• Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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    4 months ago

    Because every proletariat revolution has resulted in equality and not a speed run to mass poverty… Why would it work this time? When has it ever worked in reality? Where’s the beautiful shining example of Marxist success?

    Cuba, the USSR, PRC, etc. All resulted in vastly improved conditions with respect to their previous conditions. Cuba was a fascist slave society, Russia was under the underdeveloped tyranny of the Tsar, and China was run by Nationalists and had been colonized for a century. In the USSR and PRC, life expectancy doubled.

    If your current understanding is that society was fine and dandy, and then became worse after implementing Socialism, then you really need to open a history book. Life certainly didn’t become amazing and perfect, but life did get better gradually after overthrowing their brutal previous conditions.

    Let’s copy that now. (I can’t find an example of it).

    What do you mean by this? There are AES states like Cuba today.

    When do you realize revolution is an acceleration of entropy in society.

    There’s no “entropy” in society, society is not made up of “energy.” Revolution is a consequence of unsustainable conditions, like previously shown.

    You’re proposing to bloodlet society and end up with less for the people, and more for the rich.

    How? Please explain what this means. I am advocating for democratically controlling production so that it can service the needs and wants of the people, rather than wealthy Capitalists as it does in curreny society.

    • Mjpasta710
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      4 months ago

      As I mentioned, the examples of this working out in real life. Not so good. The USSR, currently dissolved and not a model I’d be interested in emulating. The folks I know who lived in it don’t want it back either.

      Cuba, I’d say they had equality for citizens which they don’t, not a good example either.

      China… Really?? Marxism? Really?? We’re glossing over Mao Zedong and a history of mass murder.

      “The truths of Marxism are myriad, but it all comes down to one line: ‘Rebellion is justified!’” When the CCP was waging revolution and still trying to gain national power, this statement was a powerful shot in the arm. Once it became the ruling party, to bring this up again was to invite revolt against itself. That was exactly what happened in the Cultural Revolution. Its result was catastrophic, because Mao as a revolutionary was unable to make the transition from “breaking” to “making”. He once claimed: “There is no making without breaking. The making is in the breaking.” But that was just revolutionary romanticism misaligned with reality. In truth, it is much harder to “make” than to “break”. Source - https://www.thinkchina.sg/politics/new-paradigm-needed-china-cannot-achieve-common-prosperity-marxism-and-class-struggle

      You’re expressing wonderful ideals.

      They don’t seem to line up with the execution in the real world though.

      My argument is that it won’t and hasn’t ever.

      When a developer writes a program that doesn’t do what it’s supposed to, it gets rewritten. Marxists just keep trying the same philosophy. Maybe if we murder more people it’ll work.

      • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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        4 months ago

        As I mentioned, the examples of this working out in real life. Not so good. The USSR, currently dissolved and not a model I’d be interested in emulating. The folks I know who lived in it don’t want it back either.

        This is nothing but anecdotal evidence and a blanket claim that the USSR was bad just because it was illegally dissolved. Although it varies from State to State, the majority of residents polled in former-Soviet countries approved of the USSR and wished for it to remain.

        Cuba, I’d say they had equality for citizens which they don’t, not a good example either.

        Genuinely, what do you mean by this? They have far better quality of life metrics like life expectancy, and more democratic means to sway things than they did under Batista and fascist slavery. It has a more progressive LGBT legal code than America does these days.

        China… Really?? Marxism? Really?? We’re glossing over Mao Zedong and a history of mass murder.

        China is currently Dengist, ie practices Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. If you want to read about it, consider reading China has Billionaires. The PRC shifted away from Maoism, an evolution on Marxism-Leninism, after the Cultural Revolution. Despite the myriad failures of the Cultural Revolution, Life Expectancy still doubled under Mao, and there was a nearly totally equal redistribution of land from the landowners to the peasants.

        You’re expressing wonderful ideals.

        They don’t seem to line up with the execution in the real world though.

        My argument is that it won’t and hasn’t ever.

        You haven’t really made an argument yet, you’ve made blanket statements like “I don’t think so” and whatnot. You haven’t analyzed anything, and some of your points are directly disprovable with a quick google search, such as the bit on Cuba and the USSR.

        When a developer writes a program that doesn’t do what it’s supposed to, it gets rewritten. Marxists just keep trying the same philosophy. Maybe if we murder more people it’ll work.

        Again, false and vibes-based. Marxism has evolved over time, Marxist thinkers have introduced new analysis with existing theory. That’s why there’s even such a thing as Marxism-Leninism or Maoism.

        Additionally, you make it seem like Marxism is when you murder people, which outside of Revolution is historically false again.

        Do you have any real points, with supporting evidence, or are you content with just vibing your position?

        • Mjpasta710
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          4 months ago

          Do you have any real points, with supporting evidence, or are you content with just vibing your position?

          Yeah, I’m not trying to vomit a bunch of falsehoods at folks to try to make a point by point argument. I don’t think I need to write a book to make a point.

          You aren’t arguing in good faith. You’re ignoring facts and history.

          Murders don’t end in those countries because the revolution is ‘finished’. Anytime someone disagrees they have to be disappeared or reeducated.

          Is China such a success that they’re using hostages in China to threaten folks to keep their social media compliant with CCP ideals?

          https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/05/china-overseas-students-face-harassment-and-surveillance-in-campaign-of-transnational-repression/

          https://rsf.org/en/beaten-death-state-security-rsf-shocked-gruesome-murder-independent-journalist-china https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_August https://www.cato.org/blog/death-cuban-dissidents https://2017-2021.state.gov/chinas-disregard-for-human-rights/

          Do you have any argument that doesn’t involve a bloodletting of society?

          • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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            4 months ago

            Yeah, I’m not trying to vomit a bunch of falsehoods at folks to try to make a point by point argument. I don’t think I need to write a book to make a point.

            But you have been, as I proved.

            You aren’t arguing in good faith. You’re ignoring facts and history.

            Enlighten me. I have posted sources for my claims.

            Murders don’t end in those countries because the revolution is ‘finished’. Anytime someone disagrees they have to be disappeared or reeducated.

            Do they? Is that historically accurate? If by “disagreement” you mean collaboration with the Nazis or the fascist White Army, you’re deliberately obfuscating the facts.

            Is China such a success that they’re using hostages in China to threaten folks to keep their social media compliant with CCP ideals?

            China certainly isn’t perfect, not by any stretch. Don’t confuse support for Marxism for saying every single AES country is perfect in every way. That would be idealism, not Materialism. Overall though, the scope of harm committed by China pales in comparison to US and the rest of the West.

            Do you have any argument that doesn’t involve a bloodletting of society?

            Revolution will happen regardless of how we feel about it. Blaming the oppressed for turning against their oppressors instead of blaming the oppressors for creating the conditions for Revolution in the first place is victim blaming.

            Do you condemn Dessalines for the blood in history’s most successful Slave Revolt in Haiti?

            • Mjpasta710
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              4 months ago

              Oh so we’re moving on from the topic of a working example of Marxism then. Why because I posted some links on the topic?

              Overall though, the scope of harm committed by China pales in comparison to US and the rest of the West.

              You really went to what-about? I provided sources as to why they aren’t examples of working Marxism and you did a what about.

              I’m frustrated with trying to have a reasonable debate with people who think that they have the right to tell others what they can or cannot do. I don’t pretend I can tell others what to do. I don’t think our system is perfect. I’m not about to pretend that a revolution will end up better than where it started. Historically, it’s rare. Even when it happens, it doesn’t last.

              Revolutions are as inevitable as the people who are willing to cooperate to make things better allow. In other words, it’s completely evitable.

              I think treating folks fairly and not exploiting labor is a good idea. Marxism hasn’t led us there historically.

              • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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                4 months ago

                Oh so we’re moving on from the topic of a working example of Marxism then. Why because I posted some links on the topic?

                We aren’t moving from it, I don’t see what cherry-picking has to do with the subject at hand.

                You really went to what-about? I provided sources as to why they aren’t examples of working Marxism and you did a what about.

                No, you provided a single example of the CPC doing something bad in the context of a country with citizen approval of the CPC at 95.6%. It is important to compare the US and other non-Marxist states because your point appears to be that Capitalism is better than Marxism.

                I’m frustrated enough trying to have a reasonable debate with people who think that they have the right to tell others what they can or cannot do. I don’t pretend I can tell others what to do. I don’t think our system is perfect. I’m not about to pretend that a revolution will end up better than where it started. Historically, it’s rare. Even when it happens, it doesn’t last.

                What do you mean by saying I have the right to “tell others what they can or cannot do?” That doesn’t make any sense, are you arguing against the French Revolution, Haitian Revolution, etc.?

                Additionally, Revolution absolutely improved Cuba, Russia, Haiti, China, France, etc. You have to be arguing for fascist slavery, Tsarist Monarchy, colonial slavery, colonial nationalism, and monarchism to be better than what came after. I hope you aren’t a fascism or slavery supporter.

                Revolutions are as inevitable as the people who are willing to cooperate to make things better allow. In other words, it’s completely evitable.

                Capitalism itself decays over time, conditions get worse. The Capitalist class will not willingly hand over the reigns and improve society via giving up power.

                I think treating folks fairly and not exploiting labor is a good idea. Marxism hasn’t led us there historically.

                It has.

                • Mjpasta710
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                  4 months ago

                  We aren’t moving from it, I don’t see what cherry-picking has to do with the subject at hand.

                  No, you provided a single example of the CPC doing something bad in the context of a country with citizen approval of the CPC at >95.6%. It is important to compare the US and other non-Marxist states because your point appears to be that Capitalism is better >than Marxism.

                  My argument is that violent revolution doesn’t seem to work out as well as advertised, especially with Marxism. The Chinese revolution killed millions of people, many who were innocent. All to end up with an oligarchy ruling over them and fabricating statistics.

                  Who is cherry picking? Everyone knows that China’s economic data is much worse than the official numbers. Just how big are the lies?

                  Abstract: China’s statistics are widely viewed as unreliable…

                  What do you mean by saying I have the right to “tell others what they can or cannot do?” That doesn’t make any sense, are you >arguing against the French Revolution, Haitian Revolution, etc.?

                  By Tell others, I mean just that. Marxism may have started out wonderfully ideal. In reality if you express opinions outside of the acceptable party lines - You are silenced or worse. This is true of all of your examples of Marxism.

                  China From the Report: “The government continued to systematically target human rights defenders…”

                  Cuba From the Report: “Surveillance and harassment of activists, opponents, journalists and artists continued to be widespread. Arbitrary detention and criminal processes without fair trial guarantees remained common and people deprived of liberty faced harsh prison conditions.”

                  Definitely not telling folks what to do. Definitely Ideals to hold up in arguments.

                  I’m concerned for America too. I didn’t hold them up as an ideal. USA

                  The French Revolution didn’t kill its intended targets. Except for that whole mishap, totally worked out. They punished the wrong people and led to a decent system for a while. (https://foreignpolicy.com/2017/02/01/why-is-france-so-corrupt-fillon-macron-le-pen/)

                  The American Revolution seems good on paper. It worked for awhile. Citizens United is an issue to me. Admittedly didn’t read everything about the Haitian revolution, though slaves(opressed) rising up against their opressors has a bit of schadenfreude in it for me.

                  Those didn’t end up in regimes that are not (at least temporarily) governed by their people.

                  Additionally, Revolution absolutely improved Cuba, Russia, Haiti, China, France, etc. You have to be arguing for fascist slavery, Tsarist >Monarchy, colonial slavery, colonial nationalism, and monarchism to be better than what came after. I hope you aren’t a fascism or >slavery supporter.

                  I disagree that revolution has resulted in the best possible position for Cuba, Russa, China and other Marxist regimes you’ve held up.

                  As stated, I’m not for telling people what to do. Doesn’t seem as if you asked, but I’m against slave labor, authoritarianism, patriarchies, colonialism, corporotocracy and feudalism. Not all revolutions have ended poorly, they have almost all been very bloody.

                  Capitalism itself decays over time, conditions get worse. The Capitalist class will not willingly hand over the reigns and improve >society via giving up power.

                  Capitalism never died in the places you think Marxism ruled.

                  It has.

                  Thanks for providing the wonderful shining examples of: Russia(what remains of the USSR), China, & Cuba.

                  • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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                    4 months ago

                    My argument is that violent revolution doesn’t seem to work out as well as advertised, especially with Marxism. The Chinese revolution killed millions of people, many who were innocent. All to end up with an oligarchy ruling over them and fabricating statistics.

                    This is false. The Chinese Revolution against the Nationalists was bloody, yes, but was caused by Nationalist oppression. What they have now is a functional state with high approval ratings (and no evidence shown of fabricated approval ratings or oligarchy on your part). They aren’t perfect, but they are much better off.

                    Articles from Salon and Cambridge, both of which include vast and thorough references like English Bankers saying “I don’t believe the numbers.” Lmao

                    By Tell others, I mean just that. Marxism may have started out wonderfully ideal. In reality if you express opinions outside of the acceptable party lines - You are silenced or worse. This is true of all of your examples of Marxism.

                    This happens under Capitalism, to a worse degree.

                    Definitely not telling folks what to do. Definitely Ideals to hold up in arguments.

                    You’re using Amnesty.org as a resource, a far-right think-tank. This doesn’t look better for you.

                    I disagree that revolution has resulted in the best possible position for Cuba, Russa, China and other Marxist regimes you’ve held up.

                    With nothing to support your claims, of course, just your latent chauvanism, where you think you have an “enlightened western brain” rather than letting countries govern themselves.

                    As stated, I’m not for telling people what to do. Doesn’t seem as if you asked, but I’m against slave labor, authoritarianism, patriarchies, colonialism, corporotocracy and feudalism.

                    Except you did defend them against improvements like Marxism.

                    Capitalism never died in the places you think Marxism ruled

                    It was drastically reduced or outright eliminated, and these countries are better for it.

                    More Amnesty.org links, more western chauvanism, it’s clear you’ll continue batting for fascists.

    • Mjpasta710
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      4 months ago

      How? Please explain what this means. I am advocating for democratically controlling production so that it can service the needs and wants of the people, rather than wealthy Capitalists as it does in curreny society.

      You’re advocating revolution, if I’m reading your words correctly.

      That involves a radical restructuring of society. You’re advocating violently modifying the roles of individuals to fit your new goals. That has historically and always involved a bloodletting.

      As I understand it Marxism is about being authoritarian in government (telling people what to do, and punishing those who don’t comply) and ensuring via government that resources are equally distributed. This concentrates power among the ruling elite. Historically, this continues the corruption it claims to end. So, what I’m saying essentially - that Marxism is a neat philosophy - It doesn’t line up with reality or achieve its stated goals.

      It does kill all the dissenting opinions and create the echo chamber that has consistently been corrupted and hasn’t stood the test of time.

      So if there’s to be a bloodletting. Let it begin with those asking for it, first.

      • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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        4 months ago

        You’re advocating revolution, if I’m reading your words correctly.

        That involves a radical restructuring of society. You’re advocating violently modifying the roles of individuals to fit your new goals. That has historically and always involved a bloodletting.

        I’m advocating for Marxism. Revolution will happen regardless, Capitalism continues to decay and conditions for the Proletariat continue to crumble. Marxists should do their best to make sure this revolution is equitable for the people and democratic in nature, rather than be co-opted by fascists.

        As I understand it Marxism is about being authoritarian in government (telling people what to do, and punishing those who don’t comply) and ensuring via government that resources are equally distributed. This concentrates power among the ruling elite. Historically, this continues the corruption it claims to end. So, what I’m saying essentially - that Marxism is a neat philosophy - It doesn’t line up with reality or achieve its stated goals.

        You’re wrong on quite a few things here.

        1. Marxism is about having a Democratic Worker-State. All governments “tell people what to do and punish those who don’t comply,” even Anarchists. There were forced labor camps in Revolutionary Catalonia.

        2. Marxism is not about even or equal distribution of resources. Marxism is about meeting everyones needs with what is produced as best as possible. People have unequal needs and unequal contributions.

        3. This does not “concentrate power around the ruling elite.” It’s a shift from power in the hands of Capitalists to power in the hands of the Workers.

        4. There is corruption in AES states, yes, but this is not “the same corruption,” not even close. Capitalist states function via corruption, and anti-corruption policies are extremely popular in AES countries.

        Marxism does line up with reality and does meet its goals, you have been wrong at every line and supported it with your feelings, not supporting evidence.

        It does kill all the dissenting opinions and create the echo chamber that has consistently been corrupted and hasn’t stood the test of time.

        It allows dissenting opinions, just not the resurgence of Capitalism, just like now we do not allow Monarchists to retake power. Marxism has also withstood the test of time.

        So if there’s to be a bloodletting. Let it begin with those asking for it, first.

        More vibes and unclear positions.

        • Mjpasta710
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          4 months ago

          More vibes and unclear positions.

          A person doesn’t have to have a clear position or solution to know that something isn’t right. This revolution you’re expecting, when does it start?

          • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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            4 months ago

            The Revolution starts when the Material Conditions call for it. Imperialism is weakening, and more countries in the Global South are turning their backs on the US and trying to develop themselves.

            • Mjpasta710
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              4 months ago

              I see. I’ll keep waiting for that to happen. I fully expect human nature to continue as it has.

              Please make sure you are ready to be the first since this is your ideal. The grinder needs meat to keep going.

              History will continue to repeat itself as it has.

              • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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                4 months ago

                I see. I’ll keep waiting for that to happen. I fully expect human nature to continue as it has.

                What is “human nature?” More vibes and no facts.

                Please make sure you are ready to be the first since this is your ideal. The grinder needs meat to keep going.

                I truly wish Revolution could be avoided, but just like the Kings of Feudalism, Capitalists will continue to extract and brutalize the working class until it can sustain itself no longer. I would like to survive, of course, but it doesn’t change what will happen.

                History will continue to repeat itself as it has.

                For better and for worse.