We're Communists in a Capitalist world

[Red Menace]

Well, this is something I have been struggling with for some time now, and I wanna know how you guys feel, and what you guys do. We are all Communists, socialsts, etc... living in a capitalist world. Well for those of us that live in the U.S at least. I don't have any progressivists to talk to about this, so I don't know how they handle it. What I wonder is how you guys believe in the things you do, but you still have to be a functioning member of society. How are you guys able to go to work in the system, and still have a clear conscience. How are you able to go to the market and contribute to the system and still feel good. I feel horrible anytime I do this, but I don't know my alternatives. I don't know what to do. Please help.

[YSR]

How are you "contributing to the system"?

If you are buying things, that's not "contributing" to anything, you are simply being part of the system. There's nothing wrong with being part of it. It is our role as "cogs" within the capitalist machine that gives us, as revolutionaries our power.

A lot of liberals say to me, "Why don't you just move out to the woods and do what you want?" Well, that's not going to do away with capitalism for my friends and neighbors, is it? Our role as revolutionaries is to actively oppose the system. We don't do that by dropping out of the systen. We do it by seizing the things that are ours by right.

You will never stop capitalism by moving to a commune in the woods. The owner class doesn't care if a few of us just drop out. If we start revolting from within, that's what will frighten them. We're not "extremists," we're workers. This shit is ours and I'll be damned if they keep it.

Should you endevour to do things yourself if you can? Sure, why not? It's cheaper and sometimes lots of fun. But if you gotta go to the grocery store, fuck man, go eat. That's not "selling out," to anyone but a liberal.

[Red Menace]

I don't know. That just confuses me. I just don't see how us participating in a capitalist society will help us. Elaborate, I'm confused

[YSR]

It's not that it will "help us," it will keep us alive!

There are questions of survival that we all need to deal with every day. We are workers, not owners. It's harder for us to just buy what we think is an ethical product.

Until a sustainable alternative to capitalism is created, we shouldn't feel bad about being part of it. If you live in an area where there is a thriving radical community and you can survive entirely without capitalism, go for it! However, as very few of these places exist, that is often impossible. When possible, yes, we should try to support non-capitalist ways of living. But when it's a choice between some expensive "fair trade" item and a mainstream "free trade" item, I look into my wallet and think hard.

[The Freewheelin' Tiger]

Originally posted by [email protected] 15 2006, 03:37 AM
We are all Communists, socialsts, etc... living in a capitalist world. Well for those of us that live in the U.S at least.
Well for one, the US is not the world. Anyhow, regarding us communists, socialists, etc, living in this capitalistic pit, heres my take on it: I can guarentee that the US will not be like this forever. Take a look at the age of the united states, we are still a very young nation and there is SO much room for change. It's like what YSR said, you can't change things by just dropping out, you gotta grab it by the horns. That's why the next generation is the key to ending capitalism, restoring our civil liberties, etc. That's the beauty of having democracy (albiet the term 'democracy' in the united states is quite skewed in this age): when the current generation in charge dies out, it's the next generation's job to take the reigns. All they have to do is take that sliver of democracy left and make it grow until the people really have a voice.

[Cryotank Screams]

Just fight for the Revolution, and don't let the horrors of the world hurt you, develop a thicker hide, and just look forward towards the red dawn.

[Ze]

Originally posted by Scarlet [email protected] 16 2006, 06:32 AM
Just fight for the Revolution, and don't let the horrors of the world hurt you, develop a thicker hide, and just look forward towards the red dawn.
err? :blink:

anyways...

When you do go buy stuff, try to stay educated on where and how those things are made. Avoid, boycott, protest brands that are blatant in abusing their workers and/or environment. Work for a place that isn't just about making a profit for the boss or shareholders by any means necessary. Talk to people about socialism/communism, you'll find many people who have the tendency to be a communist but just aren't aware of what communism is or simply have become complacent to the cards they've been dealt. Organize, volunteer, become active in the struggle in your time off. Enjoy your life the way you want to.

[lithium]

Originally posted by [email protected] 22 2006, 01:55 PM
Talk to people about socialism/communism, you'll find many people who have the tendency to be a communist but just aren't aware of what communism is or simply have become complacent to the cards they've been dealt.
Exactly! So many random people I've talked to complain about wages, the state of public services, corrupt politicians, and an incompetent government. They basically tell me they want a government that ensures the welfare of the proletariat, they want to be paid decently and fairly and not be ripped off by capitalist corporations. But they don't realise that this is left-wing thinking, and when I say that this is Communist/Socialist/Anarchist they get all defensive and tell me how Communism is all dictators and poverty.

How can I educate them? How can I let them know that they're already on the path to the Revolution?