it's a different story. With the NPA there, the soldiers of which are willing to shoot anyone for a US$50 fee, communism is a dirty word. You could get yourself thumped, or worse, shot, for professing to be red there. Anarchists are OK, Etniko Bandido infoshop in Buting has an anarchist flag painited on the front of it and they're considered an important part of the community.

Wow, that sounds terrible. I'm sorry to hear that. :( Places like that I would expect the Reds to be in great numbers, unless they're oppressed to the point it's just impossible to organize.

[matevz91]

My FB page says I am a Communist, but that is about as far as I go with it. When I speak with people on politics, it's pretty easy to quickly identify where I stand. I do not bring it up directly and say "I am a Communist!" but if the person has any knowledge at all they will quickly ask me, "Are you a Communist?" To which I say, "I suppose I am."

However, I do not talk politics with close-minded people who would start an argument about it, only with those I see as the kind of people I can infect with the idea.

All in all it isn't hard to see where I stand if you ask the right questions. However, you aren't going to see me walking around with a hammer and sickle drawn on my forehead, waving a red banner, and screaming the lyrics to Bandierra Rossa...

I did not declare myself as a communist on FB, but people can still see my wall updates, where I post random communist quotes or ideas, and so they can find out for themselves, who I am.

In other aspects my case is similar to yours, Valter. Some of my friends know my positions, I think that also my family does. Some say that I will grow out of it... perhaps they are right, but my communist side will (I hope) stay with me all my life, lurking in the background.

I know, when you stop thinking about those matters, you stop thinking about yourself as a communist, but times come when your communist side reveals itself again... and I like those times!

[GatesofLenin]

Yes, you are. Every goddamn gas station cashiers asks me what the hell my red and black flag is.
Hell, I was just asked yesterday again.

SWU :thumbup:
LOL, what does SWU stand for comrade?

[Magón]

I don't see any reasonable reason why it should be seen as such a big deal, but I have known people in the past, and still do, who whenever politics is brought up, expect me to go on some "Commie tirade" about "Communist this, and Communist that."

What they never seem to grasp, is I hate people who call themselves Communists, and that's all they seem to be able to talk about. It's like a fucking broken record, and I feel like punching them.

[NoOneIsIllegal]

LOL, what does SWU stand for comrade?
Starbucks Workers Union
http://www.starbucksunion.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starbucks_Workers_Union
It's an arm of the IWW, which is a grassroots, anti-capitalist union.

[GatesofLenin]

Starbucks Workers Union
http://www.starbucksunion.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starbucks_Workers_Union
It's an arm of the IWW, which is a grassroots, anti-capitalist union.
Awesome, thanks for the links. Pretty sure that giggling cute barista will fall in love with me mentioning the SWU! :tt1:

[Sentinel]

My parents, that were socialists, didn't usually discuss politics much when my grandparents were visiting. My mom and dad would hide the Lenin bust, the statue of Maxim Gorki and other assorted paraphenalia, books etc when they came. Sometimes I can understand that kind of thing, for tactical reasons -- my grandfather was a veteran of a war against Stalin and had deep set prejudices about socialism, and my grandmother had a petit bourgeois mindset and simply was reactionary as fuck -- so it made sense to pick your battles there.

Personally I wouldn't hide my political view for anyone for a longer period, that would simply be impossible as politics takes up so much of my thoughts and time. I think it's for political reasons crucially important to be open with ones views at work -- at least if you have a safe employment, ie are unionised and can't be fired in a whim -- and with ones friends.

But it all depends on the audience, I guess. In political debates its good to outnumber ones adversaries. If that isn't possible the second best option is to begin with presenting views, and starting topic on issues, that at least some of the more radical people can agree upon.

That can form a common ground, which gives you the opportunity to gradually educate these workers more. I am personally lucky to have another trotskyist at my workplace, so we usually dominate the discussions in the coffee room with our militant views and accurate, scientific analysis. :cool:

[Nox]

the Lenin bust, the statue of Maxim Gorki and other assorted paraphenalia

odear


another trotskyist at my workplace,

double odear

[Sentinel]

I'm not joking, the Lenin bust is on my TV right now, got it as a gift from my mother. :lol:

[thriller]

I'm not joking, the Lenin bust is on my TV right now, got it as a gift from my mother. :lol:

That's pretty kewl. My dads friend went London and got a charcoal imprint of Karl Marx's tombstone and gave it to him. I hope he gives it to me someday.

[00000000000]

I'm only nervous about offering my ideas / beliefs because I used to get a lot of ridicule for them. A lot of it was in school and college, and a little playful mockery from my Dad (if I ever brought up a subject that was linked to my politics, he'd say 'OK, Comrade, power to the people!')

[Sugarnotch]

I don't go around flaunting my ideals or anything. If I get asked, I'll tell them I'm a libertarian socialist. But shouting "YEAH COMMUNISM!!!" is kind of lame. I've already given three speeches in school related to politics, and my teacher just barely asked me if I was a Republican or Democrat. In political discourse, I try and keep the Marxist rhetoric at a minimum, unless I'm describing what socialism is to them.

[Fawkes]

To anyone that hides their beliefs for reasons beyond personal safety, how the hell do you expect there to ever be a revolution if you just stay in the dark rather than engaging people? The hundreds of thousands of people that have been killed for being socialists died for a fucking reason, keeping your beliefs to yourself is defeatist and an insult to all of us that actively work for revolution. Yeah, be tactical, but don't hide anything. It's nothing to be ashamed of and shying away from it only further marginalizes us.