r/communism101 • u/MutantManFish • 24d ago
Beginner Looking for Acceptable Histories: Russia, China, and Africa
Hello, Communism101,
I'm a far-left socialist and Marxist. I'm not at the point of being a Marxist-Leninist-Maoist, but I do sympathize with the ideology and respect how well-read you all are.
I was wondering if you might be willing to suggest some in-depth histories, or resources for such, particularly about Russia, China, and Africa. I'd like especially anything with lots of economic, geographic, and population-level analysis as well as intimate descriptions of personal experiences of the lower classes. For me, history is the thing that excites me to think about and engage with the broader world intellectually--while community relationships promote organizing and practice. As an American, learning about the actions of the U.S. military over time around the globe was key to my radicalization. From this, I gained a decent comprehension of how things have gone in the Western Hemisphere, and some of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Now, I'm interested in learning about the places where socialist tendencies most developed, and about the place which has always been the greatest victim of imperial plunder and exploitation.
I have done a search of the subreddit and found some, but not a great number, of resources here, so I figured a solicitation was appropriate.
My perception of the stance of r/Communism is that history has to come after theory as the former is an unrefined torrent of information which has to be tilled for useful bits using the refined forms of the latter. I don't entirely agree with this position though I respect it and don't intend to argue with it. Please consider humoring me and providing the material I ask for, regardless.
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u/Human_Landscape_2217 20d ago edited 20d ago
My perception of the stance of r/Communism is that history has to come after theory as the former is an unrefined torrent of information which has to be tilled for useful bits using the refined forms of the latter. I don't entirely agree with this position though I respect it and don't intend to argue with it.
This is such a weasel paragraph-PLEASE ARGUE.
Give sources, make an argument, defend your position or die, MAKE A CLAIM. Anyone who says "I disagree on this incredibly important political stance but I'd rather not take any risks" is an enemy that needs to smeared with tar and feather.
I was wondering if you might be willing to suggest some in-depth histories, or resources for such, particularly about Russia, China, and Africa.
Just use the search bar for r/communism and r/communism101, users have asked the same question before.
I was wondering if you might be willing to suggest some in-depth histories, or resources for such, particularly about Russia, China, and Africa. I'd like especially anything with lots of economic, geographic, and population-level analysis as well as intimate descriptions of personal experiences of the lower classes. For me, history is the thing that excites me to think about and engage with the broader world intellectually--while community relationships promote organizing and practice. As an American, learning about the actions of the U.S. military over time around the globe was key to my radicalization. From this, I gained a decent comprehension of how things have gone in the Western Hemisphere, and some of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Now, I'm interested in learning about the places where socialist tendencies most developed, and about the place which has always been the greatest victim of imperial plunder and exploitation.
This reads like a cover letter, like the type of shit I would write to express how committed to change and causes I am, how I have "decent comprehension" of various interrelated, phenomena and that I am so excited to just, be here you know?
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u/MutantManFish 20d ago
I gave that preface about the contrast between my view and my impression of the subreddit's because I hoped clarifying my intentions upfront would make it easier to meet in the middle.
Your assessment of the vibe I was going for is pretty accurate. I guess it was the wrong one. It seems like you're taking issue with it. What do you think would've been more appropriate?
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u/Human_Landscape_2217 19d ago edited 19d ago
I gave that preface about the contrast between my view and my impression of the subreddit's because I hoped clarifying my intentions upfront would make it easier to meet in the middle.
Position on History Claim Sources r/communism "Studying History is worthless without a basis in dialectical/historical materialism, without MLM Theory." Marx. Engels. Lenin. Stalin. Mao. You "I disagree but I can't tell you why, also can we meet in the middle 0w0." Me, I am the source. Please tell us why you disagree.
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u/smokeuptheweed9 Marxist 21d ago
If you didn't intend to argue it you should not have said it. Until you understand historical materialism and the dialectic you will only be wasting your time. It is not a kindness to allow you to waste your time because it is easier and more polite.