The ones who have read theory, done the organizing, built up the party structure. The Black Panther Party was an example of a Vanguard, they were the ones doing direct organizing, feeding children, doing good work for their community while developing strong theoretical backgrounds.
Not everyone has read theory. When Marxists say "advanced" among the Working Class, we are referring to the ones that actually take theory seriously and help educate others, the Union Leaders that may not be Marxists but are well-practiced in labor organizing, and so forth. Not every member of the working class exists in the same conditions, the same understanding, the same experience with organizing, so it's the role of the more experienced to help guide the less experienced.
If I'm being honest, I think you latched onto "advanced" as icky because you're already hostile to Marxism by virtue of adopting Anarchism. I feel that this is unwarranted, honestly. What word would you have had me say? "Elite?" Surely not. "Experienced?" Maybe, would that help convey what I am saying?
What turned you away from Marxism and into Anarchism? I don't think any Marxists consider Marxism to be "auth," rather, the centralizing of all property in the public sector allows for actual democratic participation.
When you said "bookmarked," were you referring to everything in the post, or one specific part? I'm the author of the linked Introductory Reading List so I can answer any questions you have regarding it.
Secondly, I'd recommend avoiding Capital until later in your theory career, but a good copy of Volume 1 can be found here.
Have you checked out my reading list (linked in the post body)? I believe I did a good job within the constraints of a Lemmy post, character limit and all, but am open to suggestions.
@TheOubliette@lemmy.ml already gave a fantastic answer regarding Occupy, Arab Spring, and BLM, so I'll answer your edit instead. I know you're an Anarchist, but I really do recommend reading at least the basics of Marxist theory. If you're going to organize, you're going to run into Marxists eventually, and it will be useful to understand what we believe and why. I wrote an Introductory Marxist-Leninist Reading List (also referenced in the post itself), and am willing to answer any questions you have.
What do you mean when you say "you have to have leaders" but in the same breath say "not let them succumb to vanguardism?" The Vanguard is the most advanced of the working class helping to organize and lead social change with the direct participation and consent of the masses, which part of that do you take issue with?
I understand that you have Anarchist sympathies, I myself was once an Anarchist, but I don't really see what you're trying to criticize here. What about "vanguardism" should be opposed if you also believe in leaders?
This sounds like a case of just fearing the associations with vanguardism and not with the structure and practical aspects themselves, which ultimately is a problem of aesthetics and not material reality. I could be wrong, which is why I'm asking.
Absolutely clownish for the US diplomats to take the high-ground over China here. The US has utterly failed to take a leading role in green energy and climate action, and is calling on China to do better? Ludicrous.
Yes, it would certainly be a great thing if both countries do more to speed up the reduction of emissions and converting to green energy, but the US has failed miserably while China has not, so far.
Gam*rs need reeducation.
If only, we'd already be at lower-stage Communism globally if that were the case.
Liberalism is the ideological backbone of Capitalism. Capitalists are Capital owners, not just supporters of Capitalism.
They mostly make them for themselves as far as I know.
Even people actively living in Capitalism take courses on Capitalism.
What's considered "Human Nature" changes based on the Mode of Production.
Secondly, I have no idea what you're talking about when you say everyone needs to be drugged to be "held in check." What on Earth are you talking about? If you don't know what Communism is, you can try my Introductory Marxist-Leninist reading guide, Principles of Communism in section 1 should give you a great base.
On the contrary, cessation of the profit motive allows for Humanity to reach beyond. Personal ambitions can become the prime want in life, no longer pipe dreams.
What do you think Communism is? If you don't know what Communism is, you can try my Introductory Marxist-Leninist reading guide, Principles of Communism in section 1 should give you a great base.
Xi "slammed" for being... exactly what he always said he was? He has a doctorate in Marxism, and the CPC is still Marxist-Leninist, what did Fox think they were cooking?
Good write-up, comrade, and thanks for the shout-out! I have seen some comrades make talking point flashcards for easy linking.
I think you need to take a step back and think for a moment. Putin and Xi exist in entirely different economic systems, Putin in a Neoliberal Capitalist economy and Xi in a Socialist Market Economy, calling both "fascist" just displays ignorance towards what makes up fascism. I recommend reading Blackshirts and Reds by Dr. Michael Parenti.
Secondly, calling yourself "an actual Leftist" and using the word "tankie" without irony is goofy. Marxism is a real branch of Leftism, Anarchism doesn't have a monopoly on Leftist politics. If you want to learn more about Marxism, I made an introductory reading list on Marxism-Leninism. It even has Blackshirts and Reds in section 1.
Thirdly, the idea that Marxists "kiss the ass" of Xi and Putin is silly. Going against the western narrative doesn't mean worshipping anything going against it.
Really, all this reads as you trying to avoid having to tackle with Leftist ideas and stay in the bubble of liberalism.
The fact that you think voting only takes an hour is proof that you have a highly privledged view of elections.
Secondly, I repeat, by turning your hatred towards disaffected victims of the oppressive system we live in, rather than the perpetuants of the system and the system itself, is a lost cause. What's your goal? To get one or two more people to vote? Why not get the Democrats to actually run on popular policy, encouraging tens of millions more to vote? By failing to analyze problems correctly, you fail to come up with solutions.
Russian Bootlicker? In what way? Are you just trying to invent ways to not actually deal with Leftist analysis? Go for it, try to argue against a Leftist.
"Without Revolutionary theory, there can be no Revolutionary Movement."
— Vladimir Lenin, What is to be Done? | Audiobook
It's time to read theory, comrades! As Lenin says, "Despair is typical of those who do not understand the causes of evil, see no way out, and are incapable of struggle." Marxism-Leninism is broken into 3 major components, as noted by Lenin in his pamphlet The Three Sources and Three Component Parts of Marxism: | Audiobook
-
Dialectical and Historical Materialism
-
Critique of Capitalism along the lines of Marx's Law of Value
-
Advocacy for Revolutionary and Scientific Socialism
As such, I created the following list to take you from no knowledge whatsoever of Leftist theory, and leave you with a strong understanding of the critical fundamentals of Marxism-Leninism in an order that builds up as you read. Let's get started!
Section I: Getting Started
What the heck is Communism, anyways? For that matter, what is fascism?
- Friedrich Engels' Principles of Communism | Audiobook
The FAQ of Communism, written by the Luigi of the Marx & Engels duo. Quick to read, and easy to reference, this is the perfect start to your journey.
- Michael Parenti's Blackshirts and Reds | Audiobook
Parenti's characteristic wit is on full display in this historical contextualization and analysis of fascism and Communism. Line after line, Parenti debunks anti-Communist myths. This is also an excellent time to watch the famous "Yellow Parenti" speech.
Section II: Historical and Dialectical Materialism
Ugh, philosophy? Really? YES!
- Georges Politzer's Elementary Principles of Philosophy | Audiobook
By understanding Dialectical and Historical Materialism first, you make it easier to understand the rest of Marxism-Leninism. Don't be intimidated!
- Friedrich Engels' Socialism: Utopian and Scientific | Audiobook
Engels introduces Scientific Socialism, explaining how Capitalism itself prepares the conditions for public ownership and planning by centralizing itself into monopolist syndicates and cartels.
Section III: Political Economy
That's right, it's time for the Law of Value and a deep-dive into Imperialism. If we are to defeat Capitalism, we must learn it's mechanisms, tendencies, contradictions, and laws.
- Karl Marx's Wage Labor and Capital | Audiobook & Wages, Price and Profit | Audiobook
Best taken as a pair, these essays simplify the most important parts of the Law of Value.
- Vladimir Lenin's Imperialism, The Highest Stage of Capitalism | Audiobook
The era of Imperialism, which as the primary contradiction cascades downward into all manner of related secondary contradictions.
Section IV: Revolutionary and Scientific Socialism
Can we defeat Capitalism at the ballot box? What about just defeating fascism? What about the role of the state?
- Rosa Luxemburg's Reform or Revolution | Audiobook
If Marxists believed reforming Capitalist society was possible, we would be the first in line for it. Sadly, it isn't.
- Vladimir Lenin's The State and Revolution | Audiobook
Further analyzes the necessity of Revolution and introduces the economic basis for the withering away of the State.
Section V: National Liberation, De-colonialism, and Solidarity
The revolution will not be fought by individuals, but by an intersectional, international working class movement. Solidarity allows different marginalized groups to work together in collective interest, unifying into a single broad movement. Marxists support the Right of Self-Determination for all peoples and support National Liberation movements against Imperialism.
- Vikky Storm & Eme Flores' The Gender Accelerationist Manifesto | (No Audiobook yet)
Breaks down misogyny, and queerphobia, as well as how to move beyond the base subject of "gender" from a Historical Materialist perspective.
- Leslie Feinberg's Lavender & Red | Audiobook
When different social groups fight for liberation together along intersectional lines, they are emboldened and empowered ever-further.
- Frantz Fanon's The Wretched of the Earth | Audiobook & Paulo Freire's Pedagogy of the Oppressed | Audiobook
De-colonialism is essential to Marxism. Without having a strong, de-colonial, internationalist stance, we have no path to victory nor justice. These books are best taken as a pair, read in quick succession.
Section VI: Putting it into Practice!
It's not enough to endlessly read, you must put theory to practice. That is how you can improve yourself and the movements you support. Touch grass!
- Mao Tse-Tung's On Practice & On Contradiction | Audiobook
Mao wrote simply and directly to peasant soldiers during the Revolutionary War in China. This pair of essays equip the reader to apply the analytical tools of Dialectical Materialism to their every day practice.
- Vladimir Lenin's "Left-Wing" Communism, an Infantile Disorder | Audiobook
Common among new leftists is dogmatism over pragmatism. Everyone wants perfection, but dogmatic "left" anti-Communists let perfection become the enemy of progress.
- Jones Manoel's Western Marxism Loves Purity and Martyrdom, But Not Real Revolution | (No Audiobook yet)
Common among western leftists is fetishization of Marxism, rather than using it as a tool for analysis and social change. This article helps rectify that.
- Liu Shaoqi's How to be a Good Communist | Audiobook
Organizing is a skill. If we are to be successful, we must work to better ourselves.
Congratulations, you completed your introductory reading course!
With your new understanding and knowledge of Marxism-Leninism, here is a mini What is to be Done? of your own to follow, and take with you as practical advice.
-
Get organized. The Party for Socialism and Liberation, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Red Star Caucus, and Marxist Unity Group all organize year round, every year, because the battle for progress is a constant struggle. See if there is a chapter near you, or start one!
-
Read theory. Don't think that you are done now! Just because you have the basics, doesn't mean you know more than you do. If you have not investigated a subject, don't speak on it!
-
Aggressively combat white supremacy, misogyny, queerphobia, and other attacks on marginalized communities. Cede no ground, let nobody go forgotten.
-
Be industrious, and self-sufficient. Take up gardening, home repair, tinkering. It is through practice that you elevate your knowledge.
-
Learn self-defense. Get armed, if practical. Be ready to protect yourself and others.
-
Be persistent. If you feel like a single water droplet against a mountain, think of canyons and valleys. With consistency, every rock, boulder, mountain, can be drilled through with nothing but water droplets.
"Everything under heaven is in utter chaos; the situation is excellent."
— Mao Tse-Tung
Eerie yet nostalgic PSX/N64 graphics, costs as much as a starb*cks drink, with a great soundtrack and killer movement mechanics. It's just so fun to schmoooove around.
If you like Indie games, Metroidvanias, and/or 3D platformers, give it a look!
Plus, it runs perfectly on Steam Deck.
These days, Indies are really popping off IMO. Gems like Animal Well are coming out all the time. What are your favorites?
Outside of Disco Elysium, of course. Looking for games with great narratives and some level of Class Consciousness.
Bonus points if it plays well on Steam Deck!
Ranking by themes, enjoyment, and how well these builds are actualized, what general build is most fun in each game? An ideal case, "fun maximized" run. What are your thoughts?
I've always held the belief that music wasn't better in the past, people just have survivorship bias. What are your genuine favorite albums of the last few years?
Personally, I'm loving The Rime of Memory by Panopticon, Ants from Up There by Black Country, New Road, and Hellfire by Black Midi.
A huge new mod looks like it's actually coming out! I know many are wary after The Frontier, but what are y'alls thoughts? Looks fun at the very least! I like the new Vault Boy stand-in, and love the river/boat setting.
Cowbee [he/him] @lemmy.ml Actually, this town has more than enough room for the two of us
He/him or they/them, doesn't matter too much
Marxist-Leninist ☭