Presentation On Communism/marxism

[Eddie999]

Ok so I'm planning on doing a presentation on communism/marxism (yes I know they are not the exact same but are closely linked) in my politics class and I need some help.

Its got to be around 5 minutes long, not including time for Q&A afterwards, and I'm just wondering what the main things are you think I should cover, as it isnt possible for me to talk about all aspects communism/marism it in the 5 minutes allocated. Also I have to keep in mind that some people have no idea on communism so I cannot make it too comlpex. Also, the teacher is just waiting for me to trip up with something as hes a right-winger.

Any help would be appreciated

Cheers

[Eddie999]

Ok so I'm planning on doing a presentation on communism/marxism (yes I know they are not the exact same but are closely linked) in my politics class and I need some help.

Its got to be around 5 minutes long, not including time for Q&A afterwards, and I'm just wondering what the main things are you think I should cover, as it isnt possible for me to talk about all aspects communism/marism it in the 5 minutes allocated. Also I have to keep in mind that some people have no idea on communism so I cannot make it too comlpex. Also, the teacher is just waiting for me to trip up with something as hes a right-winger.

Any help would be appreciated

Cheers

[Eddie999]

Ok so I'm planning on doing a presentation on communism/marxism (yes I know they are not the exact same but are closely linked) in my politics class and I need some help.

Its got to be around 5 minutes long, not including time for Q&A afterwards, and I'm just wondering what the main things are you think I should cover, as it isnt possible for me to talk about all aspects communism/marism it in the 5 minutes allocated. Also I have to keep in mind that some people have no idea on communism so I cannot make it too comlpex. Also, the teacher is just waiting for me to trip up with something as hes a right-winger.

Any help would be appreciated

Cheers

[Anti-Capitalist1]

Communist FAQ (http://www.che-lives.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26804)

That should help you alot. Of course, don't copy the text exactly without citing it, that's plagarism, but it should help you.

[Anti-Capitalist1]

Communist FAQ (http://www.che-lives.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26804)

That should help you alot. Of course, don't copy the text exactly without citing it, that's plagarism, but it should help you.

[Anti-Capitalist1]

Communist FAQ (http://www.che-lives.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=26804)

That should help you alot. Of course, don't copy the text exactly without citing it, that's plagarism, but it should help you.

[Zingu]

Effienctly explaining Marxism in 5 mintues will be hard, its an entire philosophy explaining a whole new way at looking at society and history... I'll try to think something up.

[Zingu]

Effienctly explaining Marxism in 5 mintues will be hard, its an entire philosophy explaining a whole new way at looking at society and history... I'll try to think something up.

[Zingu]

Effienctly explaining Marxism in 5 mintues will be hard, its an entire philosophy explaining a whole new way at looking at society and history... I'll try to think something up.

[Subversive Pessimist]

My tips:

Try to tell about the poverty today (start with some statistics, like 1,3 billion people earn less then one dollar a day, 30 000 kids die each day because of lack of food and water) and how we can change it, and then introduce people to marxism.

Talk about the Paris commune, etc. and what communism is and how it will change peoples life to something better. Also make sure you deal with socialism and stress the point that USSR was not communist, and after Stalin died it became state capitalist.

Also, you should talk about the benefits people have in socialist countries. Like in Cuba that they have one teacher for every 36.8 inhabitants. Talk about equality in socialist countries and un-equality in thecapitalist countries.

IMO you should also talk about that USSR and all the other countries were based on marxism-leninism, and not what marx originally talked about, and then introduce maybe a little about what leninism is.

I'm not saying you should follow what I said like a bible, but it's at least what I would do.

[Subversive Pessimist]

My tips:

Try to tell about the poverty today (start with some statistics, like 1,3 billion people earn less then one dollar a day, 30 000 kids die each day because of lack of food and water) and how we can change it, and then introduce people to marxism.

Talk about the Paris commune, etc. and what communism is and how it will change peoples life to something better. Also make sure you deal with socialism and stress the point that USSR was not communist, and after Stalin died it became state capitalist.

Also, you should talk about the benefits people have in socialist countries. Like in Cuba that they have one teacher for every 36.8 inhabitants. Talk about equality in socialist countries and un-equality in thecapitalist countries.

IMO you should also talk about that USSR and all the other countries were based on marxism-leninism, and not what marx originally talked about, and then introduce maybe a little about what leninism is.

I'm not saying you should follow what I said like a bible, but it's at least what I would do.

[Subversive Pessimist]

My tips:

Try to tell about the poverty today (start with some statistics, like 1,3 billion people earn less then one dollar a day, 30 000 kids die each day because of lack of food and water) and how we can change it, and then introduce people to marxism.

Talk about the Paris commune, etc. and what communism is and how it will change peoples life to something better. Also make sure you deal with socialism and stress the point that USSR was not communist, and after Stalin died it became state capitalist.

Also, you should talk about the benefits people have in socialist countries. Like in Cuba that they have one teacher for every 36.8 inhabitants. Talk about equality in socialist countries and un-equality in thecapitalist countries.

IMO you should also talk about that USSR and all the other countries were based on marxism-leninism, and not what marx originally talked about, and then introduce maybe a little about what leninism is.

I'm not saying you should follow what I said like a bible, but it's at least what I would do.

[STI]

Read the "High School Commie's Guide" in the Practice Forum so that you'll be fortified for the Q&A.

[STI]

Read the "High School Commie's Guide" in the Practice Forum so that you'll be fortified for the Q&A.

[STI]

Read the "High School Commie's Guide" in the Practice Forum so that you'll be fortified for the Q&A.

[monkeydust]

Whatever you do; don't espouse Marxist jargon: repeatedly uttering the words "bourgeoisie" "proletriat", or speaking about the "means of production", is going to be an instant "turn off" for anyone new to the subject.

Like Strawberry said, it's probably best to start with what's "wrong" with contemporary capitalism. Give some examples of the misery and poverty in the third world, or about the widening gap between rich and poor in western states. You could also mention corporate power, and its damaging effects.

Once that's done, summarize the basic features of Communism and why it's "better".....but be careful not to say "equality is just good" or any other absurd dogmatisms.

I'd advise using as much rhetoric as possible, the kind of people you're speaking to simply won't have the patience to listen to long, tortuous arguments.


As for the Q&A, check out Redstar's guide in practice.

[monkeydust]

Whatever you do; don't espouse Marxist jargon: repeatedly uttering the words "bourgeoisie" "proletriat", or speaking about the "means of production", is going to be an instant "turn off" for anyone new to the subject.

Like Strawberry said, it's probably best to start with what's "wrong" with contemporary capitalism. Give some examples of the misery and poverty in the third world, or about the widening gap between rich and poor in western states. You could also mention corporate power, and its damaging effects.

Once that's done, summarize the basic features of Communism and why it's "better".....but be careful not to say "equality is just good" or any other absurd dogmatisms.

I'd advise using as much rhetoric as possible, the kind of people you're speaking to simply won't have the patience to listen to long, tortuous arguments.


As for the Q&A, check out Redstar's guide in practice.

[monkeydust]

Whatever you do; don't espouse Marxist jargon: repeatedly uttering the words "bourgeoisie" "proletriat", or speaking about the "means of production", is going to be an instant "turn off" for anyone new to the subject.

Like Strawberry said, it's probably best to start with what's "wrong" with contemporary capitalism. Give some examples of the misery and poverty in the third world, or about the widening gap between rich and poor in western states. You could also mention corporate power, and its damaging effects.

Once that's done, summarize the basic features of Communism and why it's "better".....but be careful not to say "equality is just good" or any other absurd dogmatisms.

I'd advise using as much rhetoric as possible, the kind of people you're speaking to simply won't have the patience to listen to long, tortuous arguments.


As for the Q&A, check out Redstar's guide in practice.

[Eddie999]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Im working on it at the moment and I'll post it on here when its done so you can have a read through it and point out any faults/suggestions you may have.

[New Tolerance]

You can also say that some people who are pro-privatization are anti-liberty authoritarians, since they are putting more power in undemocratic institutions like corporations (which has a bueacracy that's not elected by the people). While state controlled industries are non-authoritarian, since they are controlled by a democratic government (at least they are supposed to be) which is elected (emphasize elected) by the people. So therefore, if one believe that democracy is freedom, one should support public industries. Then you can drag it out into the open that capitalists are anti-democracy. Specifically Alexander Hamilton calling the people the "great beast", and Thomas Jefferson's comments about how if society is "too democratic" the poor may force the rich to help them.

This might also "turn off" a few people who has stereotypical ideas about communism, depending on which country you are in. If ten people decide to screw you up the ass after the presentation please don't blame me. Well, anyways its your call. (I think it would definately provide a shock effect, if you really want to make an impression)

[MiniOswald]

Methinks Strawberrys got the right idea, explain that the current system is fooked, then supply the alternative, and make sure you stress the point about the USSR my god, my god the amount of times ive heard all that shite.

Make sure your well prepared for the Q & A shouldnt be too hard, i mean the usual is 'so you want everyone to get paid the same?' but the teacher and a few smart arse kids will try trip you, also try get in a dig or 2 at organised religion, im feeling anti-religious 2night

[Eddie999]

Ok this is the opening of my presentation, see what you think:


Today, across the world, 1.3 billion people live on less than one dollar a day; 3 billion live on under two dollars a day; 1.3 billion have no access to clean water; 3 billion have no access to sanitation; 2 billion have no access to electricity.

9 billion US dollars is spent each year on water and sanitation for everyone in the world, whereas 105 billion US dollars is spent each year on alcohol in Europe

Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names

6 billion US dollars is spent each year on basic education for everyone in the world, whereas 50 billion US is spent each year on cigarettes in Europe alone

20% of the population in the developed nations consume 86% of the worlds goods, whilst 30 000 children die per day due to starvation


All over the world, even in the wealthiest of nations, the gap between the rich and poor is increasing. Fewer people are becoming ‘successful’ whilst more and more of the population is becoming increasingly poor.

Inequality, greed and repression are all characteristics of the capitalist system. A capitalist system allows an oligarchy (government by the few) or a plutocracy (government by the wealthy) to accumulate capital and thereby restrict the natural circulation of wealth through the economy.

However, there is an alternative, and that is Communism.

A good opening is pretty important and I just want to see what you think of this one. Please feel free to pick it apart as I respect the opinions of the majority of people on this board.

[New Tolerance]

If you think that the people you are presenting to have a thing for numbers then this is a pretty good opening. Otherwises, you might want to cut back a little, and use more philosophy than numbers.

[MiniOswald]

True you gta be careful a long list of numbers arent all your doing, people will lose intrest, perhaps talk about the horrowing effects of such large numbers in say under-payment

[Eddie999]

Right heres the first draft:


Today, across the world, 1.3 billion people live on less than one dollar a day; 3 billion live on under two dollars a day; 1.3 billion have no access to clean water & 3 billion have no access to sanitation

9 billion US dollars is spent each year on water and sanitation for everyone in the world, whereas 105 billion US dollars is spent each year on alcohol in Europe alone.

Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names

6 billion US dollars is spent each year on basic education for everyone in the world, whereas 50 billion US dollars is spent each year on cigarettes in Europe alone.

20% of the population in the developed nations consume 86% of the worlds goods, whilst 30 000 children die per day due to starvation


Is this right? Of course it’s not!. All over the world, even in the wealthiest of nations, the gap between the rich and poor is increasing. Fewer people are becoming ‘successful’ whilst more and more of the population are becoming increasingly poor.

Inequality, greed and repression such as those example mentioned are all characteristics of the capitalist system. A capitalist system allows an oligarchy (government by the few) or a plutocracy (government by the wealthy) to accumulate wealth and capital and thereby restrict the natural circulation of wealth through the economy.

Further flaws in the capitalist system are that much power is held be undemocratic institutions such as corporations, which are exploitative and very authoritarian. In fact, fascist Italy was originally called an, "estato corporativo", or corporate state.

However, there is an alternative, and that is Communism. Communism, which is sometimes referred to as Marxism after the German philosopher, economist and revolutionary Karl Marx, whose works such as ‘The Communist Manifesto’ and ‘Das Kapital’ , form the basis of all communist theory.

Communists believe that throughout history there has been a continuous battle between different social classes. There has always an oppressor class that has oppressed that majority. This oppressor class is known as the bourgeoisie, and the oppressed class is known as the proletariat. The proletariat survives entirely from the sale of it’s labour and it’s existence depends on the demand for labour.

It is true that there has always been a working class, and mostly it has been poor. But - there has not always been a working class living in the conditions they are in today. The proletariat originated during the Industrial Revolution as the invention of things such as the steam engine and mechanical loom produced items faster and of a better quality and because of this these machines quickly made individual worker’s tools obsolete. The new machines were very expensive and could only be bought by big capitalists. The result of this was that capitalists had everything in their hands and the workers had nothing and had to work for the capitalists in order to survive.

The main aim of communism is the overthrow and removal of this oppressor class and the liberation of the oppressed masses. In communism there would be economic equality and communal ownership of everything. This would eliminate greed as people would be sure of having enough and would not have the fear of losing everything as they do in a capitalist society.

I’d also like to point out that all the so called communist countries that there have been have never been truly communist. Countries such as the Soviet Union and various Eastern European nations were authoritarian dictatorships and not communist at all. Countries such as Cuba are merely socialist.

However, the revolution in Cuba has made life much better for the people. Before the revolution Cuba was ruled by an American backed dictator called Batista. Since the revolution healthcare and literacy rates have improved, the literacy rate in Cuba is currently around 96% and healthcare is free for all.

It’s a fact that governments around the world have a fear of communism. They fear it because it would mean and end to their oppressive control and an end to the class system. They have an irrational fear of the majority of society controlling themselves.

There are a few bits I'm not that sure about and would appreciate it if anyone would have a look through it and point out any flaws.

Cheers.

[Raisa]

1) First, dismiss myths about communism. These are things that people "know" about communism. Starting with what people know whether its true or not brings them closer to the subject. "communism is not about the government making you dress the same as everyone else"

2) Then talk STRICTLY and CLEARLY about what communism IS. What it means. As you speak about this it starts to get kinda philosophical....

3)Transitionally begin talking about different philosophies of communism by talking about its founders and then go into historic events and people.

Be relevant to today where you can and avoid the use of big words that people dont really say.

[Eddie999]

Well I did the presentation today. The actual presentation lasted 5 minutes but the Q & A afterwards lasted 55 minutes, so it was quite lengthy in the end. I think I handled things quite well all in all, although despite it all there were still some people who, at the end, still believed communism to be flawed. However, these people were quite unreasonable and didn't take what I said on board.

Thanks to those who helped out and contributed!