Even as a leftist I find myself polarized.

[Kurai Tsuki]

Until very recently I was fairly consistent in calling myself a leftist, I thought that it was some hardcore word used to describe the likes of revolutionaries, and after all it still is. But I have noticed that it is also a fairly broad word, it can even be used to refer to liberals, and those capitalism-can-do-no-wrong libertarians. Something that I thought was reserved to refer to rebels I have discovered to be just another political orientation in various polarized countries around the world.

What I wonder is what would be a word that could be used that implies that I am a Dissident but at the same time would not polarize my position on various issues, and make me just another part of the American fabric. So far words that I think might work are Guevarist or simply Dissident, what do you guys think?

[Invader Zim]

I know what you mean, but i find it more with the term "liberal", which is flung around a lot, by authoritarians regardless of economic position.

I think that leftist is mearly a description of a person who has leftwing economic views, which can in fact even be social democrats to Stalinists to an extent.

I prefer not to be labeled as anything, but if i have to be I would like to be labed as a socialist.

[toastedmonkey]

I only refer to myself as a leftist, its really not a problem, people may have different perceptions of the word, but i know what i mean by it, and im happy to explain to others if they are concerned.
Otherwise labels dont matter, they only lead to segregation

[Kurai Tsuki]

I prefer not to be labeled as anything, but if i have to be I would like to be labed as a socialist.

I understand what you mean about not wanting to be labeled, that’s why I mentioned such a general word as Dissident. I just would not want to be labeled as something that can be toned down to fit into the mainstream, as communism/socialism seems to be.

I consider myself to be as much concerned with issues of violence and oppression, and of oppressed people defending themselves, as with economic ones. My position is that I like to find out about different problems in the world and who is responsible for them, and how they can be held responsible for creating those problems.

[Pedro Alonso Lopez]

When people ask what you are just say 'subversive'.

[Commie Girl]

I just say I am a Socialist.....shuts people up pretty quick!

[Rasta Sapian]

I guess people would take me for a crack-head if i called myself a rasta sapian, maybe a soul rebel, but if you guys out there consider yourselfs socialists, than I will consider you all revolutionaries! :)