Am I A Tankie, Are You A Tankie?
There's a certain term, and I have been trying to research its meaning to see if it describes myself or not. However, its meaning seems to be subject to the one using it. With the only thing agreed upon being the use of force and violence by those under the label.
I believe the immediate goal of Communists is to unite the proletariat, overthrow bourgeois supremacy, and seize political power. After winning the battle of democracy, the proletariat will use its power to gradually take control of capital, centralize production, and increase productivity. During the revolutionary transition period, the state will be transformed into a revolutionary dictatorship of the proletariat, which will assert its power, hold down capitalist adversaries, and carry out economic revolution.
Once victorious, the proletariat will abolish class antagonisms and its own supremacy as a class. However, this requires suppressing the oppressors and exploiters through force, imposing restrictions on their freedom, and crushing their resistance to achieve true democracy for the people and free humanity from wage slavery. This was justified by Marx, Engels, Lenin, and other communist leaders, much to the dismay of those with more pacifist, individualist, or survival-of-the-fittest mentalities.
I was told there are nine core beliefs for Tankies. And I have opinions on those core beliefs.
1. Support for authoritarian socialism and communist states.
If one believes in the dictatorship of the proletariat and even the vanguard, if one believes and follows the writings of Marx, Engels, and Lenin, I do not know how one opposes these. My first paragraph was a summary of those three heads of communism. This inconsistency would undermine the coherence of one's beliefs and cast doubt on their commitment to the revolutionary cause. It would be a self-contradictory stance, negating the fundamental principles of communist thought.
2. Advocacy for revolutionary violence and suppression of counter-revolutionaries.
Again, this is part of the Communist Manifesto, doing what needs to be done to install, maintain, and transition into a communist society. The pursuit of revolutionary violence and suppression of counter-revolutionaries is not only justified but necessary to dismantle the existing oppressive structures and ensure the triumph of the proletariat. It is a crucial aspect of the revolutionary process, as emphasized by Marx, Engels, and Lenin, and cannot be compromised or abandoned in the face of bourgeois sentimentality, liberal squeamishness, or anarcho Irresponsibility.
3. Emphasis on state control and central planning.
Again, this is mentioned in the Communist Manifesto, as something needed until the transformation of society is completed. The implementation of state control and central planning is essential to facilitate the rapid industrialization, resource allocation, and social reorganization required to build a socialist society. It enables the proletariat to assert its collective ownership and control over the means of production, thereby dismantling the capitalist system and paving the way for a classless, stateless future. This temporary measure is crucial to ensure the efficient and equitable distribution of resources, and to prevent the re-emergence of exploitative capitalist structures.
4. Rejection of liberal democracy, individual freedoms, and market economies.
When it comes to installing, maintaining, and transitioning society to a communist one, the rejection of liberal democracy, individual freedoms, and market economies is not only permitted but necessitated by the principles of scientific socialism. As outlined by Marx, Engels, and Lenin, the dismantling of bourgeois institutions and ideologies is essential to create a socialist society, where the collective interests of the proletariat supersede individualistic pursuits. This rejection is not a mere suggestion, but a fundamental requirement for the revolutionary transformation of society, as liberal democracy and market economies are inherently exploitative and antithetical to the values of communism.
5. Strong anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism stance.
Again, if you follow the heads of communism, a strong anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism stance is not only normal, but an indispensable cornerstone of communist ideology. One cannot claim to be a communist without unequivocally rejecting the harmful, exploitative, and oppressive individualistic systems of imperialism, capitalism, and neo-feudalism, which are fundamentally at odds with the principles of socialism and the emancipation of the working class. To compromise on these stances would be to betray the very essence of communism and to acquiesce to the perpetuation of global inequality and exploitation.
6. Often, a nostalgic or supportive view of historical communist regimes (e.g., Soviet Union under Lenin/Stalin, China under Mao).
Yes, support. While acknowledging that historical communist regimes, such as the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, and China under Mao, made mistakes and faced challenges, it's essential to recognize that many of the accusations levied against them, including those in the Black Book of Communism, were grossly exaggerated, distorted, or taken out of context. These regimes, despite their flaws, made significant strides in advancing socialist principles, industrializing their economies, and promoting social welfare. Rather than dismissing them as failures, we should view them as valuable learning experiences and a foundation to build upon, refining the blueprint for achieving true communism.
7. Prioritization of collective interests over individual rights and freedoms.
In contrast to the prevailing tendency across various societal spectra to prioritize individual rights and freedoms over collective interests and well-being, communist ideology steadfastly upholds the primacy of the collective good, as emphasized by its founding thinkers. Communists acknowledge and support individuality, but rightfully subordinate it to the needs of the collective, recognizing that genuine individual flourishing can only be achieved through the collective's liberation and prosperity. This is because communism is rooted in altruism and humanism, seeking to transcend the egoistic and exploitative tendencies that plague human societies. From a psychological perspective, communism embodies the "light triad" traits - empathy, kindness, and genuine concern for the well-being of others - which are essential for fostering a harmonious and equitable society.
8. Belief in the necessity of the dictatorship of the proletariat, vanguard party, or leadership to guide the revolution.
The Communist Manifesto and other foundational texts of communism emphasize the necessity of the dictatorship of the proletariat, vanguard party, or leadership to guide the revolution. This principle is rooted in the understanding that even the earliest forms of human society, such as primitive communism, relied on leadership and organization to ensure collective survival and prosperity. As we strive for a stateless, classless society under communism, I believe that representation will continue to play a vital role, even after the transition. When the state is abolished, I expect that groups will select representatives to facilitate decision-making, ensure collective governance, and address complex issues that require coordinated action. This representative system will be fundamentally different from bourgeois democracy, as it will be grounded in the principles of socialist democracy, accountability, and the empowerment of all people, not just the working class.
9. Skepticism or rejection of democratic socialism, anarchism, and other non-authoritarian leftist ideologies.
Humanity's current problems stem from the insidious influence of social Darwinism, which spawns megalomaniacal and sociopathic behaviors, and egoism, which creates fantasies and promotes volunteerism over mandatory responsibilities, reinforcing individualism. Individualism is the common thread among these ideologies and mentalities, inexorably leading to exploitation, oppression, and human rights violations. By prioritizing individual interests over collective well-being, these mindsets perpetuate the very problems they claim to solve. In stark contrast, communism offers a beacon of hope, providing a framework for collective governance, social welfare, and the subordination of individual interests to the greater good, ensuring a more egalitarian and just society.
My conclusion:
If those nine things truly are the core beliefs of the term, if those nine things truly define a 'Tankie,' then I am a Tankie. Are Communists perfect? No. Have Communists made mistakes? Yes. Do I believe Communists had and have the best of intentions for humanity? Yes. And I believe true hive-mind communism/collectivism is the only way forward. From Marx, Engels, and Lenin, to Chiefs Joseph and Seattle, communism and acceptance of the oneness of humanity is the only path forward for humanity. Communism is Egalitarian; Egalitarianism is what humanists, indigenous, communists, humanitarians, and altruists push for. There is just a process under Communism theory to achieving Egalitarianism, but it involves eliminating or regulating some harmful individualistic freedoms and rights along the way. So are you a Tankie?
I believe the immediate goal of Communists is to unite the proletariat, overthrow bourgeois supremacy, and seize political power. After winning the battle of democracy, the proletariat will use its power to gradually take control of capital, centralize production, and increase productivity. During the revolutionary transition period, the state will be transformed into a revolutionary dictatorship of the proletariat, which will assert its power, hold down capitalist adversaries, and carry out economic revolution.
Once victorious, the proletariat will abolish class antagonisms and its own supremacy as a class. However, this requires suppressing the oppressors and exploiters through force, imposing restrictions on their freedom, and crushing their resistance to achieve true democracy for the people and free humanity from wage slavery. This was justified by Marx, Engels, Lenin, and other communist leaders, much to the dismay of those with more pacifist, individualist, or survival-of-the-fittest mentalities.
I was told there are nine core beliefs for Tankies. And I have opinions on those core beliefs.
1. Support for authoritarian socialism and communist states.
If one believes in the dictatorship of the proletariat and even the vanguard, if one believes and follows the writings of Marx, Engels, and Lenin, I do not know how one opposes these. My first paragraph was a summary of those three heads of communism. This inconsistency would undermine the coherence of one's beliefs and cast doubt on their commitment to the revolutionary cause. It would be a self-contradictory stance, negating the fundamental principles of communist thought.
2. Advocacy for revolutionary violence and suppression of counter-revolutionaries.
Again, this is part of the Communist Manifesto, doing what needs to be done to install, maintain, and transition into a communist society. The pursuit of revolutionary violence and suppression of counter-revolutionaries is not only justified but necessary to dismantle the existing oppressive structures and ensure the triumph of the proletariat. It is a crucial aspect of the revolutionary process, as emphasized by Marx, Engels, and Lenin, and cannot be compromised or abandoned in the face of bourgeois sentimentality, liberal squeamishness, or anarcho Irresponsibility.
3. Emphasis on state control and central planning.
Again, this is mentioned in the Communist Manifesto, as something needed until the transformation of society is completed. The implementation of state control and central planning is essential to facilitate the rapid industrialization, resource allocation, and social reorganization required to build a socialist society. It enables the proletariat to assert its collective ownership and control over the means of production, thereby dismantling the capitalist system and paving the way for a classless, stateless future. This temporary measure is crucial to ensure the efficient and equitable distribution of resources, and to prevent the re-emergence of exploitative capitalist structures.
4. Rejection of liberal democracy, individual freedoms, and market economies.
When it comes to installing, maintaining, and transitioning society to a communist one, the rejection of liberal democracy, individual freedoms, and market economies is not only permitted but necessitated by the principles of scientific socialism. As outlined by Marx, Engels, and Lenin, the dismantling of bourgeois institutions and ideologies is essential to create a socialist society, where the collective interests of the proletariat supersede individualistic pursuits. This rejection is not a mere suggestion, but a fundamental requirement for the revolutionary transformation of society, as liberal democracy and market economies are inherently exploitative and antithetical to the values of communism.
5. Strong anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism stance.
Again, if you follow the heads of communism, a strong anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism stance is not only normal, but an indispensable cornerstone of communist ideology. One cannot claim to be a communist without unequivocally rejecting the harmful, exploitative, and oppressive individualistic systems of imperialism, capitalism, and neo-feudalism, which are fundamentally at odds with the principles of socialism and the emancipation of the working class. To compromise on these stances would be to betray the very essence of communism and to acquiesce to the perpetuation of global inequality and exploitation.
6. Often, a nostalgic or supportive view of historical communist regimes (e.g., Soviet Union under Lenin/Stalin, China under Mao).
Yes, support. While acknowledging that historical communist regimes, such as the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, and China under Mao, made mistakes and faced challenges, it's essential to recognize that many of the accusations levied against them, including those in the Black Book of Communism, were grossly exaggerated, distorted, or taken out of context. These regimes, despite their flaws, made significant strides in advancing socialist principles, industrializing their economies, and promoting social welfare. Rather than dismissing them as failures, we should view them as valuable learning experiences and a foundation to build upon, refining the blueprint for achieving true communism.
7. Prioritization of collective interests over individual rights and freedoms.
In contrast to the prevailing tendency across various societal spectra to prioritize individual rights and freedoms over collective interests and well-being, communist ideology steadfastly upholds the primacy of the collective good, as emphasized by its founding thinkers. Communists acknowledge and support individuality, but rightfully subordinate it to the needs of the collective, recognizing that genuine individual flourishing can only be achieved through the collective's liberation and prosperity. This is because communism is rooted in altruism and humanism, seeking to transcend the egoistic and exploitative tendencies that plague human societies. From a psychological perspective, communism embodies the "light triad" traits - empathy, kindness, and genuine concern for the well-being of others - which are essential for fostering a harmonious and equitable society.
8. Belief in the necessity of the dictatorship of the proletariat, vanguard party, or leadership to guide the revolution.
The Communist Manifesto and other foundational texts of communism emphasize the necessity of the dictatorship of the proletariat, vanguard party, or leadership to guide the revolution. This principle is rooted in the understanding that even the earliest forms of human society, such as primitive communism, relied on leadership and organization to ensure collective survival and prosperity. As we strive for a stateless, classless society under communism, I believe that representation will continue to play a vital role, even after the transition. When the state is abolished, I expect that groups will select representatives to facilitate decision-making, ensure collective governance, and address complex issues that require coordinated action. This representative system will be fundamentally different from bourgeois democracy, as it will be grounded in the principles of socialist democracy, accountability, and the empowerment of all people, not just the working class.
9. Skepticism or rejection of democratic socialism, anarchism, and other non-authoritarian leftist ideologies.
Humanity's current problems stem from the insidious influence of social Darwinism, which spawns megalomaniacal and sociopathic behaviors, and egoism, which creates fantasies and promotes volunteerism over mandatory responsibilities, reinforcing individualism. Individualism is the common thread among these ideologies and mentalities, inexorably leading to exploitation, oppression, and human rights violations. By prioritizing individual interests over collective well-being, these mindsets perpetuate the very problems they claim to solve. In stark contrast, communism offers a beacon of hope, providing a framework for collective governance, social welfare, and the subordination of individual interests to the greater good, ensuring a more egalitarian and just society.
My conclusion:
If those nine things truly are the core beliefs of the term, if those nine things truly define a 'Tankie,' then I am a Tankie. Are Communists perfect? No. Have Communists made mistakes? Yes. Do I believe Communists had and have the best of intentions for humanity? Yes. And I believe true hive-mind communism/collectivism is the only way forward. From Marx, Engels, and Lenin, to Chiefs Joseph and Seattle, communism and acceptance of the oneness of humanity is the only path forward for humanity. Communism is Egalitarian; Egalitarianism is what humanists, indigenous, communists, humanitarians, and altruists push for. There is just a process under Communism theory to achieving Egalitarianism, but it involves eliminating or regulating some harmful individualistic freedoms and rights along the way. So are you a Tankie?
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