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Sand Castle
14th November 2008, 03:07
Propaganda might not be the best word. I don't want to use the word "convert" because it sounds too religious. I'm sure you know what I mean though. Anyway...

When we try to get people to join our ranks (this thread isn't strictly for one ideology), what should we do? Should we give news coverage from a radical perspective? Should we defend our movements' history from capitalist lies? Should we state what we want, and think is best, for society? Or should we do a combination of all of these?

The reason I think these methods should be discussed and analyzed isn't because I'm super ignorant. I was recently told that defending the past from lies is a good idea, but I should focus more on now and the future. I was pretty much told to not care about history.

My mind has never really worked like anyone else's. What technique do you think is best? I like the idea of a combination of techniques. Things always work better with a team effort though. Which leads me to the next paragraph.

Which means of communication are best to use? Regular blogs, video sharing websites, or things like Myspace (which has everything)? If one was to set up a blog, how many people do you think would visit? I have noticed that only friends of the blogger visit the blog. The opposite occurs on video sharing websites. So are things like MySpace, as overrated and immature as they may seem, good places to "propagandize" online?

I'm sure we can all agree that getting out into the real world, into the streets, protests, etc is the best way. But we can't always do that, and that will mainly affect local areas only. Offline action is great, but online action shouldn't be underestimated.

We should also concentrate a little on spreading our ideas to school websites like teachertube.com because we will get a willing-to-learn audience. Also, it can't hurt to "get them while they're young." I hear that works.

Please share your thoughts.

The Garbage Disposal Unit
18th November 2008, 18:30
I find the best way to turn people on to radical politics, is involve them in radical projects that can have a direct impact on their lives. At the same time, radical projects work most effectively when they do just that - mobilize people to meet their own needs, and involve radicalism in their daily lives. I don't think one should actively try to hide their political perspective, but actions speak louder than words, and the best leadership is by example (and ten people who've never heard the word "anarchy" taking part in a community garden, or free store, or blockade, or whateva is way better than thirty self-proclaimed anarchists sitting on the couch). By talking to people about issues in their communities, by educating them about specific struggles, you can educate them, and establish lines of communication and honest relationships of mutual trust.
All the the pamphlets in the world can't call somebody out on their shit like a friend can - and that's what matters! I'm not saying we should stop handing out pamphlets, or putting up posters, or redistributing the fifty copies of The Chomsky Reader we knicked from Chapters, but all the literature in the world is just dead trees if people aren't actually coming together and doin' shit ... and it's the "doin' shit" that can really inspire people to read!
Don't "convert" - involve!

The Feral Underclass
18th November 2008, 21:50
VMC! I thought you were deaded...Long time no see's.

Organic Revolution
21st November 2008, 18:13
Use common language that is not exclusionary.
Build projects that directly affect their lives.
Print a newspaper with local news, with common language.
Dont be a communist, be an Anarchist.:scared:

Poison
21st November 2008, 18:34
Documentaries are fun!

I'll never forget how my mom was completely open to me being a Communist just after watching "The Corporation". Really a great low-key way to open the eyes of others without really showing yourself as a Communist.