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Does one have to be an iconoclast or revolutionary these days to be validly left? I consider myself to be left of center, and very much in favor of progressive policies. (lemmy.dbzer0.com)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by Melatonin@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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However I find myself being disagreed with quite often, mostly for not advocating or cheering violence, "by any means possible" change, or revolutionary tactics. It would seem that I'm not viewed as authentically holding my view unless I advocate extreme, violent, or radical action to accomplish it.

Those seem like two different things to me.

Edit: TO COMMUNISTS, ANARCHISTS, OR ANYONE ELSE CALLING FOR THE OVERTHROW OF SOCIETY

THIS OBVIOUSLY ISN'T MEANT FOR YOU.

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[–] BoxedFenders@hexbear.net 27 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

If capitalism itself has been identified as the root of the problem, what other solution is there except overthrowing it completely? Do you prefer applying temporary bandaids indefinitely?

[–] Asafum@feddit.nl 2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

My comment wasn't so much endorsing it's continued existence, but more exasperation as the thought of an individual having any impact on pretty much the entire world is quite the stretch.

We can learn as much as we like about the alternatives, but making it happen requires action by many many many many people. We can't even get "libs" in the US to come together on some of the "simplest" shit let alone getting enough people to change the global economic system that gives such mind boggling power to the ultra wealthy.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 20 points 2 months ago

My comment wasn't so much endorsing it's continued existence, but more exasperation as the thought of an individual having any impact on pretty much the entire world is quite the stretch.

Leftists discourage individual acts as Adventurism. The core through-line of Leftist thought is Mass Action, with differences on how to structure this.

We can learn as much as we like about the alternatives, but making it happen requires action by many many many many people. We can't even get "libs" in the US to come together on some of the "simplest" shit let alone getting enough people to change the global economic system that gives such mind boggling power to the ultra wealthy.

Both Anarchists and Marxists have ideas on how to have this happen, but they mostly boil down to advocacy for organizing and building Dual Power. You may wish to read The State and Revolution if you want to delve into a thorough theoretical text by a Marxist, but it may not make as much sense if you do not already have familiarity with Marxism in general.