Why Che?

[Canadag]

I was wondering, why do some people idolize "Che" and what do some people have against him?

What were is pros and cons? I've been wanting to read Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0802135587/qid=1128126764/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-5490730-7151817?v=glance&s=books&n=507846), but haven't gotten to it yet. So this is a question in a form of a prologue.

Anything would be helpful.

[waltersm]

because che fought (some could say won) the cuban revolution. But he didn't stop there, he went to the congo and bolivia. He also wasn't a hippocrit like soem other revolutionary leaders.

[bed_of_nails]

Che is one of the many faces of leftism, and was picked by the owner of this site for a personal reason I assume.

Che became a doctor, traveled around South America aiding people in need, and eventually decided to help wage revolutions. This act eventually lead to his death and "martyrdom" for leftists.

He was a leftist who sacraficed his life for the cause.

[ComradeOm]

Che is pretty much the "martyr" or "poster boy" of the left. A man who had it all but threw it away to incite revolution throughout the world. Which eventually led to his death in the jungles of Bolivia. Furthermore his personality was incredibility powerful - forceful, brave and, of course, handsome. He remains the ideal revolutionary. Plus there was always *that* picture

Of course the man had his downsides. Few can claim that he made any significant contributions to Marxist theory, his accomplishments after the revolution in Cuba weren't tremendous successes and he left behind only one successful, and undemocratic, revolution.

Che was also the first "New Man" of socialism. Dedicated to the cause, he'd often spend his weekends doing volunteer work and claimed that it was the most fulfilling way to spend his time. Nothing meant more to him than the revolution and he hated the capitalists with a burning passion. After the revolution the man had no qualms whatsoever about ordering the executions of a hundred plus prisoners.

Read the book and a fascinating character will no doubt emerge.

[Karl Marx's Camel]

Plus there was always *that* picture

I find that picture overrated. Don't get me wrong; It's a great picture, but there are other picture that personally bring just as much, if not more feelings.

Cuba:

http://www.socialnerve.org/che/che09_small.jpg

http://www.socialnerve.org/che/che21_small.jpg

http://www.socialnerve.org/che/chesov007_small.jpg

In the Congo:

http://www.deboutcongolais.info/images/che_2congo1965.jpg

http://www.socialnerve.org/che/congo005_small.jpg

Other:
http://www.companeroche.com/uploads/pics/che-horse.jpg

http://www.hastasiempre.it/che/biografia/foto/pag105.jpg


his accomplishments after the revolution in Cuba weren't tremendous successes and he left behind only one successful, and undemocratic, revolution.

Disputable. However, I agree with you somewhat.



Of course the man had his downsides. Few can claim that he made any significant contributions to Marxist theory,

Have you made any contributions to marxist theory?

People seem to think that "great figures" like Che are supposed to be perfect; That they are different from us. Well, perhaps some, if not most of them are a little different, but they are human beings, just like us. If you complain about Che not making any contributions to Marxist theory, I suggest you also criticize everyone on this board for the same thing.

NWOG :)

[ComradeOm]

Originally posted by [email protected] 1 2005, 10:55 AM

Of course the man had his downsides. Few can claim that he made any significant contributions to Marxist theory,

Have you made any contributions to marxist theory?

People seem to think that "great figures" like Che are supposed to be perfect; That they are different from us. Well, perhaps some, if not most of them are a little different, but they are human beings, just like us. If you complain about Che not making any contributions to Marxist theory, I suggest you also criticize everyone on this board for the same thing.

NWOG :)
Am I the face of revolution? ;) I realise that Che was just a man but I do find it odd that some continue to rank him alongside the likes of Marx, Engels or Lenin. At the end of the day his contributions to the worldwide workers cause are limited compared to those three. Of course I do consider him to be a model revolutionairy but we do have to keep some perspective on things.

Of course, this being the left, everyone has their own opinion and feels free to shout it as loud as they can :P

As for the picture, would it be far fetched to claim that its the most famous image of the last century?

[comradesteele]

a lot of his appeal is i think he looks great on a t shirt visually. (not saying anything about should it be on a t shirt or anything ) those pictures you posted were nice but not great t shirt material (well not as great as the che picture)

[Clarksist]

I greatly admire Che.

However, one key factor no one has mentioned is that the timing of Che, was a major reason he is so idolized.

He fought in a revolution while the Hippy generation was growing up, and once the Hippies became, well, Hippies, Che had thrown away his chance at government power to fight yet another revolution, that would be his last.

He died fighting for what he believed in at a time when a whole generation was waking up to the horrors of Capitalism.

[Comrade Corinna]

Not to mention, Che was one sexy commie!

[Fidel Follower]

Please do not forget Che was one of the many faces of the revolution, he helped the revolution and fought for it but he was not the only one!

If it wasnt for the people of Cuba the revolution would have never worked, dont forget what he said "I am not a liberator, Liberators do not exist, The people liberate themselves"

Im not condeming what people have said, i just want you all to remember that. And, Yes, the revolution needed a face and ches was ideal! Hopefully when you see "the" picture of che it should make you feel proud and it sould remind you of what people like him started and people like us have to finish. :hammer: