It depends for me. The labels aren’t really useful if I don’t know the person. One kid I interacted with over a few months said enough in line with fascism that I call him that. Someone just telling me they’re communist, anarchist, liberal isn’t enough to really get their actual beliefs, given how much overlap and misuse of the terms there is. I will generally vibe with a more left leaning person, of course, so if any of those labels are used I’m like, cool, we’ll probably have good conversations. Even conservatives I’m opening up to. Republicans? My God. I blame my mental illnesses on that brain rot.
You have to learn to distinguish cool liberals, who are for individual freedom, democracy, progressive society; from the bad liberals who always side with private property against those things. The people in the first category are just confused; the people in the second category are actual class enemies. I acknowledge that these aren’t discreet categories and there will be some overlap, but winning people to your ideas slowly, over time – because these ideas are based in their material reality, which they need to test against their existing views – is the only way to get through to people. Sometimes the process is quicker, sometimes its slow, but its the only way to help people see the world for what it really is, and that together we can actually bring the fight to the ruling class.
It is frustrating in almost every way! I can summon a lot of optimism for the project of socialism and the historic role of the working class; but when it comes to the day to day its too easy to get disillusioned. Its supposed to be disillusioning! The tragic reality in the west is that in our alienation, our exploitation appears to us as comfort. Hang in there and take care of yourself!
Liberalism is such a Boogeyman term on “the left.” Classical liberalism is very compatible with lib left ideals, and in many ways informs that philosophical lineage. Everyone gets wrapped up in the idea of private property being a core value, when it is really a corollary hanging off the core value of rights for the individual. Property or no property, the core idea is scarcity harm reduction. There are many ways to get there, and the best ones agree that licking some authoritarian boot is a terrible way to liberate people.
I’m not talking about “Liberalism”, I’m talking about “liberals”. They aren’t driving me crazy because of some obscure philosophical tenets, though “scarcity harm reduction” might do it.
I genuinely don’t know how to take this comment. Is it serious? Is it ironic? I’ve dealt with a lot of angry liberals today, so I feel it could be serious. On the other hand it’s giving ::Randy Marsh in handcuffs:: and so I think it might be a bit.
I vibe with both anarchists (cool, helpful) and communists (smart, boring). Liberals drive me crazier everyday.
It depends for me. The labels aren’t really useful if I don’t know the person. One kid I interacted with over a few months said enough in line with fascism that I call him that. Someone just telling me they’re communist, anarchist, liberal isn’t enough to really get their actual beliefs, given how much overlap and misuse of the terms there is. I will generally vibe with a more left leaning person, of course, so if any of those labels are used I’m like, cool, we’ll probably have good conversations. Even conservatives I’m opening up to. Republicans? My God. I blame my mental illnesses on that brain rot.
Crazy? I was crazy once. They locked me in a room. A room filled with Liberals. Liberals drive me crazy. Crazy? I was crazy once.
You have to learn to distinguish cool liberals, who are for individual freedom, democracy, progressive society; from the bad liberals who always side with private property against those things. The people in the first category are just confused; the people in the second category are actual class enemies. I acknowledge that these aren’t discreet categories and there will be some overlap, but winning people to your ideas slowly, over time – because these ideas are based in their material reality, which they need to test against their existing views – is the only way to get through to people. Sometimes the process is quicker, sometimes its slow, but its the only way to help people see the world for what it really is, and that together we can actually bring the fight to the ruling class.
I agree with pretty much everything you’ve said. I still get frustrated sometimes though!
It is frustrating in almost every way! I can summon a lot of optimism for the project of socialism and the historic role of the working class; but when it comes to the day to day its too easy to get disillusioned. Its supposed to be disillusioning! The tragic reality in the west is that in our alienation, our exploitation appears to us as comfort. Hang in there and take care of yourself!
Thanks, friendo! You too :)
Liberalism is such a Boogeyman term on “the left.” Classical liberalism is very compatible with lib left ideals, and in many ways informs that philosophical lineage. Everyone gets wrapped up in the idea of private property being a core value, when it is really a corollary hanging off the core value of rights for the individual. Property or no property, the core idea is scarcity harm reduction. There are many ways to get there, and the best ones agree that licking some authoritarian boot is a terrible way to liberate people.
I’m not talking about “Liberalism”, I’m talking about “liberals”. They aren’t driving me crazy because of some obscure philosophical tenets, though “scarcity harm reduction” might do it.
Oh I’m sorry have a offended you by being PRO LIBERTY? No, you know what? Stop posting then since you hate liberty so much
I genuinely don’t know how to take this comment. Is it serious? Is it ironic? I’ve dealt with a lot of angry liberals today, so I feel it could be serious. On the other hand it’s giving ::Randy Marsh in handcuffs:: and so I think it might be a bit.
No what’s ironic is you taking that liberty to reply