I think the name "Bolshevik-Leninist" is kind of redundant. Lenin was a Bolshevik and Bolshevism was largely the ideology influenced by Lenin. "Trotskyist" (nothing against comrade Trotsky) seems to put to much on one man. The name "Bolshevik-Leninist" leaves out our primary influence: Marxism. I hereby assert that we Trotskyists, of all shapes and sizes, come to call ourselves "Marxist-Bolsheviks." Lenin and Trotsky were Bolsheviks, and we are Marxists as well, of course. It also gives credence to Trotsky's "Bolshevism and Stalinism." Which separates the two, and in fact Stalin himself came to disassociate with the name when he was in power.
no more names please. we arent like those maoists with their marxism-leninism-maoism-gonzalo bullshit besides, who cares about names? they are the basis of sectarianism, or even worse violence IRL. we trots are the jews of communism
What about 'Bolshevik Marxist-Leninists'?
we trots are the jews of communism Can I put that in my Sig?
of course
terminology is useful to a point. I generally prefer to describe my politics as Bolshevism, but revolutionary socialist, sometimes communist and, at times, even Trotskyist (or Leninist) are useful labels. Agreed that we don't need to go down the weird road that maoism has traveled in the "name game."
Let's call ourselves ultra-communists and take everyone by surprise.
I can live with 'Anti-dialectical Marxists', but I suspect few will agree with me.
We should call ourselves, Tim.
What be wit dis 'Marxist-Bolshevists' shiznit? Trotgoats 4 lyfe yo.
Recognizing our Bolshevik heritage is essential, but calling ourselfes Bolsheviks (or in correct russian Bosheviki i e "Majority") is redundant. I usually call myself a revolutionary socialist, if I have specify further Marxist, and if I have specify yet further a trotskyist. I think, given the collapse of reformism, reclaiming the term "socialist", in most countries at least, will not be that hard. I also like foxtrot.
Lets put it to a vote. So far, mine is for Tim
I can live with 'Anti-dialectical Marxists', but I suspect few will agree with me. Rosa, please, not here. I'm begging you.
I'm voting for Trotgoats. Didn't KC call himself one? Where the hell did he go, anyway?
I was going to suggest "Bob", but perhaps that name has already been taken by another tendency. In that case how about "revolutionary socialists?"
how bouts revolutionary communists?
Bolshevism arose in a particular set of national historical circumstances, and I don't see much point in trying to ape it -- other than leading a successful workers revolution... The FIers and post IS folks here usually call themselves revolutionary socialists. In certain circles I do refer to myself as a revolutionary communist -- the problem with that is the RCP-USA. Figuring out a proper label is less important than actual theory and practice. It also gives credence to Trotsky's "Bolshevism and Stalinism." Which separates the two, and in fact Stalin himself came to disassociate with the name when he was in power. Stalin was a Bolshevik long before Trotsky was.
Stalin was a Bolshevik long before Trotsky was. Plus, I don't think Trotsky ever really understood Bolshevism. Most of the groups that continue on in his name certainly don't seem to do so. Bolshevism was a lot more open and multi-tendency than your average Trotskyist organization. The discipline in such groups is far tighter, with a strict democratic centralism that was unknown in the Bolsheviks until after the November Revolution. Which is what the Maoists, Stalinists, and Hoxhaists have all got wrong too.
My vote is for Ultra left revisionist trolls.
My vote is for Ultra left revisionist trolls. "YOU'RE SO CRAAAZY!"
If I had a tongue like that ...
haha ultra communists!! Yes! Either that or Marxist-leninist-trotskyist-socialist
In fact, we should call ourselves "Bolschismatic Sectarians" since it's the only thing we are all good at -- although some are much better at this than others.
the organisation i'm in isn't sectarian :/ look up socialist organiser, it's the U.S. Branch of the 4th.
^^^I'm glad to hear it, but I remain sceptical.
I usually just say Marxist of the Trotskyist tendency. Sometimes Bolshevik-Leninist like LD did. We had an interesting discussion on democratic centralism just a couple of weeks ago in my workers power group. I don't see it as that restrictive myself.
