Should I be openly Communist?

[RedMarxist]

Right now I am in High School. At this point in my life, I have been asked by plenty of people if I am a Communist, thanks to my radical reading material. Despite my big talk on this forum in month old posts about being open, I found myself lying and saying that I am not a Communist.

Would it be wrong to say that I am a Communist? Would it in any way ruin my reputation around high school campus?

I feel weak. I want to admit the truth(now more then ever to the many people I lied to). It's like I feel guilty for not being truthful and admitting who I really am.

I fear that if I don't lie, then nasty rumors will be spread about me and it could get ugly.

Comrades, what should I do?

[Kamos]

I'm open about being a communist, though only in a passive way. If someone asks me directly, I tell them the truth. It might ruin your reputation, or it might just give you an unique reputation. If you think that you might get harassed for your beliefs, hide them. Otherwise, why not say what you are?

[RedMarxist]

Why not? Because I could be the laughing stock of the school.

I mean, a frigging "popular" girl asked me if I was a Communist. You know, the really outgoing, cheerleader type girl. So I lied. If I said yes, she alone could ruin my reputation by telling her many friends that I am a Communist.

[pax et aequalitas]

Meh, it doesn't really matter. With me, people know I'm an anarcho-commie most of the time. Well, most know I'm a commie, the anarchist bit doesn't seem to get into their brainwashed minds all the time since they believe communism=dictatorship and so for them anarchist+communist does not compute.

Never caused any trouble, right-wingers here aren't aggressive folks who would bash you on the streets and most people in general just think I'm weird, but they do not despise me for it or anything. Well maybe some do, but they are the rich-kiddies who are not much of a threat.

It has however, mostly worked quite positive, having a fiercely political reputation. People become curious about you and every now and then, somebody asks about it and often this allows me to open their minds.

[Void]

Behave smart but do not lie, be open when needed and be closed when not. Share your ideas only with those who have the capacity to understand them. Or share your ideas in a smart way that you do not speak with them directly ideologically but tell them indirectly how communism was misunderstood and capitalism is failing, give examples to support your opinions, I am a bad speech giver also, have always hard time expressing myself. It s a matter of training. Called agitation. I can't do it yet in a smart and fluent way.

In order to be a good agitator you need lots of knowledge and also experience of speech.

When you feel a danger: Do not tell that you are not a communist directly but change the topic or say something smart in that moment.

[RedMarxist]

Well maybe some do, but they are the rich-kiddies who are not much of a threat.

Pretty much anyone who is rich is A)naturally against Communism and B)is, like everyone else, programmed to hate Communism.

I've never understood why Americans HATE Communism so much.

We never had a revolution, Communists historically fought and are fighting for basic worker/human rights, we are rather progressive, a shit load of people wallow in misery due to economic collapse, and yet...

Communism is still evil to them.

[ВАЛТЕР]

When I went to school people knew I was a communist since if they asked I told them the truth, however they also knew I knew enough on the subject to keep their stupid arguments to themselves if they didn't want them to get dismantled in a simple fashion.

Nobody hated me or laughed at me for it, in fact I was generally well liked and known as a sort of a funny guy in High School and had no problems getting along with everyone. Except for a single self proclaimed "neo-nazi". The FIRST day of school he was in my art class and said he hated Jews, I stood up and said "I was a Jew" (I'm not, but he didn't know me yet) and asked him if he hated me. He shut up instantly I spent the rest of that semester knocking his shit over and fucking up his drawings "accidentally" :laugh:

good times, good times.

[OHumanista]

I think saying you're not when they directly ask you can and will harm your reputation even more in the long run. In some places it is best not to say a thing but when asked I would answer sincerely.
Still school sucks:D I understand your hesitation, I just kept quiet most of the time on these issues but everyone knew I was outside the "normal" mindset and isolated me.

EDIT: Also the US is rabidly anti-communist because of propaganda specially during the "Cold War".

[ZeroNowhere]

I'm not so concerned about your reputation as ours in this case.

[Smyg]

Who gives a damn about reputation? It's high school. It'll be over in a relatively short while. You can survive political persectution that long. I sure as hell survived high school, with worse problems.

[RedMarxist]

When I went to school people knew I was a communist since if they asked I told them the truth, however they also knew I knew enough on the subject to keep their stupid arguments to themselves if they didn't want them to get dismantled in a simple fashion.

Nobody hated me or laughed at me for it, in fact I was generally well liked and known as a sort of a funny guy in High School and had no problems getting along with everyone. Except for a single self proclaimed "neo-nazi". The FIRST day of school he was in my art class and said he hated Jews, I stood up and said "I was a Jew" (I'm not, but he didn't know me yet) and asked him if he hated me. He shut up instantly I spent the rest of that semester knocking his shit over and fucking up his drawings "accidentally" :laugh:

good times, good times.

Just like people who upon playing Red Alert 3 or World In Conflict, I despise people who upon playing Darkest Hour, Call of Duty 5 etc. etc. instantly decide to be Neo-Nazis(either that or they are just hate filled Sons of a *****es.)

[Leftsolidarity]

Be open about it. I am very open about it and it has only been good. It has let others who are "closet communists/leftists" have someone who they know they can come too. It has gotten me a lot of respect with teachers because I can defend and debate it without becoming an apologist. It has made those pretty cheerleader types come up to a kid they are usually terrified of and start a conversation with me about it. It has let me bring many many many more kids from one of the most conservative counties in the USA away from reactionary politics and more sympathetic to left-wing ideals.

Seriously, do it. This "reputation" that you have won't mean anything past high school anyways. A reputation as a smart, convincing, communist can follow and help you past high school though. If you want any help with it PM me.

[ВАЛТЕР]

I would like to add, not to flaunt it like an asshole though. I never did that. If you are confronted just say so...no sense in lying.

[pax et aequalitas]

Pretty much anyone who is rich is A)naturally against Communism and B)is, like everyone else, programmed to hate Communism.

I've never understood why Americans HATE Communism so much.

We never had a revolution, Communists historically fought and are fighting for basic worker/human rights, we are rather progressive, a shit load of people wallow in misery due to economic collapse, and yet...

Communism is still evil to them.

Actually no, not all rich are against it, at least not the youth, since their wealth was not their choice. I myself am from better of family and I know several other leftists who got rich parents. Admitted some of them were 'converted' by me myself.

And yeah, if you are able to voice your ideas properly, that changes stuff also a bit. Always when classmates notice someone started arguing with me over politics they usually react somewhat along the lines of "oh no not again, dude stop you can't win a debate from him" :laugh:

[RedMarxist]

EDIT: Also the US is rabidly anti-communist because of propaganda specially during the "Cold War".

Dude, the Cold War ending more then 20 years ago. Propaganda Campaign = over.

What bugs me is when Michele Bachman freaks out over reformist "Socialism." Or when people are willing to let people die who cannot afford expensive health care.

[Void]

wccIqjrGGMk

When once communism established our grandgrandsons are going to enjoy a lot these videos and make fun of them... I wish I could see those days

[Catmatic Leftist]

I wish:

1. I came across socialism earlier

and

2. I openly spoke up about it once I did.

Be open about it, within reason, of course.

[RedMarxist]

I myself am from better of family and I know several other leftists who got rich parents.
:laugh:

I too come from a better off family. I get so much shit from my parents. ever get called an "idealist" just because you were young?

Apparently being young and "having no life experience" means I am idealist, despite the fact that I know what I am talking about, know my history of Communism of the 20th and 19th centuries, and have decided out of much decision and thought that I am a Marxist-Leninist...

I still get called an idealist.

[Smyg]

You think getting called an idealist is "so much shit from your parents"? Oh boy.

[NewLeft]

Talking about politics is 'social suicide' here to begin with. :laugh:

Honestly, I doubt anyone would care.. It's high school.

[WeAreReborn]

Most people won't care or hate you. I was openly an Anarchist during my senior year since we had a government class in which we debated a lot. I am naturally good at debating so I got quite a few people to sympathize with quite a few points. (As a sidenote I got one guy to drop out of the ROTC program and become an Anarchist :thumbup1:) They really won't hate or dislike you if you only bring up Communism when relevant and you handle yourself in an intelligent way. Ie avoid talking about purges or bringing up Communism in every conversation.

[RedMarxist]

You think getting called an idealist is "so much shit from your parents"? Oh boy.

care to elaborate on that.

[OHumanista]

Dude, the Cold War ending more then 20 years ago. Propaganda Campaign = over.

What bugs me is when Michele Bachman freaks out over reformist "Socialism." Or when people are willing to let people die who cannot afford expensive health care.

Definitely not over man. Where do you think the ideas of rabid anger against health care and government intervention come from? US media is absolutely terrible.
It has been some deeply immersed into the mindset of mainstream culture that even very light Reformism is seem as some evil ungodly unamerican monster.

[Per Levy]

depends on, there is no need to make your life miserable just because you tell everyone that you're a commie. espicially if you know that it wont go well with the enviroment you live in.

[Ism]

Rather than saying you are a Communist, say that "you have some very... controversial views on most things" and "that you probably wouldn't understand if I told you guys anyway". It saves time from discussing with brainwashed cappies and makes you an interesting person with the ever-present risk of sounding a bit weird - but hey, being unique and "special" is something everybody in high school hopes to be, am I right?

Like Kamos said, you could get a unique reputation, whichever you want. You'll possibly conclude the same as me, namely that people can be friends despite of their political disagreements. Most of my friends are libertarian in the capitalist way of perceiving the word, but we'll just refrain from discussing politics. My closest friends do not happen to be that much into politics because they think it is somewhat boring, and they'll respect my opinions even though they disagree because they cannot debunk my arguments. They'll just smile and shake their heads going "well, I still think it's a bad idea, but I see your point" or something like that.

Even though people disagree with you, it is still very probably to act friendly and to make people act friendly and respect you like they would respect any other person. That's at least my personal experience, I wish I could refer to something else, but that's all I got. :)

Long story short: Only say directly that you're a Communist if a person asks you the question "then you're a Communist, right?". In any other situation, do not be afraid to express your views on a certain subject, but refrain from labelling yourself.

[NewLeft]

Most people won't care or hate you. I was openly an Anarchist during my senior year since we had a government class in which we debated a lot. I am naturally good at debating so I got quite a few people to sympathize with quite a few points. (As a sidenote I got one guy to drop out of the ROTC program and become an Anarchist :thumbup1:) They really won't hate or dislike you if you only bring up Communism when relevant and you handle yourself in an intelligent way. Ie avoid talking about purges or bringing up Communism in every conversation.

This is true.. Bringing up politics all the time will only repel people from you.

[Smyg]

care to elaborate on that.

I would personally say that many of us have face far, far worse than being called an idealist due to our age.

[OHumanista]

I would personally say that many of us have face far, far worse than being called an idealist due to our age.

True, and regarding school it can definitely kill your social life.(if you care for that)

[Total]

Dude, the Cold War ending more then 20 years ago. Propaganda Campaign = over.


The USA still bashes communist states. I wouldn't say the propaganda campaign is over, maybe less obvious.

And even if it did end, the ideas put into peoples minds don't just go away if you end a campaign, the sentiments will still lurk...

About the question of being open about your thoughts or not, don't expect to get the answer here. I mean it's good to ask other opinions but you should make your mind up about it yourself.
Group pressure can be a *****, denying ones treu self can be just as damaging.

[pax et aequalitas]

True, and regarding school it can definitely kill your social life.(if you care for that)

Well, unless there is a reasonable amount of 'alternative' kids, like here. There would be a group composed of the majority of them+people who do not care how someone dresses or stuff like that. There is usually a more open and at least with punks also an anti-fascist attitude.

[teflon_john]

pretty sure nobody is going to give a shit at all either way. that includes the government and the school administration.

also if people make fun of you for it, they were going to make fun of you anyway. now they would just have a new reason to do so.

[GatesofLenin]

I openly read "controversial" books in public and welcome questions. Living in Canada is fun because you can always bring up the socialized healthcare line and people open up. I especially like to point out that there's no line asking for your annual income on the patient sheet when you go visit a doctor.

As far as being in high school goes, who cares if anyone dislikes you. That's life. You'll always have haters no matter what you do.

[Sentinel]

We must strive to be open with our beliefs, but be sure that you know the usual arguments and counter-arguments first. This is crucial. Also, one option is always to use the word socialist with new people to get a more 'soft impact' as someone has probably already said in this thread (didn't read all of the replies).

But yeah, education is really important. Discuss here and read your preferred tendency's material -- not just the heavy books but pamflets etc published by different orgs can also be very helpful. I'm sure any of the organised people here would be willing to help you with such.

The optimal solution would of course be to join an organisation yourself, there is really no way to aptly describe how much that develops you as a leftist and how much support you get. But if no org is available or you don't feel ready to take that step for whatever reason then do as I adviced.

[RedMarxist]

On a side note, would forming a popular assembly be a good idea for a high school? I was just wondering as a few people have openly encouraged me to do it. I could bring up Socialistic ideas that way.

I have a petition sheet ready to sign for tomorrow.


Living in Canada is fun because you can always bring up the socialized healthcare Is i true that people have to wait hours, if not months, for their medicine/simple checkups in Canada? My right-wing parents told me that. They heard it on The View or something.


how someone dresses or stuff like thatOn a minor note what do you think about "slutty" clothes that girls at my school constantly on a daily basis seem to get away with wearing.

They look like frigging prostitutes!

It pisses me off that those girl's parents allow them to wear fishnets, short skirts, and cleavage revealing shirts.

EDIT: Not to sound racist, but why do I notice this most in the African American and Latino communities? It really is disgusting.


EDIT2:Jesus, wtf am I typing!

[Kamos]

On a minor note what do you think about "slutty" clothes that girls at my school constantly on a daily basis seem to get away with wearing.

They look like frigging prostitutes!

It pisses me off that those girl's parents allow them to wear fishnets, short skirts, and cleavage revealing shirts.

EDIT: Not to sound racist, but why do I notice this most in the African American and Latino communities? It really is disgusting.

I shouldn't' say this either(and it is probably a coincidence), but I've seen girls lick their fucking lips at people in seductive ways. WTF kind of society do we live in!

What the fuck am I reading...?

[pax et aequalitas]

On a side note, would forming a popular assembly be a good idea for a high school? I was just wondering as a few people have openly encouraged me to do it. I could bring up Socialistic ideas that way.

I have a petition sheet ready to sign for tomorrow.

Is i true that people have to wait hours, if not months, for their medicine/simple checkups in Canada? My right-wing parents told me that. They heard it on The View or something.



On a minor note what do you think about "slutty" clothes that girls at my school constantly on a daily basis seem to get away with wearing.

They look like frigging prostitutes!

It pisses me off that those girl's parents allow them to wear fishnets, short skirts, and cleavage revealing shirts.

Why shouldn't they be allowed to dress they way they wish. What I dislike more are when all 'popular' people seem to dress in exactly the same way, which usually consists of clothes that are very expensive purely because they are popular, not because they are actually special or anything.

Also I got this thing for Gothic-girls, so I am a bit biased in regards to fishnets etc. I find them pleasing to the eye often.

[NewLeft]

On a side note, would forming a popular assembly be a good idea for a high school? I was just wondering as a few people have openly encouraged me to do it. I could bring up Socialistic ideas that way.

I have a petition sheet ready to sign for tomorrow.

Is i true that people have to wait hours, if not months, for their medicine/simple checkups in Canada? My right-wing parents told me that. They heard it on The View or something.

I live in a urban area and the most I've ever waited was 20 minutes to see a family doctor. Waiting lists are about 1 week to 1 month depending on severity.


On a minor note what do you think about "slutty" clothes that girls at my school constantly on a daily basis seem to get away with wearing.

They look like frigging prostitutes!

It pisses me off that those girl's parents allow them to wear fishnets, short skirts, and cleavage revealing shirts.

EDIT: Not to sound racist, but why do I notice this most in the African American and Latino communities? It really is disgusting.

I shouldn't' say this either(and it is probably a coincidence), but I've seen girls lick their fucking lips at people in seductive ways. WTF kind of society do we live in!

Sluts will be sluts.. Just enjoy the show..

[RedMarxist]

What the fuck am I reading...?

you are reading me. It's all RedMarxist, man!


Sluts will be sluts.. Just enjoy the show... Wow, how feminist of you...

So its good that they are "sluts." what is your problem?

I for one have noticed, quite disturbingly, a high portion of African Americans and Latinos "being slutty." It's sick.

It is sick that so many girls are willing to not only dress like prostitutes, but act like 'em too(which is what I meant above...ignore that.).

The poorer it seems, the "sluttier."

The richer it seems, the "classier."

[ZeroNowhere]

I shouldn't' say this either(and it is probably a coincidence), but I've seen girls lick their fucking lips at people in seductive ways. WTF kind of society do we live in!
High school

[teflon_john]

On a minor note what do you think about "slutty" clothes that girls at my school constantly on a daily basis seem to get away with wearing.

They look like frigging prostitutes!

It pisses me off that those girl's parents allow them to wear fishnets, short skirts, and cleavage revealing shirts.

EDIT: Not to sound racist, but why do I notice this most in the African American and Latino communities? It really is disgusting.




Sluts will be sluts..




okay yeah fuck both of you idiots.

[hatzel]

I'm so confused and what's happening in this thread now...

[RedMarxist]

this is getting off topic. I was thinking about forming a popular assembly in order to raise awareness of alternative viewpoints on democracy and such. I don't wanna be to open about Communism, but would like to be at the least Socialistic.

[RedMarxist]

High school

ya, pretty much. :)

which is why I'm making a separate thread regarding feminism and school

[NewLeft]

okay yeah fuck both of you idiots.

Let's all join the slutwalk. :rolleyes:

[teflon_john]

this is getting off topic. I was thinking about forming a popular assembly in order to raise awareness of alternative viewpoints on democracy and such. I don't wanna be to open about Communism, but would like to be at the least Socialistic.



considering your views on minorities and women, please don't.

[ZeroNowhere]

Let's all join the slutwalk. :rolleyes:
Let's not dig this hole.

[RedMarxist]

considering your views on minorities and women, please don't.

I'm not a racist. Some of my best friends and even my girlfriend are minorities.

Now, should I be A)open about Communism and B) form a general assembly?

[ColonelCossack]

Lol everyone in my year knows I'm a communist and they're all like, :rolleyes:

[tfb]

As far as I can tell, the only problems with healthcare in Canada are:

-the ones manufactured by Conservatives (e.g. closing hospitals), who later use the problems they've created as evidence that we should switch to American-style healthcare.
-the lack of vision + dental care. I see lots of poor people who are missing teeth.

[Commissar Rykov]

I'm not a racist. Some of my best friends and even my girlfriend are minorities.

Now, should I be A)open about Communism and B) form a general assembly?
I heard this Friday from a Teabagger I don't think it says much about the person if they have to trot out their non-white friends to prove how diverse they are.

As to the idea of being openly Communist/Socialist/Anarchist/whatever label you apply I am and in one of the most reactionary parts of the United States. It is dangerous though as I found amusingly this Friday when Teabaggers were upset that I was allowed to voice my opinions at a City Council Meeting along with other Occupy members. Other than the condescension and the praising of Jesus and "Righteous Greed" no seriously they said that there wasn't much dialogue. I was called a Nazi twice and someone claimed I was a plant working for the National Socialist Movement ignoring the fact that they aren't socialists but the fuck ever. If you are going to do it be prepared to defend your views and to be accosted or harrassed at every corner by people who are stuck in a Cold War Mentality. About the only support I got was from other Occupiers and a local reporter who felt the Tea Party are a dangerous element.

[Sentinel]

So, 'RedMarxist', that's 2 infractions to you for prejudiced language, one for racism and one for sexism. :mad:

And please don't call yourself a socialist or communist in public before you have sorted out these issues.

[ZeroNowhere]

I'm not a racist. Some of my best friends and even my girlfriend are minorities.
You do realize that, "I'm not a racist, some of my best friends are black," is a commonly used joke?

[RedMarxist]

I heard this Friday from a Teabagger I don't think it says much about the person if they have to trot out their non-white friends to prove how diverse they are.

As to the idea of being openly Communist/Socialist/Anarchist/whatever label you apply I am and in one of the most reactionary parts of the United States. It is dangerous though as I found amusingly this Friday when Teabaggers were upset that I was allowed to voice my opinions at a City Council Meeting along with other Occupy members. Other than the condescension and the praising of Jesus and "Righteous Greed" no seriously they said that there wasn't much dialogue. I was called a Nazi twice and someone claimed I was a plant working for the National Socialist Movement ignoring the fact that they aren't socialists but the fuck ever. If you are going to do it be prepared to defend your views and to be accosted or harrassed at every corner by people who are stuck in a Cold War Mentality. About the only support I got was from other Occupiers and a local reporter who felt the Tea Party are a dangerous element.


I'M SORRY, OK? Please, I'm in high school and...just give me a break.

I never meant to offend anyone...I wasn't thinking. i'm really sorry, OK?

I deserve those infractions, if only out of my own stupidity.

I'm serious though. Some of my best friends are minorities. They are funny, smart, and I love hanging around them. I never meant to "sound diverse."

[Commissar Rykov]

I'M SORRY, OK? Please, I'm in high school and...just give me a break.

I never meant to offend anyone...I wasn't thinking. i'm really sorry, OK?

I deserve those infractions, if only out of my own stupidity.

I'm serious though. Some of my best friends are minorities. They are funny, smart, and I love hanging around them. I never meant to "sound diverse."
When did high school become an excuse for being a sexist bigot? When I was in High School I cracked neo-nazi skulls and didn't put up with that shit. I seriously fail to see how that is a proper excuse for anything in fact it is a rather sad attempt at trying to wash away the blame for your views.

[Leftsolidarity]

What the hell happened to this thread? I signed off just for like 30 fucking minutes to do dishes and I come back to this shit.

[RedMarxist]

When did high school become an excuse for being a sexist bigot? When I was in High School I cracked neo-nazi skulls and didn't put up with that shit. I seriously fail to see how that is a proper excuse for anything in fact it is a rather sad attempt at trying to wash away the blame for your views.

They are not my real views. I was being clueless! Please don't hold a grudge against me.

What do I have to do to get people to believe me?

I really DO have minority friends. I really DO agree that people should wear what they want, when they want. I really AM well respected by my peers for being known as a kind, compassionate, and anti-racist, anti-sexist kind of guy. I really DO hate racist/sexist scumbags.

[Catmatic Leftist]

I honestly think he's genuinely clueless. I think people need to give him a break. And this is coming from someone who would be the first to go tell someone off for being a bigoted asshole.

[RedMarxist]

I honestly think he's genuinely clueless. I think people need to give him a break. And this is coming from someone who would be the first to go tell someone off for being a bigoted asshole.

Exactly. I make one post with the s-word on and instantly people go insane on me.

[ZeroNowhere]

When I was in High School I cracked neo-nazi skulls and didn't put up with that shit.
I think that if you did so, that's a bit more disturbing than having somewhat silly views in high school.


What the hell happened to this thread? I signed off just for like 30 fucking minutes to do dishes and I come back to this shit.I don't think it's got much worse since the OP.


Exactly. I make one post with the s-word on and instantly people go insane on me.Personally, I don't attack or make fun of people for using the word 'slut'. Such choices of diction don't really concern me.

[RedMarxist]

EDIT: Everything I say just digs the hole deeper, right?


Who know the far left was big on equality?

[Leftsolidarity]

I think people need to lay off RedMarxist. I think it's pretty obvious that he is not a racist nor a sexist. He probably just hasn't been "educated" in that respect. I can honestly say that I would have made the same kind of remarks until I read a lot of discussions about it here.

[ZeroNowhere]

I don't think it's normal for a teenager to object girls wearing short skirts and cleavage-revealing shirts to school...:D
I do find the whole high school sex game pretty ludicrous, although I suppose that asexuals aren't necessarily normal.

[Nicolai]

Just don't criticize people for what they're wearing. Some might be revealing, but then again we as men reveal our whole chest without getting looked weird or being called slut for it. The point is that what clothes you're allowed to wear is a social construct pretty much, and the capitalist society thrives from it, both economically (make-up, implants, this and that saying you're not beautiful) and socially (you get mocked if you wear feminine clothes as a boy, you get mocked if you wear revealing clothes as a female so on.) This is especially stronger on the female part, even thought they can wear more clothes then us, speaking in social-acceptance.

And yes, there's some few girls (or boys) who wear revealing clothes out of sexual desires, but then again; sex is natural.

[o well this is ok I guess]

That depends on where you live
And then on how well you throw a punch

[Misanthrope]

Why not? Because I could be the laughing stock of the school.

I mean, a frigging "popular" girl asked me if I was a Communist. You know, the really outgoing, cheerleader type girl. So I lied. If I said yes, she alone could ruin my reputation by telling her many friends that I am a Communist.

I avoid political talk with the ladies as well.

[GatesofLenin]

On a side note, would forming a popular assembly be a good idea for a high school? I was just wondering as a few people have openly encouraged me to do it. I could bring up Socialistic ideas that way.

I have a petition sheet ready to sign for tomorrow.

Is it true that people have to wait hours, if not months, for their medicine/simple checkups in Canada? My right-wing parents told me that. They heard it on The View or something.


I have no problems making an appointment with my family doctor for an appointment in a few days. There's also no waiting for medicine, fact is, more americans come to Canada to buy their medicine because it's cheaper here for the same quality meds. Now things like hip replacement, etc... there's a wait list just like in the US, except in Canada, we accept all people on the list because the operation is free, the hospital stay is free.

[Geiseric]

I'd just explain it in a non ML way. Just say that the workers own production and society is fully democratic.... And if you get shit, just troll other men with strawmen agruements with things like "this guy hates democracy, he's a fascist!" however depending on which clique or whatever people belong to, as well as their financial status, i'd double think about talking politics with most people. I learned a while ago that most upper middle class people are fucking stupid. However since high school is over for me in 3/4ths of a year i'm being more arguementave with people, I'm also supposed to get contact info for the group i'm in.

[rundontwalk]

I wasn't a communist in high school, but I am one in college now, and I think everyone knows what I am. The last speech I gave in speech class was over Allende's last one so I think they got the message. :p

[GatesofLenin]

As far as I can tell, the only problems with healthcare in Canada are:

-the ones manufactured by Conservatives (e.g. closing hospitals), who later use the problems they've created as evidence that we should switch to American-style healthcare.
-the lack of vision + dental care. I see lots of poor people who are missing teeth.

Vision and dental care should be added to the Health Act.

[Dzerzhinsky's Ghost]

I'm not a racist. Some of my best friends and even my girlfriend are minorities.

Maybe they can form the Minoriteam in your student council or general assembly or whatever. As far for being "openly Communist," I think it's rather silly and I don't understand why comrades feel this is a legitimate issue that needs to be discussed in the learning forum no less.

[Commissar Rykov]

Maybe they can form the Minoriteam in your student council or general assembly or whatever. As far for being "openly Communist," I think it's rather silly and I don't understand why comrades feel this is a legitimate issue that needs to be discussed in the learning forum no less.
I am confused by this what exactly is the problem? I see no problem admitting to being a communist/socialist nor is it something one should have to hide at this point due to the lack of repression. I'm not saying go around telling everyone you meet but if it comes up I see no reason to discuss it and I have had some rather good political conversations with people about my ideals.

[Nicolai]

I avoid political talk with the ladies as well.

I wouldn't. If you want a girl that find you interesting as much as you do to her then honesty is the key if you ask me. Just be mild on your believes, and don't go aggressive on it. If she however shares your views, then go forth and debate all the fuck you want <3

[Sam Varriano]

Ironically, when I came out as a communist, I lost more liberal friends than conservative friends, but oh well. Quality >>> Quantity

[Franz Fanonipants]

how is this even an issue?

[The Jay]

how is this even an issue?

It's like coming out as an atheist in that it's outside the normal and against the popular propaganda/history. Such an admission, given the area, could isolate you from almost everyone or invite persecution.

[pax et aequalitas]

It's like coming out as an atheist in that it's outside the normal and against the popular propaganda/history. Such an admission, given the area, could isolate you from almost everyone or invite persecution.

You know for me this seems like an extremely odd example, because here even though I'm on Christian school technically the majority of the students is atheist or agnostic :p

[Franz Fanonipants]

It's like coming out as an atheist in that it's outside the normal and against the popular propaganda/history. Such an admission, given the area, could isolate you from almost everyone or invite persecution.

No it isn't. In the modern Western world, most people don't even have an investment in anti-Communism equivalent to their religious convictions.

This is a bunch of teenage hysteria and ridiculous.

Be an out communist, be loud, and who cares.

E: You would catch more hell being an open Islamist in the West than you would being a Red.

[Nox]

I keep it a secret and probably will do until I go to University.

[hatzel]

I wonder if phrases like "persecutory delusions" fell into anybody else's head at any point in this thread...'coming out' as a communist, 'coming out' as an atheist, to your school buddies of all people, and then some cheerleader's supposedly going to ruin your life by telling your friends? Oh, no, I mean she will "isolate you from almost everyone or invite persecution" (direct quote)? Seriously?

Maaaaan am I happy I never really got into all this shitty cliquey popularity contest stuff when I was at school...

[Franz Fanonipants]

I keep it a secret and probably will do until I go to University.

This is stupid.

Being an approachable, real, Leftist is important. Acting like you're the member of a secret comintern conspiracy doesn't help anyone.

[Franz Fanonipants]

I wonder if phrases like "persecutory delusions" fell into anybody else's head at any point in this thread...'coming out' as a communist, 'coming out' as an atheist, to your school buddies of all people, and then some cheerleader's supposedly going to ruin your life by telling your friends? Oh, no, I mean she will "isolate you from almost everyone or invite persecution" (direct quote)? Seriously?

Maaaaan am I happy I never really got into all this shitty cliquey popularity contest stuff when I was at school...

man i don't even like you and i agree

[The Jay]

Where you live must be different Sombra. Around where I live (and a lot at college) are pretty anti-red. When I became an atheist I was and still am very particular about who I invite that info to. I don't lie if asked though. If I had told my roommate that I was flirting with communism last year it wouldn't have went well.

[Franz Fanonipants]

How would it "not go well"?

Would you be beaten? Lynched? Broadly ignored?

And if you are broadly ignored, who fucking cares?

E: lol i just noticed you've proudly posted your political compass bro, well played.

[The Jay]

How would it "not go well"?

Would you be beaten? Lynched? Broadly ignored?

And if you are broadly ignored, who fucking cares?

E: lol i just noticed you've proudly posted your political compass bro, well played.

It would have probably began an argument and a lot of awkward moments, but it wouldn't have been too bad since I can handle myself in an exchange. (He's a conservative security/risk analysis major and summertime cop). If it happened now I wouldn't hide it from anyone.

[Franz Fanonipants]

it would have probably began an argument and a lot of awkward moments, but it wouldn't have been too bad since i can handle myself in an exchange. (he's a conservative security/risk analysis major and summertime cop). If it happened now i wouldn't hide it from anyone.

v. high stakes

No, but seriously guys this is ridiculous. You aren't going to be persecuted.

[RedMarxist]

You know for me this seems like an extremely odd example, because here even though I'm on Christian school technically the majority of the students is atheist or agnostic :p

Christian Schools-you mean the type of school that teaches Creationism as a scientific theory?

Anyways, most of them are atheists most likely cause they don't really believe in God, yet their parents force them to attend the school anyway.

moving on.

I know it's ridiculous. But I don't want to tell a cheerleader that I'm a Communist! I mean deep down in my head I know that the worst she can do is tell her friends about me-not like anyone else will find out though.

You know what I'm gonna do tomorrow- First, I'll walk in and read some Lenin. Then, I be all like: "ya, I lied. I'm really a Communist. A Marxist-Leninist specifically."

[Dzerzhinsky's Ghost]

I am confused by this what exactly is the problem? I see no problem admitting to being a communist/socialist nor is it something one should have to hide at this point due to the lack of repression. I'm not saying go around telling everyone you meet but if it comes up I see no reason to discuss it and I have had some rather good political conversations with people about my ideals.

There is no real problem, I just think the issue is silly.

If you want to publically state or state to others you're Communist, fine, if not, fine, I don't see why this is an issue that merits making all these threads here about whether or not one should "come out of the red closet," so to speak. Tailor your moves to your own situation and position and be smart about it, that's it, period.

[ZeroNowhere]

You know what I'm gonna do tomorrow- First, I'll walk in and read some Lenin. Then, I be all like: "ya, I lied. I'm really a Communist. A Marxist-Leninist specifically."
I'm not sure that they care that much. I'm not certain why you have to go from the extreme of covering it up to the other of announcing it as if it's important.

[Commissar Rykov]

There is no real problem, I just think the issue is silly.

If you want to publically state or state to others you're Communist, fine, if not, fine, I don't see why this is an issue that merits making all these threads here about whether or not one should "come out of the red closet," so to speak. Tailor your moves to your own situation and position and be smart about it, that's it, period.
Oh ok I get what you are saying it was late at night and I was confused by your post.:bored:

[RedMarxist]

How would I casually tell people that I have Socialistic viewpoints, without having to admit that I'm Communist?

[Nicolai]

Just tell them you have leftist tendencies, if they're more interested tell them about your views, and even more then just tell them that you're an socialist, and if they then are more interested, tell them that socialism => communism and yada yada <.<

I'd say that screw the fear of losing popularity just cause of one girl. This girl might have a big mouth, but are you sure saying you''re a socialist (or communist, although riskier since it's a negative loaded word ;_ ;) will jeopardize everything for you?

[Ism]

If you are able to befriend people even though their political views may differ (dramatically) from yours, it usually goes the other way around as well. I accept that my friends mainly are liberals and conservatives, and they accept that I'm a communist. While I wish they were communists as well, I see no problem in not mixing friendships and politics. Just stay away from discussing politics and leave those discussions to RevLeft, political meetings, the party you may or may not be a member of, your parents etc.

---

And I know this is a bit off-topic, but I'd like to ask you guys whether you and your friends/lovers share the same political views? Am I a stranger on this point, or do you also have liberal and/or conservative friends?

[Catmatic Leftist]

I would not make friends with bigoted assholes; otherwise, I don't see why you can't have non-socialist friends.

[M42-AEK]

wccIqjrGGMk



I hope you are more than shocked, I hope you are aroused! :lol:

idk about the rest of you, but this video really describes me to a T :laugh:

[pax et aequalitas]

Christian Schools-you mean the type of school that teaches Creationism as a scientific theory?

Anyways, most of them are atheists most likely cause they don't really believe in God, yet their parents force them to attend the school anyway.

moving on.

I know it's ridiculous. But I don't want to tell a cheerleader that I'm a Communist! I mean deep down in my head I know that the worst she can do is tell her friends about me-not like anyone else will find out though.

You know what I'm gonna do tomorrow- First, I'll walk in and read some Lenin. Then, I be all like: "ya, I lied. I'm really a Communist. A Marxist-Leninist specifically."

See, this proves how different the Netherlands are from the USA. We don't really have fundies here :P well maybe in some smaller villages, but nothing noteworthy. There is not a single school I think which teaches creationism and many students like me myself have atheist parents as well. It is in fact mainly because it is the only school in the wide area which offers bilingual education that I'm on it, but there are also many atheists who don't do that and still are on my school.

Conclusion, we Dutch are heretics :p

[RedMarxist]

So, honestly there is no push to force Creationism on schools in the Netherlands? Here, its a big deal in the mainstream media when Christian fundamentalists complain about how teaching Evolution in school will "turn are children/or teens into atheists!"

America, America the beautiful. She has a proud history of religion...which is more or less a bad thing it seems.

Thank goodness that our founding Fathers kept religion separate from the state.

[Veovis]

Who cares what these people think? You know how often I talk to people from high school now, five years after graduating? Never.

[kid communist]

Right now I am in High School. At this point in my life, I have been asked by plenty of people if I am a Communist, thanks to my radical reading material. Despite my big talk on this forum in month old posts about being open, I found myself lying and saying that I am not a Communist.

Would it be wrong to say that I am a Communist? Would it in any way ruin my reputation around high school campus?

I feel weak. I want to admit the truth(now more then ever to the many people I lied to). It's like I feel guilty for not being truthful and admitting who I really am.

I fear that if I don't lie, then nasty rumors will be spread about me and it could get ugly.

Comrades, what should I do?
Hey man,it's OK.If you feel it's right to tell people what you believe,go ahead.And if people make fun of you for your own beliefs,it's only because they're too stupid to know what communism is.

[Grenzer]

Ah, the joys of High School.

Honestly, I doubt most kids would even care about what your political views are. They tend to have other matters on their minds, not to mention most are politically unconscious. I wasn't a communist when I was in High School, but I always tried to educate my friends about whatever was going on in the world.

Most of the friends that I had back in High School who had even a remote interest in politics have become communists now after having had years of anti-capitalist discussions over lunch and things like that. When their faith in capitalism smashed, I usually point them towards Marx and/or Bakunin depending on how they lean.

In any case, I wouldn't recommend flaunting your political views. It's not really something to brag about; but if people ask you what your views are, then you should tell them openly. If you aren't evangelizing, then people tend to take your views more seriously.

[FatsoFreako]

Foreget reputation. Im in high school, and most of the people know, im far left, atheist, and bisexual. to top it all off i live in the south where almost everyone is christian-right wing. your high school reputation won't matter in the real world. yes i am shunned, and hated for it, but i dont care. its just high school.

[RedMarxist]

Today I was talking to a fellow student in class who thought that Communism was An ideology in which the ruling government heavily regulates foreign trade...because that is what the Economics text book said.

I explained that Communism is basically a stateless, classless society after Socialism. This same person thought that although Capitalism is a horrible system, were stuck with it for ever so...we both agreed that Capitalism sucks and that it has to be replaced somehow.

First time I got to not only tell someone what Communism actually was, but the it was the first time in which someone was more or less in line with my views on Capitalism.


I'm in high school, and most of the people know, im far left, atheist, and bisexual. I'm the first two of those things-Far Left and an Atheist. Plus I have begun to shed my patriotism-starting by not reciting the pledge of allegiance.

maybe you should try to "educate" your friends/fellow classmates somehow...

You know what my biggest goal is...To write an alternate history novel on what if the German Revolution succeeded.

I'm halfway there with my mod for a computer game, A World To Win.

If I were surveyed on my interests in class, the form would go something like this:

Favorite celebrity: V.I Lenin

Favorite History Subject: The Russian Revolution

Your favorite Hero or Heroine: V.I Lenin

Favorite Thinker(s): Karl Marx and V.I Lenin

What do you want to do when you "grow up"?: Contribute to revolutionary thought...preferably through my writings.

[kerryhall]

Why not? Because I could be the laughing stock of the school.

I mean, a frigging "popular" girl asked me if I was a Communist. You know, the really outgoing, cheerleader type girl. So I lied. If I said yes, she alone could ruin my reputation by telling her many friends that I am a Communist.

You should tell her you are a communist, then sit down and explain to her what communism really means and convince her and all your other class mates that communism is a good idea. :) Our ideas are our strength!

[Rafiq]

I don't hide it but I'm not "Open" about.

If someone asked me if I was a communist I would say yes.

If two idiots are having a conversation about communism that's politically incorrect I wouldn't care and I would ignore it.

Honestly no one cares about your political views in high school so w/e but don't be an annoying prick about it.

[Rafiq]

If I were surveyed on my interests in class, the form would go something like this:

Favorite celebrity: V.I Lenin

Favorite History Subject: The Russian Revolution

Your favorite Hero or Heroine: V.I Lenin

Favorite Thinker(s): Karl Marx and V.I Lenin

What do you want to do when you "grow up"?: Contribute to revolutionary thought...preferably through my writings.

Hear me out.

Don't do this, friend. The best type of Communist is the one who keeps it to himself when necessary. Be a normal kid.

Think like this:

Do not spill everything you are in High School. It defines you and is part of you. Keep it to yourself and "Mask" it with bullshit. Be secretive. Don't let the idiocy of High School academia poison your revolutionary thought.

And at the same time never stop learning about revolutionary thought. Never. No one is ever done learning. Not even Marx.

[Rafiq]

You should tell her you are a communist, then sit down and explain to her what communism really means and convince her and all your other class mates that communism is a good idea. :) Our ideas are our strength!

I wouldn't do that. I, personally, would say Yes, though.

But I am in a different situation. If you "Have a chance" with her, than by all means say no.

No one cares about what communism really is. don't explain anything to them. It will dumb you down and weaken your politics.

[Azraella]

I don't necessarily hide my anarcho-communist politics from people but I'm not blatant about them. Most people know me as a libertarian socialist, weird pagan ,mother, wife, and a person too involved with her community. I am fine with this.

I want to sell them on my ideas and not on knee-jerk reactions of my politics but I won't lie if someone asks me if I'm a commie.

[kerryhall]

I wouldn't do that. I, personally, would say Yes, though.

But I am in a different situation. If you "Have a chance" with her, than by all means say no.

No one cares about what communism really is. don't explain anything to them. It will dumb you down and weaken your politics.

Maybe I'm too optimistic, but my opinions on capitalism and communism were formed during high school years, and it seemed at the time that many people were quite open minded, and quite interested in politics.

Maybe I would explain it more from a syndicalist context, rather than an academic "here is communism" perspective, because folks in high school are starting to get jobs and realize what working is like, and it could be quite easy to say something like "I realized that the amount we get paid is less than the amount our work makes for the business" or something to that effect to a friend or class mate.

[El Louton]

I'm openly leftist- my tendency changes daily. I don't care what people think. My life, my ideas, my thoughts. They can piss off if they don't like it!

[tanklv]

So, 'RedMarxist', that's 2 infractions to you for prejudiced language, one for racism and one for sexism. :mad:

And please don't call yourself a socialist or communist in public before you have sorted out these issues.

I was reading this mini-discussion, and the "some of my best friends are..." krap, and I thought, maybe I should say something, but I didn't...glad you stepped in...

I mean - he's a "socialist/communist" - then I'm a woman!!!

[Binh]

When people ask you if you're a communist, throw it back at that by asking, "what do you think communism is? Tell me so I can say yes or no."

Personally I prefer revolutionary socialist or Marxist.

I think you should try to start an Occupy group at your school (if you can't because of the administration, change the name to something like "civics club" or "politics club" or "progressives club"). Always find a way around the rules to get political work done. You should P.M. Skammunist. He is a communist in high school and does good work. I was a communist in high school too and it was some of the best organizing I ever did.

Best of luck. Read and learn. And ignore the haters in your school and here. :thumbup1:

[o well this is ok I guess]

tell everyone you're actually the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky
Find yourself a cute female protagonist!

[Yuppie Grinder]

Yes.

[d32123]

I was an open socialist in high school. I talked politics with a lot of people. Most found it interesting and respected my views because I respected theirs. The only open "communist" I knew was this antisemitic ex-Neo-nazi holocaust denier who had relatives in the KKK and still called himself a "Trotskyist" :rolleyes: but luckily people were smart enough not to associate me with that kid.

Keep in mind that I also went to a pretty "liberal" high school, though.

[craigd89]

I didn't realize political ideologies tied in with high school popularity, to put it in perspective fellow red workers have and still are being jail, lynched, or blacklisted. When i discuss socialist theory depending on who it is I never bring up the world socialist as you will find most people will be in agreement with socialist ideals without realizing it. For me the only people I hide my views from are employers and potential rats.

[Aurorus Ruber]

It depends on where you live, in my opinion, and what political attitudes people have in the first place. I live in quite a conservative area myself, and most people I know find even mainstream liberalism rather alien to their thinking. I have tried explaining communism (or anarcho-communism in my case) several times but without much success in getting my point across. They really struggle, in my experience, to understand the concepts involved simply because these ideas lie so far outside their understanding of politics. It's difficult to explain international socialism to someone when they consider American nationalism and Christian hegemony the accepted axioms of politics.

[Public Domain]

When I became "openly communist" people thought I was "fucking awesome".

Not sure I ever even considered being discreet about it. Some think it's a little odd but they sorta get the impression that they aren't as aware of things as I and leave me alone. It hasn't 'ruined' my reputation... Can't say I win a lot of girls, but I didn't have any of them want to ruin me or something.

The general consensus I got back all the time in high school though was that I was "badass" for being radical. It was hard at that point not to shut up about communism.

[El Louton]

I don't see the point of being communist or socialist or another tendency but not telling anyone. Seriously!? Since when did Lenin, Trotsky, Che or Rosa care about what people thought?

[Kosakk]

I say I'm a socialist. But that's not a big issue in Northern Europe as it is in the US.

I only tell my closest friends that I'm a left-communist, because I don't bother explaining everyone what left communism is all about.

[El Louton]

People think Communism is evil though in the UK. I have to explain what is and why it would benefit us all! In the end they actually agree with Communism but then go home and read the Daily Mail. You have to educate people about Communism otherwise we will always be seemed evil or as money grabbing hippy dope smoking mother fucking Soviet Russian Stalinist power crazed commies!

[bentn.]

Don't lie, stand up for what you believe but don't start the political questioning, react to them truthfully. I too am in high school, filled with rich, preppy kids, and I believe everyone assumes that I'm a communist, due to my reading as well. No one ever ask me directly.

[NewLeft]

Don't lie, stand up for what you believe but don't start the political questioning, react to them truthfully. I too am in high school, filled with rich, preppy kids, and I believe everyone assumes that I'm a communist, due to my reading as well. No one ever ask me directly.

Well, it's the 'rich, preppy' kids which seem to be more interested than working class youth! The revolution will come from above..!

[Marxaveli]

I guess it depends on how much you value your reputation, as well as the area you live in. If you value it highly and most of your friends are very anti-communist, you might have a problem. But its kind of fucked up that we live in a society where you can be ostracized for holding views outside the mainstream. If they are more open-minded, you may be able to educate them on what Communism really is.

I'm pretty open about my Communist views, and if people don't like it, they can go take a flying fuck to the moon for all I care (and I have told one or two people to do this that tried to get confrontational with me). But thats me. Do what you feel is best for your particular circumstances.

[Bloodwerk]

I really doubt anyone would really care. It's high school anyway.
I'm a senior this year in high school, and always participate in debates etc. But only a few people try to actually listen and understand.
I've always been known as "that" kid who likes weird music and draws anarchist and communist logos. Thats just how it is in high school.
If anyone starts talking crap about your beliefs, just fight back with good arguments.
Besides, the only people who would make fun of you because of your beliefs would be some brainwashed rich kids who can't even come up something intelligent enough to fight back your argument except pure insults and curses. :laugh:

[Buttress]

Yes, be openly communist, and do not be afraid to re-educate people on what it really means to be communist. Chances are they'll look at you with disdain or pity, but stand your ground and maybe we can start something here.

[seventeethdecember2016]

When I wear my 'I'm a Communist, debate me' t-shirt, or when I wear something with the hammer and sickle, most people realize it.
I remember on the first day of my senior year we were asked what we were grateful for, and I went on a long speech about the Proletariat. No one had any idea what the hell I was talking about.
I have a pretty good Russian accent, so when anyone says something stupid about my clothing, I pull that on them.

In high school, teachers will likely treat you as just another malcontent teenager, and for some reason they'll label you along with the liberals.

[Misanthrope]

why do you care what others think? stop deriving self worth and happiness from others, you're all that matters.

[Comrade Samuel]

Don't worry about it, most of the people I know don't even know what communism is and the few who do are rich kids who buy into their parents cold war era propaganda so its easy to refute what they say in 5 minutes or less.

If however the people you know do in fact do in fact have a comprehensive understanding of Marxism you should defend what you belive and never compromise that for social acceptance but it is also worth noting that nobody wants to be the socially awkward kid who never says anything to anyone and just sits in the corner reading the communist manifesto for the 300th time so I guess it's best to just be casual about it, be a kid and enjoy your youth while you still have it but still you should refuse to take shit from those who would lie about communism and attack you personally for your beliefs.

[Positivist]

Right now I am in High School. At this point in my life, I have been asked by plenty of people if I am a Communist, thanks to my radical reading material. Despite my big talk on this forum in month old posts about being open, I found myself lying and saying that I am not a Communist.

Would it be wrong to say that I am a Communist? Would it in any way ruin my reputation around high school campus?

I feel weak. I want to admit the truth(now more then ever to the many people I lied to). It's like I feel guilty for not being truthful and admitting who I really am.

I fear that if I don't lie, then nasty rumors will be spread about me and it could get ugly.

Comrades, what should I do?

I have the luxury of attending a high school where nobody really understands what communism is and have no interest in understanding it but your situation sounds different. I would recommend that if being a communist is such an issue at your school that when confronted by allegations just say your interested in history. I personally am just a passive communist cuz no one gives a shit but if you feel threatened by your peers just stick to the history thing. And you could try book coverings.

[Ostrinski]

Probably should not, for your own good.

[rolfwar]

well,*******ist,i also am in High School,but if someone asks me,i openly claim to be a Communist.I see no point in feeling "guilty" for telling your friends that you have became a communist,i mean,nobody borns already fascist or communist,it's just that everybody becomes what they become.
Moreover,i never give up in convincing my friends that communism is the way.
Maybe here in Italy is different,there is not such bullshit as "popularity",and if you are communist,you can find lots of people who will help you (though,most of them has never read anything of Marx or whoever).
But if you want to discuss it more,just PM me,i am always open to speaking with people of other countries .

[El Oso Rojo]

I try not to talk about politics or do political artwork because I spend time drawing a lot. Which means I do not keep out with world events like I should.

[the last donut of the night]

to be honest, it kinda haunts you for the rest of your life

[The Intransigent Faction]

If you don't stand up for you're own beliefs, who will?
I saw something in someone's sig the other day...I'm not a Trotskyist myself, but I believe he once said "We must have the courage to be unpopular". :)

http://www.marxists.org/archive/trotsky/1938/tp/tpdiscuss.htm

Not all of my friends are communists, but plenty of them accept that I am and even occasionally ask for my opinion. It's people like that you should concern yourself with, not people who hear the word "communist" and go ballistic or shun you.

[Brosa Luxemburg]

Be open about what you think. Who gives a fuck what people think, anyway?

[WanderingCactus]

Hah. The filter censors OP's username.

[El Oso Rojo]

Its depends, at High School no. College maybe, but I don't think people will take you seriously if you go around flaunting it. That why nobody cares to listen to me because I was flaunting it to much in my first year in school.

[Geiseric]

Just make it clear that you're not insane and that everything you suggest is increadibly possible and in some cases inevitable. Just use occupy rhetoric to make them think you're dumb then later on bring in marxist lingo to throw them off, and you'll look smart.

[Bolshevik_Guerilla_1917]

Be open who cares, im very open about being a communist, even though the history teachers make fun of me at my school, i dont give a fuck cuz theyre just a bunch of capitalist cocksuckers

[TheGodlessUtopian]

I wear my "Youth for Socialist Action" pin to every political event as well as on my messenger bag when I attend night school, but I don't wear over the top gear or even engage people in debate. It is all about balance and not appearing overeager.

[Grenzer]

Right now I am in High School. At this point in my life, I have been asked by plenty of people if I am a Communist, thanks to my radical reading material. Despite my big talk on this forum in month old posts about being open, I found myself lying and saying that I am not a Communist.

Would it be wrong to say that I am a Communist? Would it in any way ruin my reputation around high school campus?

I feel weak. I want to admit the truth(now more then ever to the many people I lied to). It's like I feel guilty for not being truthful and admitting who I really am.

I fear that if I don't lie, then nasty rumors will be spread about me and it could get ugly.

Comrades, what should I do?

Wow, this is an old thread. Who necro'd it?

In any case, if it doesn't help the movement, then don't. Communism is not a lifestyle so if you can do more good by hiding your views from close associates, then you might as well hide them.

There is a lot of this communist-lifestylist bullshit going around. Don't buy into it.

[Ostrinski]

Cannot think of one practical reason why being openly communist would benefit you.

[MotherCossack]

you know what.... if you havent got the savvy to be open and willing to discuss your left wing views/ communist beliefs...
then there is absolutely no point in having them!
is there?
what.... so if everyone did that....
just how long d'you people think we would have to wait for any change at all?
hello..... a bloody long time!
it is hard to imagine what it is like for you poor fuckers in america where communism... really is considered like ..... sheep-shagging or cannibalism....
god knows it is bad enough over here.
but nevertheless we need to think revolutionary thoughts... and try to generate some heat in the kitchen....
objectively speaking.... there is no excuse for not doing something to try and stop these reactionary, neo-conservative over broad liberal ruling class bourgoise from swanning off with the world under their arm and the sky stuffed in their back pocket.
maybe i will give you a minute.... as you are still at school.....
but really.... gear yourself up to nailing your colours to the mast.
we have got to consolidate sometime and make a start somewhere....
or risk turning into stone and becoming just another frilly ineffectual, necessary and healthy, part of that which we hate ........the democratic establishment.

[00001]

Unless you are asking whether or not you should join a communist organization, then it is pretty meaningless whether you as a lone individual publicly declare yourself a communist or not.

[Comrade Jandar]

I'm very open about my political beliefs and could care less if it alienates me from my peers. Who gives a fuck whether or not it's practical or it in your best interests to keep quiet about your views. I guess it's bourgeois to have principles.

[La Comédie Noire]

You should be openly communist, but understand like everything else in this world there is an appropriate time and place.

[TrotskistMarx]

GO TO THIS LINK http://www.mith.demon.co.uk/nietintr.htm AND READ THIS GREAT ARTICLE WRITTEN BY JOHN S. MOORE, AN ENGLISH PHILOSOPHER, AND A GREAT FRIEND OF MINE TO IMITATE CHE GUEVARA, BECAUSE CHE GUEVARA WAS A SUPERMAN. READ THIS ARTICLE OF AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE SUPERMAN OF NIETZSCHE. THE PHILOSOPHY OF NIETZSCHE IS A MUST IN ORDER TO OVERTHROW THE CAPITALIST IMPERIALIST SYSTEM


This is what remains of a book I first wrote in 1974, and periodically revised over the following few years. I tried to find a publisher without success. Although I would no longer express myself in quite this way, it may have some interest as an introduction to Nietzsche's ideas.



INTRODUCTION TO NIETZSCHE
by
John S Moore

Considering that so much has been published over the years about Nietzsche and his ideas, it might be thought there is little more to be said on the subject. It is not as if such studies seem to make any generally recognisable progress. There continues to be wide disagreement both about what Nietzsche was saying, and about its importance. It is the very scale of this disagreement that suggests there is still a place for books about Nietzsche, rather than mere exhortations to read him. While he himself makes far more interesting reading than any of his commentators, his work as it stands still leaves unsettled questions.
Nietzsche has a strong fascination for some people, and some of the judgements made about him, even by some of his most sympathetic critics, can seem provocatively misguided and in need of correction. In Anglo-Saxon countries at least, Nietzsche's advocates cannot be said to have been so far successful, if we may judge from the number of slighting and disparaging references to be found in the literary columns of newspapers and magazines. Nietzsche was well versed in English writers, and would have rejected the imputation that he belonged to an alien culture and that his well considered criticisms could be lightly disregarded.

For those who believe, as many do, that Nietzsche's thought offers the best key to the understanding of what has been happening to western civilisation for the past two centuries or so, the setting right of such misunderstanding presents itself as an uncompleted and still important task. Some misunderstanding is excusable, since even to decide what is being said is in some respects to take sides, to make assumptions as to the possible limits of controversy. Nevertheless, there are degrees of incomprehension, and Nietzsche has suffered badly from it, at the hands both of the general public, and of many who ought to know better.

A somewhat unfavourable image of him persists in the minds of many of those with some interest in literature or ideas. Many people know that he was a philosopher genius who went mad, and have heard of his doctrine of the superman, which they may perhaps envisage as some cruel conquering hero, gazing ruthlessly over vast horizons, to the accompaniment of Siegfried, or some other Wagnerian piece. Some people think of him as the advocate of the vicious idea of the master race. In modern folklore, Nazism has become the great archetype of wickedness receiving its just deserts, and Nietzsche is sometimes seen vaguely as the philosopher of that wickedness, a man who intoxicated himself with grandiose delusions, (hubris) with the natural consequence of total insanity (nemesis). According to one writer, the villain Nietzsche has passed into literature as the villain Moriarty, greatest adversary of Sherlock Holmes, himself a figure possessed of certain Nietzschean qualities. Nijinsky, in his Diary, expressed one popular view, when he wrote that 'Nietzsche lost his reason because he thought too much'.

Bertrand Russell, in his 'History of Western Philosophy', characterises Nietzsche's philosophy as the product of hatred and fear, and Nietzsche himself as a rather unpleasant person. The Soviet Encyclopaedia of philosophy interprets him as the theorist of reaction, one who perceived the rising tide of socialism and tried to dam it with an elitist, proto fascist doctrine. One conservative, Christian view, is to see him as a dangerous romantic, and heir of Rousseau in the extremity of his self assertion, a striking illustration of the peril and folly of abandoning those norms of moral and spiritual authority that alone make for stable society and decent living. Such a position may be associated with the traditional reactionary or High Catholic attack on the principles of the French revolution, as enunciated by Joseph de Maistre. Then there are those literary intellectuals who, despite a deep immersion in much of that twentieth century culture on which Nietzsche's influence has been most decisive, persist in regarding him as overrated and unimportant. Such was the often stated view of the late Philip Toynbee, for many years leading book critic for the 'Observer'. The Oxford professor John Carey, leading book critic for the 'Sunday Times', wrote a vitriolic attack on Nietzsche in his book 'The Intellectuals and the Masses'. Another Oxford don, A.L. Rowse, reviewing this asked contemptuously of Nietzsche, 'who cares what he thought?'. There remain many who, for various, often quite different reasons, continue to respect him as a very important and challenging thinker. Even in England, his 'Zarathustra' sells so well that it has long been recommended by Penguins as basic bookshop stock. In France some acquaintance with his ideas is said to be part of the syllabus for the baccalaureate.

His writings have the power to disturb complacency, and critics are concerned to reconcile his obvious attraction with all kinds of previously held positions. Numerous well researched books on Nietzsche have appeared which suggest that he is to be taken at something other than face value.

Janko Lavrin appears to suggest that Nietzsche's ideas should always be seen in the context of his struggle against ill health, and that we are to extract a message from the extent to which he was enabled to feel better by thinking thoughts inevitably related to his own special condition. This is held to make him an existentialist, a case history like Pascal, attempting to live by a creed, rather than an objective critic whose ideas stand or fall on their own merits.

On the continent, since the war, existentialists, structuralists, and deconstructionists, have honoured him highly. I do not mean to deny the interest of such interpretations, but they mostly do not seem to me to elucidate what was most solid and original in his achievement. Besides an existentialist or a deconstructionist, plausible cases have been made for treating him as a precursor of the later Wittgenstein, or of the Bertrand Russell school of logical analysis. On the level of academic philosophy, it would seem that Nietzsche's ideas are found to be compatible with a number of different positions.

My position is that on certain important issues, Nietzsche makes a good claim to being entirely right, and that he offers a radical alternative to many current beliefs and ideals. This raises questions as to how it is possible for a thinker in such a field to be 'right'. There are Nietzscheans who think Nietzsche was right, Freudians who think Freud was right, Marxists who think Marx was right, once there were humanists who used to say the same for T.H.Huxley and so on. I shall first try to explain what I mean by putting him in some very general historical perspective.






Right now I am in High School. At this point in my life, I have been asked by plenty of people if I am a Communist, thanks to my radical reading material. Despite my big talk on this forum in month old posts about being open, I found myself lying and saying that I am not a Communist.

Would it be wrong to say that I am a Communist? Would it in any way ruin my reputation around high school campus?

I feel weak. I want to admit the truth(now more then ever to the many people I lied to). It's like I feel guilty for not being truthful and admitting who I really am.

I fear that if I don't lie, then nasty rumors will be spread about me and it could get ugly.

Comrades, what should I do?

[TrotskistMarx]

Dear friend, I am sorry If I sound too barbaric or too rude, but look I am a realist in the spirit of Nietzsche, Machiavelli, Schopenhauer and many other realist thinkers and psychologists. And they claimed that life is a war, and that we are always in a constant state of war against other wills and against other points of views. Politics is really war of ideas, and every thing in this world is a struggle and a war. What you have to do to be a real socialist is to have warrior instincts and to be in a permanent state of alert and war to be willing to fight against anybody who will try to control you. Humans are free and the free spirit should indeed be a warrior. So what you have to do is to get into a strengthening weight-training program and self defense classes in order to be physically and spiritually prepared to crush and destroy the capitalist enemies in your school



WfORnXTH7HA


.


Right now I am in High School. At this point in my life, I have been asked by plenty of people if I am a Communist, thanks to my radical reading material. Despite my big talk on this forum in month old posts about being open, I found myself lying and saying that I am not a Communist.

Would it be wrong to say that I am a Communist? Would it in any way ruin my reputation around high school campus?

I feel weak. I want to admit the truth(now more then ever to the many people I lied to). It's like I feel guilty for not being truthful and admitting who I really am.

I fear that if I don't lie, then nasty rumors will be spread about me and it could get ugly.

Comrades, what should I do?

[TrotskistMarx]

Dear friend, be a real communist and tell people in your school of how evil the capitalist system is. Now is the time to test your physical, emotional and spiritual powers. Great men, are great warriors, and don't worry if the whole world is against you. What does not kill you, will make you stronger. Be a marxist, and infect all your school friends with marxism-socialism. You are not lying, you are just a truth-teller. You would be like a sort of Neo of the movie The Matrix. Even The Bible says that the truth will set people free.

Your task is like Neo to wake them up and to convert them to marxism-socialism. Besides most people in this world are slowly getting tired of capitalism and waking up to the truth of how evil capitalist governments are specially with the help of conspiracy theory movies like 9-11 and all the evil tricks of bankers. Thanks


.



Right now I am in High School. At this point in my life, I have been asked by plenty of people if I am a Communist, thanks to my radical reading material. Despite my big talk on this forum in month old posts about being open, I found myself lying and saying that I am not a Communist.

Would it be wrong to say that I am a Communist? Would it in any way ruin my reputation around high school campus?

I feel weak. I want to admit the truth(now more then ever to the many people I lied to). It's like I feel guilty for not being truthful and admitting who I really am.

I fear that if I don't lie, then nasty rumors will be spread about me and it could get ugly.

Comrades, what should I do?

[Omsk]

Been there done that wasn't nice.

Don't.

[daft punk]

Right now I am in High School. At this point in my life, I have been asked by plenty of people if I am a Communist, thanks to my radical reading material. Despite my big talk on this forum in month old posts about being open, I found myself lying and saying that I am not a Communist.

Would it be wrong to say that I am a Communist? Would it in any way ruin my reputation around high school campus?

I feel weak. I want to admit the truth(now more then ever to the many people I lied to). It's like I feel guilty for not being truthful and admitting who I really am.

I fear that if I don't lie, then nasty rumors will be spread about me and it could get ugly.

Comrades, what should I do?

Have no fear, Daft Punk is here. Ok, here's what to do. Don't say you are communist, dont say you arent. Just say you are reading about it because it's interesting and you are just learning about it a bit. Because I suspect that is the truth anyway. And you avoid loads of people having a go at you when you aren't prepared for that.

Do you even know what a communist is? There are completely different kinds of so-called communists. Some communists consider other 'communists' to not be communists, if that makes sense.

Just concentrate on learning about it, try to stay objective. You dont have to justify yourself to these people.

[daft punk]

Why not? Because I could be the laughing stock of the school.

I mean, a frigging "popular" girl asked me if I was a Communist. You know, the really outgoing, cheerleader type girl. So I lied. If I said yes, she alone could ruin my reputation by telling her many friends that I am a Communist.

Yeah but think of those emo chicks.


Just kidding!

Oh, the first time I told a girl I was a communist was in about 1981. I wasnt clued up on communism until 1984 though. Then I met my next girlfriend selling the Militant door to door, she lived down the road. We were together 10 years and then my next girlfirend was close to me in political views. This lasted a year. Then I was with a girl for 5 years, she became a sympathiser of the Socialist Party. Finally I went out with a right winger and got fed up with the whole dating thing!

So the moral of the tale is, you can tell people, but probably not yet, not at school.

You will know when you are ready, as they say.

[daft punk]

Be open about it. I am very open about it and it has only been good. It has let others who are "closet communists/leftists" have someone who they know they can come too. It has gotten me a lot of respect with teachers because I can defend and debate it without becoming an apologist. It has made those pretty cheerleader types come up to a kid they are usually terrified of and start a conversation with me about it. It has let me bring many many many more kids from one of the most conservative counties in the USA away from reactionary politics and more sympathetic to left-wing ideals.

Seriously, do it. This "reputation" that you have won't mean anything past high school anyways. A reputation as a smart, convincing, communist can follow and help you past high school though. If you want any help with it PM me.

Try to stick to real life.


I would like to add, not to flaunt it like an asshole though.

exactly

[daft punk]

We must strive to be open with our beliefs, but be sure that you know the usual arguments and counter-arguments first. This is crucial. Also, one option is always to use the word socialist with new people to get a more 'soft impact' as someone has probably already said in this thread (didn't read all of the replies).

But yeah, education is really important. Discuss here and read your preferred tendency's material -- not just the heavy books but pamflets etc published by different orgs can also be very helpful. I'm sure any of the organised people here would be willing to help you with such.

The optimal solution would of course be to join an organisation yourself, there is really no way to aptly describe how much that develops you as a leftist and how much support you get. But if no org is available or you don't feel ready to take that step for whatever reason then do as I adviced.

Ah, a rare voice of reason, just turn on spell check comrade http://serve.mysmiley.net/winking/winking0052.gif

[daft punk]

this is getting off topic. I was thinking about forming a popular assembly in order to raise awareness of alternative viewpoints on democracy and such. I don't wanna be to open about Communism, but would like to be at the least Socialistic.

Socialism is the same as communism but as said by the poster above (Sentinel), you are better off calling yourself a socialist if you are gonna 'come out'.

Are you up to forming a popular assembly? I thought you were just learning this stuff.

What are your views on democracy?

[daft punk]

Lol everyone in my year knows I'm a communist and they're all like, :rolleyes:
Your profile says you are a Marxist-Leninist. That means Stalinist. You dig my jive?

[daft punk]

I'M SORRY, OK? Please, I'm in high school and...just give me a break.

I never meant to offend anyone...I wasn't thinking. i'm really sorry, OK?

I deserve those infractions, if only out of my own stupidity.

I'm serious though. Some of my best friends are minorities. They are funny, smart, and I love hanging around them. I never meant to "sound diverse."

cool, as I say, you are learning, just concentrate on learning.

[MotherCossack]

i am looking right into the eyes of the demon...
shit it must suck to be american.....
i mean i thought you lot believed in freedom of speech...
does not sound all that free to me...

[The Jay]

i am looking right into the eyes of the demon...
shit it must suck to be american.....
i mean i thought you lot believed in freedom of speech...
does not sound all that free to me...

Have you not heard of the Patriot Act? It's license for (more) oppression.

[Ostrinski]

I mean on one hand don't parade around like a democrat voting liberal, be honest about your politics if asked about them or provoked into discussion but at the same time don't go around like school like woohoo check out my vintage soviet ushanka waving an industrial sized red flag

[victorhugo]

.....................................

[Althusser]

When I went to school people knew I was a communist since if they asked I told them the truth, however they also knew I knew enough on the subject to keep their stupid arguments to themselves if they didn't want them to get dismantled in a simple fashion.

Nobody hated me or laughed at me for it, in fact I was generally well liked and known as a sort of a funny guy in High School and had no problems getting along with everyone. Except for a single self proclaimed "neo-nazi". The FIRST day of school he was in my art class and said he hated Jews, I stood up and said "I was a Jew" (I'm not, but he didn't know me yet) and asked him if he hated me. He shut up instantly I spent the rest of that semester knocking his shit over and fucking up his drawings "accidentally" :laugh:

good times, good times.

Ha. Not the first time someone developed an even deeper hatred for jews because of an art class.

[NewLeft]

I mean on one hand don't parade around like a democrat voting liberal, be honest about your politics if asked about them or provoked into discussion but at the same time don't go around like school like woohoo check out my vintage soviet ushanka waving an industrial sized red flag
This is reasonable, but even if you wanna sport a vintage soviet ushanka lol, go ahead and do it. I don't think people really care about politics altogether. If you screamed I'm a communist! in a hallway, people aren't going to run, they're going to turn around and be like what the fuck. "What's communism.. Isn't that likeee Stalin? i dunno.. anywey"

[Ostrinski]

I would only do that on the grounds that I would be guaranteed to never see that place or the people in it ever again.

[ColonelCossack]

Your profile says you are a Marxist-Leninist. That means Stalinist. You dig my jive?

Nah they're all like :rolleyes: because I'm a commie, not because I'm an M-L. tbh they probably don't know the difference between an M-L and a council communist. :D

[Red_sickle]

You should always be proud to be a communist and always be happy to tell people what you belive in !
And its only high school (im in high school too:))

[Anderson]

More important than calling yourself a communist is to do what a communist would do.

Let actions do the talking. People should support your issues and join you, carrying a label can make them shy of joining you.

However, in case you joined a trade union or communist organization then should be open about being communist.

[Althusser]

Of course, just be a quick and witty debater with decent arguments. If you put anyone who questions in their place, you'll be fine.

[daft punk]

Nah they're all like :rolleyes: because I'm a commie, not because I'm an M-L. tbh they probably don't know the difference between an M-L and a council communist. :D
I was just winding you up, basically I am kinda well known on here for saying that M-L is not communist.

[Omsk]

You are well known for making yourself look ridiculous.And for being the most unpopular member in 2012.No offense,i am sure a lot of people share this view.

[daft punk]

You are well known for making yourself look ridiculous.And for being the most unpopular member in 2012.No offense,i am sure a lot of people share this view.

I wish I was popular like you. After all, this board is my life.

How come you are popular and I'm not? Is it because you repeat lies invented in the 1930s and I demolish them? Is that what it takes? It certainly got Trotsky an ice pick in his head, and anyone who agreed with him (the socialists) got shot. Tens of thousands of them.

http://www.marxists.org/history/ussr/events/terror/cc-1917.jpg

[Omsk]

I'm not popular here comrade,i think a lot of people want my computer to explode,to be realistic.

[daft punk]

Why would they want that? Who wants that?

[Omsk]

I was joking a bit,but it was dishonest of you when you tried to make me look like an egoist and like i am arrogant.

[daft punk]

You are well known for making yourself look ridiculous.And for being the most unpopular member in 2012.No offense,i am sure a lot of people share this view.



I was joking a bit,but it was dishonest of you when you tried to make me look like an egoist and like i am arrogant.

really

[seventeethdecember2016]

I wish I was popular like you. After all, this board is my life.

How come you are popular and I'm not? Is it because you repeat lies invented in the 1930s and I demolish them? Is that what it takes? It certainly got Trotsky an ice pick in his head, and anyone who agreed with him (the socialists) got shot. Tens of thousands of them.

Only Daft Punk would bring up Stalin during a conversation that has nothing to do with him.
How in the world does someone go from 'your views are unpopular' to 'Stalin shot tens of thousand.' This is freaking ridiculous!

[daft punk]

Try to keep up. All this started with a subtle joke which I then had to explain. Omsk sniffed out an opportunity for a personal attack. I had to shoot him down with some politics (which was part of the initial joke).

[daft punk]

This is boring