/r/Socialism: An alternative to capitalism; an interview with the mods. : subredditoftheday

Authored by reddit.com and submitted by SROTDroid

/r/socialism is a relatively large socialist oriented subreddit, second only to /r/latestagecapitalism. Our subreddit has enjoyed great growth ever since the election of Trump, and we hope to reach even greater rates of participation.

Our subreddit is dedicated to higher level discourse between socialist of all types, although we’ve been know to let a meme or two slip through. We also try to organize when we can, host interesting AMAs, or make fun of Trump.

How would you describe socialism to someone who doesn't know what it is?

To put it simply, socialism is worker control over their workplaces and society as a whole for need instead of profit. Workers decide together how best to use their labour. To put it verbosely, socialism is a different way of arranging society in which the economy should benefit all people. This is in contrast to the current system, which benefits the few and leaves millions of poverty. There are many tendencies within socialism with opinions on what socialism looks like and how it will be achieved varies from your Anarchist to your Maoist. What most socialists have in common is an opposition to capitalism. Racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression support capitalism. Socialists recognize this and try to recognize and dismantle oppression

Is there a way that capitalism and socialism can co-exist within the same society?

No. Socialism and capitalism are incompatible. Socialism is a threat to the capitalist class. Capitalists will do whatever they can to stay in power. Small conflicts like strike breaking and big conflicts like imperialist wars illustrate this.

What forms of socialism are present in everyday American life that people might not realize?

Socialism cannot exist within a capitalist system. Yet, socialists have been influential in many movements for social and economic justice. These movements make up the fight for survival within capitalism. Some examples of this include: The abolition of child labor

LGBTQ Liberation movements Current socialist projects include: Raising wages

Improving Access to Healthcare Yet, socialism is distinct from other progressive movements. There can be no social and environmental justice without economic justice. Reforming capitalism is not enough. The ownership class can legislate away reforms. Socialists advocate for social spending but welfare is not socialism. Ultimately, society should distribute resources on the basis of need and not greed. Socialists do not all agree on the best way to get socialism or the specifics of how socialism will operate. r/socialism, in part, is a place were socialists discuss these differences of opinion. We analyze news together and discuss how leftists respond.

Continuing on this theme, where can socialism be found in popular culture?

Socialist ideas are not new to popular culture. Anti-capitalism is a common theme of commentary in media. Film has a long history of socialist, or anti-capitalist commentary. Recent films like 'Snowpiercer' or 'Elysium,' depict class divide and revolutionary struggle. Star Trek is an example of an existing socialist society. Some artists who espouse anti-capitalist ideas include Woody Guthrie and Immortal Technique. Not to mention punk's long history of anti-capitalism.

What is the intersection of socialism authoritarianism?

Marxists believe that all states are authoritarian. The question is which class exercises authority? Who do they exercise authority over? Workers must destroy the capitalist’s state and replace it with a worker's state. Workers must keep the capitalists from returning to power. The workers must socialize production. Once this happens, the state and classes will cease to exist. Revolution is an authoritarian act. The working class will impose their will on the rest of society. Revolutionaries understand that capitalists and capitalist governments will not go without a struggle. It is necessary for workers to to take power when the time is right so that they can be free.

Libertarian Socialists support a socialist revolution, but disagree with authoritarian measures during it. There are two main categories within Libertarian Socialism - Anarchism and Libertarian Marxism. Anarchism diverges from Marxism in its opposition to seizure of the state after a revolution. Anarchists believe that seizing the state will lead to an elite no better than the previous ones. They argue that any state is too focused on self-preservation to abolish itself. All forms of hierarchy must be abolished according to anarchists, including the state. They view state seizure as a form of transfer between one ruling class and another. Libertarian Marxism advocates for a proletarian revolution that seizes the state. It is unique in that its proponents believe in a more democratic structure to said state. This is a major point of disagreement between them and Leninists. Libertarian Marxists are against a party elite that is not democratically accountable. They emphasize the importance of civil liberties during and after the revolution. They consider these liberties key to fostering a revolution and, as such, they must be protected.

Suggest some required readings on socialism.

How does Marxism adapt to the modern world?

Marxism is always applicable. It is a way of viewing the world based on the conflict between the ownership and the working classes. This conflict shapes the economy and culture. This conflict is about controlling resources. Marxists use this way of understanding things to change society for the better.

In the United States, socialism has become a dirty word. Can the image of socialism be reformed? If not, why not call it something else?

Socialism can be palatable to the working class through solidarity to their struggles. American propaganda has damaged socialism's reputation, but trust can be regained. Appealing to class interests and explaining capitalist exploitation will go a long way in improving socialism's perception.

How can socialist principles make America great again?

benem94 on June 8th, 2017 at 12:51 UTC »

Perfect way to remind the front page to Vote Corbyn!

cb43569 on June 8th, 2017 at 12:31 UTC »

Subreddit of the Day on the date of the UK general election? Cultural Marxism confirmed!

prolemcproleface on June 8th, 2017 at 12:19 UTC »

Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer

we'll keep the red flag flying here!