Sadly there is mountains of evidence that you can’t. Studies consistently show that trying to rationally argue someone out of a belief just makes them even more defensive of it.
Perhaps. However, giving up entirely and just calling MLs fascists is just going to get you called a lib. That’s why I pointed out that MLism has a strong theoretical basis, ie one doesn’t just happen into being an ML casually, they read theoretical texts and try to rationalize their beliefs.
If you can take advantage of what leads someone to believing something, you can show them alternatives.
For example, you can show them that currently, in America, Anarchists have more effective and tangible praxis than Marxist-Leninist parties have been, and according to ML belief, a mass movement is the only true way to upset the status quo, and as such they should consider supporting Anarchism. Baby steps, and all.
Heh. If you think I care what they call me you are sorely mistaken. If someone wants to ask real questions and learn something I’ll be happy to answer them. If they just want to spout fascist talking points and side with fascists I’m going to call them fascist. Because they are fascist. There is no point in engaging with them beyond that. You will accomplish nothing.
My goal is for leftist reorganization of society. As such, it’s important to align leftists together in a unified push against Capital. Incorrectly calling people who in their own views oppose all Imperialism and Capitalism fascists gets nothing done, when the basis of that belief is sound and just.
On a practical basis, calling MLs fascist right-wingers is worse than trying to honestly engage with them and redirect their methods, because the basis of anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism is still correct.
Sadly there is mountains of evidence that you can’t. Studies consistently show that trying to rationally argue someone out of a belief just makes them even more defensive of it.
Edit: Fixed hilarious typo. Ever fence. Heh.
Perhaps. However, giving up entirely and just calling MLs fascists is just going to get you called a lib. That’s why I pointed out that MLism has a strong theoretical basis, ie one doesn’t just happen into being an ML casually, they read theoretical texts and try to rationalize their beliefs.
If you can take advantage of what leads someone to believing something, you can show them alternatives.
For example, you can show them that currently, in America, Anarchists have more effective and tangible praxis than Marxist-Leninist parties have been, and according to ML belief, a mass movement is the only true way to upset the status quo, and as such they should consider supporting Anarchism. Baby steps, and all.
Heh. If you think I care what they call me you are sorely mistaken. If someone wants to ask real questions and learn something I’ll be happy to answer them. If they just want to spout fascist talking points and side with fascists I’m going to call them fascist. Because they are fascist. There is no point in engaging with them beyond that. You will accomplish nothing.
My goal is for leftist reorganization of society. As such, it’s important to align leftists together in a unified push against Capital. Incorrectly calling people who in their own views oppose all Imperialism and Capitalism fascists gets nothing done, when the basis of that belief is sound and just.
On a practical basis, calling MLs fascist right-wingers is worse than trying to honestly engage with them and redirect their methods, because the basis of anti-imperialism and anti-capitalism is still correct.