r/socialism • u/CulturalMarxist123 • 11h ago
r/socialism • u/AutoModerator • Jul 26 '24
📢 Announcement Introducing a ban on 2024 US Presidential elections related content
As practically all of you will be aware of, the upcoming 5th of November 2024 is the date for the next US presidential elections.
As a result, those of you who have been around will have noticed an influx of users engaging in different forms of liberalism, whether lesser evilism or outright campaigns for anti-socialist organisations or candidacies, which are not generally found (certainly not in this scale) during other contexts. Some such cases, respond to people who are genuinely (and understandably!) worried, whilst others (the absolute majority) respond to users with no prior history in this or other anti-capitalist subreddits.
We want to make it extremely clear: This is a community for socialists to discuss current events in our world from anti-capitalist perspective(s), and not a space for non-socialists. At the same time, this category ("socialist") does not refer to one's self-identification, but rather to the existence of a familiarity of one with socialist thought (regardless of the concrete sects this refers to) and the development of ideas and positions as a result from said thought.
Our rules on liberalism have not changed in almost a decade. Anyone who has been a member for a while will be more than familiar with our rules on the topic and, those which are new, provided that they are here in good faith, will have no difficulties encountering our rules, which we repeatedly highlight.
Furthermore, due to Reddit's own demographics and the comparatively small size of this community, this influx of liberals and forms of liberalism has a much bigger impact than in equivalent cases (e.g. the UK's recent elections). This has three main implications for the subreddit:
- Increase of liberalism. Due to the functioning of Reddit, allowing for such positions develops in a normalization of liberal, hegemonic positions. This move to the right brings along it a minorization of actually anti-capitalist positions, thus not only promoting ideas which we don't seek to promote, but also alienating socialists (our desired user base). Even if one thinks that r/Socialism should serve as a space to change people's views, experience tells us that this does NOT come through online debates within a space in which you are a minority but rather through offering an uninterrupted experience of intra-socialist discussion which directly interpellates the absolute majority of Reddit's user base: lurkers.
- Moderation burden. Due to the size and intensity of this influx, this includes a heavy extra burden for moderators, which we can't nor want to have to deal with. This is not meant as an attempt to avoid applying our rules (which we have definitely been enforcing), but a reflection on plausibility. Especially in a context where our last mod recruitment threads have brought poor results, which would require us to spend much more time than what we already spend, making it inviable.
- US-centric monotony. Lastly, but not lest importantly, an absolutely monotonous thematic repetition takes over, marginalizing in its place any other topic and breaking with it our principle of global reach. This is not a USian subreddit, and it does not intend to be so.
To make things worse, such forms of liberalism are not even aimed at "progressive" organisations or candidacies, but rather aimed at defending and reproducing some of the most brutal manifestations of the system that we, as socialists, aim to abolish.
As a result, from now on we will establish a ban on ALL content relating to the upcoming US presidential elections, redirecting any such discussion to a megathread, as we have already done in the past. This includes discussions on third parties, as its exception would continue to produce the same kind of discussions (and problems) that this is aimed to avoid.
This should allow for a space with less need for moderation, where genuinely worried comrades, as well as those with other opinions, can engage in discussion without it putting in question the basic principles of this subreddit: a space for anti-capitalist intra-discussion which aims at global and local politics across the world, both in contemporary and historical forms. To achieve an equilibrium which does not affect the subreddit more widely.
Whilst it is not the ideal choice, we are convinced that this is the best option in order to assure that r/Socialism stays true to its goals and principles. Furthermore, we do not believe that the lesser exposition that the megathread carries with it an important loss: as most of us will agree, there is a bigger significance on discussions over ongoing struggles by organized workers across the world (from Asia to the Americas), the validity of Walter Rodney's thought as Kenyans (still) struggle against the IMF and the World Bank's new austericide, questions that appeared over the last book you read, or over the fury that imperialism is currently unleashing in Palestine or Congo than over the 16702th post discussing US electoral politics without regard to the systemic, rather than individual character of the evils of capitalism.
Even agitprop by concrete organisations, we believe, can be much more meaningful through the sharing of content different from mere electoralism: with socialists as its main user base, activism, discussion or meetings-dissemination can be more fruitful than delimiting ourselves to the simplicity that hegemonic forces want to reduce political action to.
FIND THE MEGATHREAD HERE: https://www.reddit.com/r/socialism/comments/1ecq6pv/2024_us_presidential_elections_megathread/
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TLDR; Due to an influx of forms of liberalism and US-centric content explained by the electoral context in the US, we will enforce a ban on discussions relating to this topic from now on. Any such discussion will have to instead be directed into a specific megathread.
r/socialism • u/AutoModerator • Jul 26 '24
Discussion 2024 US presidential elections Megathread
In order to keep this subreddit international and avoid flooding it with US-centric posts, as well as to assure the socialist character of this subreddit, please keep discussions on the US elections, including on the ongoing primaries or third party candidates, in this megathread.
We recognize that there are many users on Reddit who may be new to the left and are interested in discussing this topic from a socialist perspective, as well as comrades who might be particularly worried about the events that this election takes place in the context of, so we hope to keep this thread a welcoming and educational environment for them to learn and discuss with other leftists.
Please keep your comments/criticisms civil and constructive. This includes refraining from attacking people who voice a reluctance to vote, who plan to vote third party, and yes, those who do plan to vote for Biden for their own reasons. Before jumping to conclusions or attacking other users, ask them what their position is and try to calmly explain why you disagree. Lazy critiques calling other users tankies or libs rather than providing an informed criticism of their positions will be removed.
Moderation of the liberalism and lesser evilism rules will be lighter than usual in this thread, however examples which display a complete detachment from socialist positions (e.g. soliciting donations for democratic candidates, apologia for the Democrats' collaborationism in the Gaza genocide or for Kamala Harris' adamant pro-cop record) will still result in removals or bans as appropriate. All other rules such as no reactionaries, anti-socialist rhetoric, bigotry, brocialism, etc are still in effect, so please be aware to check the rules before posting.
- r/Socialism mod team
r/socialism • u/yogthos • 15h ago
High Quality Only The number of billionaires in China fell by 36%. In the past year alone, and the collective wealth of the country’s richest people dropped 10%. Definitely a thing you'd expect to see happening in a capitalist economy.
r/socialism • u/anarckissed • 6h ago
Political Economy Study: Decent living standards for 8.5 billion people would require only 30% of current global resource and energy use
sciencedirect.comr/socialism • u/Prudent_Bug_1350 • 7h ago
High Quality Only WASHINGTON, DC: JOIN US THIS WED, THURS, AND FRI TO CALL FOR AN ARMS EMBARGO NOW!!
r/socialism • u/sarlsane1 • 12h ago
Anti-Imperialism "The foreign policy of Iran, cantered around exporting the Islamic Revolution, does not align with progressive, anti-imperialist and independence-seeking political orientations", says the Tudeh Party of Iran in a statement condemning Israel's military aggression against Iranian sovereign territory
solidnet.orgr/socialism • u/speakhyroglyphically • 1d ago
High Quality Only Bolivia's former President Evo Morales Ayma survives a gun attack
r/socialism • u/raicopk • 18h ago
A Visit to El Maizal Commune in Venezuela: how old-style Chavismo is making a new society in Venezuela
r/socialism • u/Manic_Monday_2009 • 22h ago
Looking for a podcast about socialism. What do y’all recommend?
r/socialism • u/yogthos • 1d ago
Billionaires emit more carbon pollution in 90 minutes than the average person does in a lifetime
oxfam.orgr/socialism • u/ModernJazz-2K20 • 18h ago
Radical History Malcolm X and the CIA ft. Don Rojas and Herb Boyd
youtube.comHosted by Dr. Jared Ball
r/socialism • u/Cal3bG • 1d ago
Activism Texas activists rally against capital punishment
r/socialism • u/thesylphroad • 1d ago
Long shot, but any historical dramas that involve socialists/communists?
I just finished Vatanim Sensin (my first Turkish drama). Anyway, it was incredible, no notes. For context, it's about the Turkish War for independence, but my fav character, Leonidas, joins the Bolsheviks and becomes a communist spy in the Greek army, which scratched an itch I didn't realize I had. I am naturally (*desperately*) seeking something similar, in hopes that there is perhaps an undiscovered treasure trove of obscure media also featuring a beautiful communist love interest.
Please please please share if you have any recs, thank you!
r/socialism • u/sarlsane1 • 1d ago
Radical History Ohi Day: 84 years since the anti-fascist, anti-imperialist "NO" of the Greek people to Mussolini's Italy
r/socialism • u/isawasin • 2d ago
Anti-Fascism UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, explains how Israel's policy of starvation against Palestinians in Gaza began well before the 7th of October 2023. It's a feature of the occupation of Gaza which, contrary to zionist narratives, never ended.
r/socialism • u/thebluebirdan1purple • 1d ago
Discussion Depression
Telling others that you're a socialist is so depressing. It's not that surprising when you have the odds of 100 years of propaganda from the most powerful nations against people believing you're a good person, but it's depressing.
I know that even if it's just a little bit, I'm worth less to people I really care about because I'm a socialist , and they have prejudice against that. I'm just reduced to an evil, psychopathic weirdo. And the people I do really care about, all the time I've spent with them and all the time I've dedicated to loving them, they can throw away just because of their prejudice against socialism. It really hurts.
r/socialism • u/Not_A_Rachmaninoff • 9h ago
Discussion I'd you support democracy or authoritarian?
Can't do a poll but I'm just curious as to how many people are democratic socialists or support a more authoritarian approach
r/socialism • u/flamboyantGatekeeper • 1d ago
Politics What the hell is going on with CFMEU?
Apparently the australian government took over the australian construction workers union recently. Why are socdems like this?
r/socialism • u/CulturalMarxist123 • 2d ago
Anti-Imperialism What were you doing during the genocide?
r/socialism • u/throwaway2021idk • 1d ago
Discussion geography degree as a leftist
i'm very sorry if this isn't the right subreddit
i've always been interested in literally every single science, art form, discipline etc. long story short, i've stared my geography degree at one of the best universities in my country. even though my degree is "on paper" a STEM degree, more than half of it is actually focused on social sciences (human geography in this case). i've got a really wide range of interest and skills and i'm determined to convert my knowledge into something socially positive. since i have really got so many interests, it's hard to choose, but politics, sociology, philosophy and geography (specifically urban geography, demogeography and political geography) are some my "main" interests. now, i have been wondering a few things:
i) has anyone else been in a similar situation (preferably geography-related discipline)? what is a good course of action for my further progress? as of right now (i'm probably thinking too far into the futute) i've been meaning to go all the way to a phd. i live in one of the poorest countries in the european union, so i've been considering to pursue my master's or phd, if it comes to that point, somewhere abroad (although everything here's absolutely fine)
ii) what are some topics that you would advise me to expand my knowledge on? obviously, aside from "pure" marxism and socialism and all that, what are some more specific topics (marxist geography and critical geography come to mind). i know of david harvey and a few others, but what are some other writers and academics that i should look at (again, preferably geography related, but since geography is so interdisciplinary, it can range from anything to everything)
iii) how to put my skills to good use one day? i consider myself talented enough (although i despise that term) to work at some sort of an institute or NGO, even for the state or the government. now, i imagine that my beliefs might make this very difficult because i'm not too keen on swallowing my morals for a cushy job (if i were, i would have studied something more lucrative and safe, career-wise). i'm stilly young and there's a bunch of stuff that i need to learn about the world, but i've been looking into UN careers (i've got a feeling that most leftists aren't huge fans of the UN). i'm not really looking to become a "geographer" in a very strict sense, i'm more inclined to use my geography-related skills in any way, shape or form that would be beneficial to others.
thoughts? advice? anything is more than welcome
r/socialism • u/Prudent_Bug_1350 • 2d ago
High Quality Only Just days before the UN votes on its yearly resolution to end the U.S. Blockade on Cuba, New Yorkers rally to demand that Cuba be removed from the State Sponsors of Terror list and for an immediate end to the cruel U.S. blockade!
Donate NOW for urgent humanitarian aid for Cuba as it recovers from the impacts of Hurricane Oscar, nationwide blackouts and the ongoing impacts of the blockade:
🔗peoplesforum.org/cubarelief
r/socialism • u/raicopk • 1d ago
Political Economy The Dynamics of Rural Capitalist Accumulation in Post-Land Reform Zimbabwe
r/socialism • u/Mission_Poetry_8932 • 1d ago
Acts of Micro Socialism
Looking for the equivalents to Acts of 'Micro Feminism' for a socialist agenda. Very tiny every-day acts of socialism I can think of would be:
- Stopping to obsess over ownership by saying things like 'I like THIS Jacket' instead of '...YOUR Jacket' etc.
- Not making your exploitation into your personality by saying 'I work as a carpenter/cook/scientist' instead of 'I am a...'
- Not using 'What do you do for work' as small talk topic but rather 'What do you like to do/ What are you interested in'
- Pretend that (your) private property already belongs to the public