Semantics in Politics

[vision]

dot let them define us

I dont lik being called a leftist or a Liberal or an anarchist
but thats exactly what I believe in

the ruling class is called the "right" which begs its opposition to be thought of as "wrong"
and even if you use the title "left" the phrase "out in left field" comes to mind.

"Liberal" as term has be vilified so heavily by media that its to be avoided in my book. but the word "free" is always considered good and is close in meaning.

People tend to associate "anarchism" with a mad-max type set up. "Minimal government" or something along those lines may be more effective

I'd like to see our vocabulary have a public relations make over

I personally refer to republicans across the board as neo-cons. I think this is good because it has a symantic correlation to "neo-nazi" and the word "con" both negative.

Actually I think if the Communist movement in america would be much more succesfull if its name were the "Community Party" same platform and everything

I think we should be concious of the words we use and their effect on the thought of average people

[Forward Union]

Well, this reminds me of when people suggest changing the word "communism" to avoid the stigma.

But when you think about it, the ruling class wont like the idea no matter what its called, and will be quick to publicly label your movement "communist". Not only will you still be looked on as a communist, but a liar, who tried to cover his/her identity.

As for being more careful, it wont hurt. Many people I know don't put themselves into a category. They simply express their ideas, to put yourself into a category they claim, stops you from thinking for yourself, you must adopt all the ideas of that ideology.

I think that holds a lot of weight, and although I class myself as a Libertarian-Communist, or Anarcho-Communist. I often get called A Socialist, Anarchist, Marxist etc, And I don't mind, because I don't strictly fit into any ONE category.

[rioters bloc]

i've always been proud to be called left, because that's exactly what i am, and as its so broad i don't feel as though im being boxed in

ive always wondered if rightwingers referred to themselves as rightwing with equally as much pride

with the anarchist thing, its hard because anarchy has been incorporated into popular language as equating to chaos and disorder and bloodshed and the majority of people dont want to be told what its really about, mainly cos of fear i spose

liberal for me has bad connotations as in australia the liberal party is actually the one full of neocons and hardliners [the opposition is not much better]

if someone forced me to define myself id probably say anarcho-syndicalist, although im extremely wary of ascribing to any one particular ideology - i like to think for myself

[Nothing Human Is Alien]

I've been hearing more and more of this lately.

It reminds me of the situation in Cuba after the revolution.. everyone liked all the benefits they were receiving, but due to the intense anti-communist propaganda they were conditioned with, they word "communist" turned them off.

Also, I'm uncomfortable adopting a strategy that's being used by the neo-fascists (National Bolsheviks, et. al.).

[Forward Union]

Originally posted by CompaneroDeLibertad@Aug 31 2005, 11:59 AM
I've been hearing more and more of this lately.

It reminds me of the situation in Cuba after the revolution.. everyone liked all the benefits they were receiving, but due to the intense anti-communist propaganda they were conditioned with, they word "communist" turned them off.

Also, I'm uncomfortable adopting a strategy that's being used by the neo-fascists (National Bolsheviks, et. al.).

Yea, keep the names, but don't be so quick to define yourself.

[rioters bloc]

seems to me that you're the one playing into their semantics, by making such a big deal abt what is essentially nothing but an arrangement of letters or sounds.

just because the opposite of right is left and the opposite of right in a different context is wrong, doesnt mean that left = wrong at all

and besides, what about other languages where that isnt the case at all?

yes, i am a person, but i identify with leftist thought

some people find identity in nationality, religion, gender, sexuality

i find it in my politics

yes, words like 'anarchy' stir up imaged of bloodshed or chaos or whatever in people, but that was because the meaning was altered and appropriated into pop culture to mean disorder, not because the word itself was wrong in the first place. i say, let everyone go fuck themselves. or alternatively, rather than change a name/label/etc because it has supposedly bad connotations, change those connotations.

educate people.

[Clarksist]

But when you think about it, the ruling class wont like the idea no matter what its called, and will be quick to publicly label your movement "communist". Not only will you still be looked on as a communist, but a liar, who tried to cover his/her identity.

This is precisely my hesitation.

If we call ourselves something else, it won't be hard for everyone to see that we are communists.

I say, start with the radical youth, explaint to them what communism is. In a decade... you have a radicalized force moving into the workplace.

While most radical youths lose their "streak", many will stay to their beliefs.

Well, at least I'd hope so.