r/Socialism_101

i do believe that raising class consciousness is certainly possible in the west, i just find it difficult to see why your average worker in the west would sacrifice their high living standards made possible by imperialism, the very thing we’re trying to build a mass movement against? how do we ensure that a north-south divide among the international working class doesnt arise based on short to mid term interests?

how can we expect hundreds of millions of workers in the imperial core to fight for something they themselves wont reap the benefits of in their lifetime? what i mean by that is that even with living standards increasing after the initial drop if the cheap labour and resource infusions were to stop to finance their standards of living, it would still take decades get back to a comparable level

if that would not be the case, i find it extremely hard to believe that westerners’ living standards wouldnt drop with the end of imperialism (the very reason they can afford to consume so much is because of slave wages in the global south making products cheap)

My question is pretty straightforward. You often hear (especially from rightwing people) that socialist countries are known for executing people that don't agree with their ideology. How far would freedom of the press go? For example, in our current system you're pretty much allowed to both hate our system and also praise it - would people in a socialist country still be able to do so?

Sorry if my question sounds weird, I am still learning.

I often hear that you can't really peacefully implement socialism/socialism can't be achieved through elections. What do you think? Now to my questions:

1. ⁠What‘s bad about the democracy we have today? And I don't talk about America, it's clear that it's basically a one-party state. What about germany, austria, spain,… though? How are these European countries (and their democracy) criticized? I would love to implement socialism in my country. However, if the majority votes for a right-wing government and they're happy with it - who am I to interfere?

2. ⁠Once the revolution was done, how would decisions be made? Like how exactly is for example the building of a new highway or the raising of retirement age(?) evaluated?

3. ⁠How can you actually influence brainwashed right wing people? It is kind of frustrating. I don't think I'll ever be able to do so - I see pro-capitalism, pro-rightwing, 1161,… everywhere, and this saddens me.

4. ⁠Would other, capitalist, liberal,… parties still be allowed in Socialism?

Sorry if my questions sound weird, I am still pretty new to this. Additionally, English isn't my first language, so please excuse any mistakes I make.

Hello!

So I've tried to learn about Socialism in the past and I've always had this one roadblock: I've never really been happy with Socialism (or at least Marxist Socialism) because of its focus on revolution, whenever I've looked it up online (for example on this subreddit) I've been met with responses like "Violent revolution is needed for Socialism" or other quotes pretty much saying that its a neccessary evil. Again, I've never really agreed with this or have been comfortable with it, it just doesn't align with my more peaceful beliefs. And so while I've agreed with the goals of a more egalitarian society, I've never really agreed with the methods. I'm aware of Democratic Socialism too though and it seems more aligned with what I believe individually.

What can I do to put this issue to rest in my mind?

This is mainly regarding the recent Artemis II launch. I have seen a lot of anti-science and specifically anti-space program arguments being made by left-leaning people. I have seen a few economic arguments, but even then, why point to a scientific program like NASA instead of turning your attention to something like the overblown military budget? Just wondering, to me it seems reactionary.

think about it, they’re one of the most successful franchises of all time, have had some of the best, and richest basketball players of all time (shaq, Lebron james, lonzo ball). would i be a better socialist if i supported a team that’s always been bad like the wizards or the magic?

So, I have noticed a pattern. Libertarians, will debate bait leftists, trying to get them to say something the left would consider bigoted, then call them "brainwashed", if they can't think of anything. My question is, why do this? Are they intentionally trying to expose their own bigotry? Or try to dismantle a leftists arguments?

So, whenever I argue with my coworker, who I posted about before, he said something that sounds valid to my argument style tbh. I seem to have a very us vs. them perspective. He see's the world in a less black and white perspective, both sides being capable of good and bad. But, it seems I am very scatter brained. Honestly, Idk if I am a good socialist. I keep moving the goalposts in each argument, and, being AuDHD, I am very scatter brained on certain topics. Yes, I align with leftist viewpoints. But, Idk. Then, he says I have been brainwashed into thinking those who disagree with any leftist viewpoints, that match those of a leftists viewpoint, are inherently bad, or, their opinion is invalid automatically. Can anyone help me on this?

To start things off, could anyone of you explain the difference between liberals and libertarians? They sound similar, but I have no clue what differs.

Furthermore, I have not really red the basics of both ideologies yet, I just know that liberals want a free market and basically "freedom". And after reading the Wikipedia page, it honestly does not even sound that bad. Does it?

I know socialists criticize this ideology all the time. Why? What is it about?

Sorry if this question seems unnecessary, I'm still pretty new to politics.

Have a great day!

Given the majority of conservatives, or those who identify with certain sects of religion, it seems, in the U.S., at least, tend to be arrested for possession of csam, cp, harming children, etc. They project, and accuse LGBTQ+ of grooming, etc. It seems like a majority of ones in the U.S. are. I mean, pedophiles unfortunately exist on both sides. Are there any unbiased statistics on this? Or is this just a nuanced idea?