So I have been asked many questions over my life as to what Marxism, Communism, and Socialism actually are. Many times these questions were made in jest, by people with false preconceived notions, but I answered them with the real facts. Not to say I convinced anybody but I at least made an active effort to reverse the leftovers of Cold War propaganda that still permeate our society's views on what socialism actually is. I'll start with the basics and move on to more complicated topics. This will be the start of a series that I hope to continue. Keep in mind that some of the answers I provide may stem from my personal beliefs but I try to include those beliefs held by others in the Marxist movement for comparison.
What is Communism?
The most basic of all questions. Communism is a stateless, classless society that has evolved past all the trappings of capitalist society. All individuals are completely equal in every manner of speaking. Society is completely democratic from the ground up. Everything in society is done for the good of all. In a communist society overabundance of resources and production has instituted a situation whereby any individual can attain almost any item they desire, at any time, at no cost. This is only possible after a sustained period of transition whereby increased automation of industrial activities have relegated physical labor into either non-existence or irrelevance. Individuals, free from the constraints of producing goods, are free to pursue any activity they desire for their own improvement or the betterment of society (think Star Trek). Under communism, because of the education implemented under socialism, individuals always work to benefit society of their own free will and will not take more than they need. Laziness by choice is not a social ill because individuals are socialized to actively work for society and to despise laziness. Only those physically or mentally incapable of work, either because of illness or age, do not work and they are guaranteed full and happy lives. Overconsumption is also not an issue because of the combination of constant overproduction and the effects of socialization to instill the desire only to consume that which is necessary. This society can only be achieved after a prolonged period of socialism and is the end goal of all true socialist and communist movements. In this society all individuals, regardless of circumstance, are guaranteed all of life's necessities: food, water, housing, health care, education, cultural enrichment, and leisure. The mantra of a Communist society would be "From each according to their ability. To each according to their need."
What is Socialism?
Socialism is the transitional period between capitalism and communism. Socialism is instigated when the working class has gained total control over the means of production (factories, mines, etc.) and has instituted the beginnings of a classless, stateless society. Unlike in communism, individuals are not entitled to all the benefits of society but must work for their benefits. This can take many forms, but the one most favored by Marxists are the use of labor credits (more on those in a later post) in the place of money. In a socialist society individuals are guaranteed the basics of life, but must work in order to gain any other benefits like ownership of a house or car. A socialist society would have the mantra "From each according to their ability. To each according to their work."
What happens to private property?
Contrary to most of the propaganda, communism and socialism does not remove private property, it only removes private ownership of capital and the means of production. Individuals are still the owners of their clothing, food, homes, cars, family heirlooms, and personal items. Under socialism and communism only that property that is used to generate wealth, like factories or apartment complexes for example, is taken by the state. This is to prevent to accumulation of large amounts of wealth by a small group of individuals who in reality perform very little actual labor. The taking of property would also be limited to large things like industrial machinery, not grandpa's baseball card collection (which while possibly valuable does not constitute "capital"). Naturally restrictions would have to be established to prevent individuals from abusing ownership rights (like limiting a family to owning one house to prevent accumulation of wealth through rent) but the conception of private property as known by most common people will remain intact.
Don't Communists hate civil liberties like freedom of speech?
Most certainly not. In fact we adamantly defend them just as much as most liberals. However, we look at these rights through the lens of Marxist theory. One individual speaking their beliefs is fine, but a huge multinational corporation using money to run campaign ads is not. Marxists get a bad reputation because of the actions of the leaders of corrupt nations like China and the former USSR. Under communism individuals would be much more free than they are under capitalism because they would not have to worry about what effect their statements would have on their job prospects or anything else.
Would a communist society be democratic?
Definitely yes. Because the influences of huge corporations and ultra-rich business tycoons would be removed, society would be truly democratic for the first time in human history. People would finally be free to vote their conscience without undue outside influence. Also, because communist societies are structured from the bottom up individuals would have a much larger say over local policies then they can ever hope for under current circumstances.
How will Marxists take power?
By any means necessary. All of us would love for the transition to be peaceful but history has shown otherwise. At every turn the forces of global capital have used violence and suppression to cling to power and we do not expect that to change. They have shown that they are willing to kill hundreds of millions of people using every means available to ensure that they stay in power. We hope for a peaceful transition but prepare for a drawn out struggle.
Who will lead the revolution?
There are many answers to this question. Marxists have been debating this issue since the mid-nineteenth century so naturally opinions differ. Some believe that the working class will one day spontaneously rise up and take power. Some think that the revolution won't be a revolution at all, but rather a slow peaceful transition in the framework of modern liberal democracy. I prescribe to the belief that only a dedicated group of revolutionaries can incite the working class to recognize their horrible situation under capitalism and then lead the people in a revolution to overthrow capitalism, but my belief is but one of many.
Well there are the first seven questions I have decided to answer. I will post more later on. If you have any questions you wish to ask then ask away. I am more than happy to answer questions asked out of honest curiosity.
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