How to reach People?

[Outlier]

I have been a communist for about 7 months. Here lately I have been trying to reech out to people. One of my main points I bring up is What do you know about communism. Most people don't know one thing about it; except one thing they hate it. I know the American Government dosn't want it to be tought in the school systems. I've tried to get them to read the manifesto, but in the back of my mind I don't think that is good enough. I've tried to pass out some home made study guides outside the republican office, and i nearlly got arrested. It seems their is no such thing as free speech now a days. So if you could give me some ideas I would be grateful.

[Red Menace]

Unfortunetly Comrade, as I have learned you will find very few sympathizers for our cause. The only way people will sympathize, is if they are educated, or will are going to get educated. If the masses are not educated, they will go on making ignorant statements and continue to hate something they know nothing about. But then again, there are those that are ignorant and join our cause out of pure ignorance. I suggest sitting down with a person or two *not too many or else they can gang up on you* and explain to them what communism is. Explain why you believe it. Prepare for a fight, remember capitalist/bourgeois propaganda has been been pounded into their brains, and that is all that they know. But if you have the gift of the silver tongue, you might have a follower or two.

Good luck comrade :)

[BreadBros]

In general I've found that simply passing out pamphlets or sheets isn't the most efficient way to get the word out. Its not very efficient, people will ignore you, or take your sheet and not read it etc., its difficult for people to take it seriously. As you point out, it could also lead to you getting in trouble, which is not worth it for whatever gains passing out pamphlets may bring. I would stick to talking to fellow students, co-workers, and individuals such as that, who you know. Reading a whole book like The Manifesto is a big commitment and not everyone is willing to take it, maybe you can try some of the pamphlets at www.prole.info which are simpler and more basic (the ones in the 'Work' section at least).

[RedCommieBear]

It's apparent that anyone saying the word communist in a discussion is going to be ignored and ridiculed. I think when you're talking to people for the first time about communism, try to ease them into it. Personally, I use the term "workplace democracy" instead of "communism" or "socialism". Try explaining things to people issue-by-issue (Wealth redistribution, poverty, profit, etc.)

Also, while socialism will never be won through the Co-Op movement, I think it is a great way of introducing concepts like the democratic workplace.

[Don't Change Your Name]

The problem, kid, is that by making yourself look like someone who is trying to convert people to a religion, you're forgetting to point out why is it relevant for people to understand such things as the so called "revolutionary politics". Most people have no time for that "evil commie crap" so they will see you as a wacko or a utopian.

[black magick hustla]

Don't say you are a communist.

Just, throw subtle radical analysis of situations when you discuss the news with your friends etc, and you will suprisingly find that many are receptive to your ideas.

Do not speak with marxist jargon, that doesn't works.

If you find that someone is particularly receptive, lend him some communist literature.