Afternoon Comrades.
Apologies for the late-ish dispatch, this old dude was, or rather is exhausted from work and I couldn’t for the life of me hack sitting down at my desk last night to put anything coherent into words. Thanks to those that texted this morning though, asking if everything was alright only because the dispatch didn’t dispatch at the usual hour.
Before we direct our attention at some pressing current events, France for example I wanted to share a few thoughts with you that I had towards the end of my shift on Friday night. Granted, I was a little high on caffeine and sugar but the happy / clarity synapses were firing on all cylinders, and when they do I do try and share these with you. Not worry, no hippie-cool aide was drunk but nevertheless, with the constant onslaught of the fuckening from our capitalist overlords a few words on happiness and purpose are a good way to start this week.
When you give yourself to the righteous fight against the, and any to be clear, oppressive and violent nature of our systemic capitalist existence, you will experience more defeats than wins, that’s just the nature of the fight. For one, it is vital to remember that “they” have to be lucky, all of the time, and we only have to be lucky once. That to start, but it is important to acknowledge how draining and defeating this choice can be, that definitely includes myself. These past few months have been tough at my end in the sense that I was too focused on my exhaustion and its inherent paths to pessimism and as usual, what it takes to remove yourself from this slump is a jolt - these can be physical as well as mental. I have to be sparing with physical jolts lest my hip truly gives up and I do tend to lend my energy to mental jolts, this one included.
Yes, of course, standing up to this bullshit reality is taxing, yet, the other side of the coin is the immense privilege of being able to fight, in whatever way we choose, for a better tomorrow. Our existence under capitalism is nothing but a man-made social construct violently enforced by institutions such as the police and their courts and so is their entire cultural drudgery that holds us down, divides and punishes us from daring to think otherwise. What then other than privilege to see otherwise and be in position to say: fuck no, we should try this! With said privilege comes joy, and like the Idles song that I am referencing above, joy is an immense act of resistance. I am finding immeasurable amounts of joy learning and teaching, organizing and doing, the later being the key word. It’s all fair and square, necessary even to learn but doing is where said joy in resistance takes place. Disregard all notions of performance and social currency and focus on what is right: building a world without need and want, equity for all and then end of property/growth as the all encompassing concept that drives every human interaction.
Communism is often misunderstood and misrepresented, obviously. While critics often associate it with oppression and deprivation, there is my alternative perspective that views communism as a joyful act of resistance. This perspective suggests that communism, when implemented with the right principles and intentions, can lead to a society marked by equality, solidarity, and shared prosperity.
The Essence of Communism:
Communism, at its core, advocates for the abolition of private property, the collective ownership of means of production, and the establishment of a classless society. By prioritizing the needs of the many over the few, communism seeks to dismantle the inherent inequalities perpetuated by capitalism. It places an emphasis on egalitarianism and aims to distribute wealth and resources more equitably among all members of society.
Resistance Against Exploitation:
One of the primary reasons why communism can be seen as a joyful act of resistance is its stance against exploitation. Capitalism, with its profit-driven motives, often leads to the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, while leaving the majority to struggle. Communism, on the other hand, challenges this system by advocating for the fair distribution of resources and opportunities.
Under communism, we the workers, who are the backbone of society, are no longer exploited for their labor. Instead, they become active participants in the decision-making process and collectively benefit from the fruits of their labor. This sense of empowerment and agency can bring about a profound sense of joy and fulfillment, as individuals realize that their contributions matter and that they are not mere cogs in a profit-driven machine.
Solidarity and Community:
Communism encourages the cultivation of strong bonds of solidarity and community. By dismantling the class divisions and competitive individualism promoted by capitalism, communism fosters a sense of togetherness and cooperation. In a communist society, the well-being of each member is interconnected, and collective goals take precedence over personal gain.
This emphasis on community can bring immense joy, as individuals find support, empathy, and shared purpose within their society. The burden of navigating the world alone is lifted, replaced by a sense of belonging and interdependence. Through collective efforts, challenges can be faced together, and the achievements of the community become a source of pride and happiness for all.
Equality and Social Justice:
Communism aims to eradicate the deep-rooted inequalities that permeate capitalist societies. By eliminating private property and class distinctions, communism seeks to create a society where everyone has equal access to resources, opportunities, and essential services such as education and healthcare. This commitment to social justice and equality can contribute to a sense of joy, as individuals no longer have to suffer due to systemic injustices and disparities.
Moreover, communism challenges the oppressive norms and prejudices that often perpetuate discrimination based on race, gender, or social background. By creating a society where all individuals are valued and provided equal opportunities to thrive, communism acts as a powerful force of resistance against systemic discrimination and marginalization.
By envisioning a society based on equality, solidarity, and shared prosperity, communism offers an alternative to the exploitative nature of capitalism. Through resistance against oppression, the cultivation of strong communities, and the pursuit of social justice, communism has the potential to bring about a sense of joy that arises from a life lived in harmony, equity, and collective well-being.
It’s just a question of doing so.
Each according to their ability for each according to their need.
Yours,
V.
Thanks for sharing this, Steven as well as all of your dispatches. I, too, have felt the continuous ups and downs of the fight. My 81 year old father has been struggling with the unlearning he’s been doing the past 10-15 years. The struggle isn’t realizing the inaccuracies and falsehoods he’s learned from the educational system and politics, but the fact he didn’t learn this earlier. I told him it’s better you know now than never…there are those who will never get it. I find some joy in that and suggests he try that. The next step, to your point, is how do we get there?