To me, experientially, leftist means (inside) and right means (outside). We can say on the political compass from top to bottom the differentiator is authority, but it's unclear what left to right is because it keeps moving based on who's in power. From the perspective of the social anarchist leftist, what She does not want done to Her defines Left. What He wants to do to the External world defines right...I think the gender disparity between leftists and libertarians is proof of this. This is also why the deep seated defiance of a social anarchist is far more powerful in motivating movement than the libertarian gun show performance artist
This was such a beautiful powerful encouraging and engaging wrap of the events of this week luv! Liberationist we ride at dawn to turn the tides on the empire!
As someone who has felt the same way when joining socialist and communist organizations I’m very happy you shared your experience of how even the people closest to our belief system may still not align with them. As I learn more about myself and my beliefs the more lonely I feel. This made me feel so seen.
My man said to me, when he was living in an anarchist community, he realised that just because they said they were against hierarchy, didn’t mean they weren't racist and sexist. I mean you can say that you are for something or against something, but are you really? Actions speak louder than words. I think there is an expectation of perfection sometimes, that we have it in our heads that you can’t use a label unless you uphold your ideals perfectly. People have blind spots, they make mistakes, they disagree. What matters to me is that people have the passion, love and rage, for change. That’s what “the left” represents to me, even if it’s a bit vague, it’s this recognition that the power structure is oppressive, and we want liberation from that capitalist-sexist-racist-imperialist monster. Within that broad field you will have a lot of discussion about how to achieve liberation, everyone squabbling about what Marx really meant when he said X and whether he was right about that anyway. Theres plenty of leftists who don’t give a toss about Marx. Let’s get free.
I really like the label 'Liberationist' - I feel dumb for not having thought of it, I'd happily use it, and even promote it if it also means liberation from the hierarchy, capital, class, and the state.
Personally I've played around with 'equalitarian', 'decentralist', and 'autonomist' but just keep coming back to Anarchist, Socialist, Communist, and even occasionally Leftist.
However, I worry that the so called 'centre' will keep adopting whatever label we come up when it suits them, and the right will keep on abusing any label that we use. For example 'Libertarian' once meant being an anti-state Socialist (in other words a Leftist Anarchist), yet it ended up being co-opted by the right-wing, and Anarchist ended up being used to mean 'chaos' in the minds of many.
Whereas, 'Conservatives' happily call themselves such - although they've redefined it somewhat as originally it referred to conserving privilege, and they now sometimes claim it means preserving traditional values (whatever that means).
'Capitalists', a word that was almost always an insult from its inception - is one many of them proudly wear, without any irony (or much understanding for that matter either).
The right tries to redefine 'Freedom' to mean freedom to exclude on the basis of race, sex, gender, religion and politics. I'm not sure there is any word they wouldn't redefine given the choice, usually to its complete opposite.
So maybe Leftist isn't the best word, but I think I'll keep fighting libs and right-wingers who use it wrongly, and loudly proudly proclaim myself a 'Liberationist' too.
Yeah, and to add to that. Whilst agreeing with the general premise of this original article/piece, I felt thrown by the claiming of 'lib' as meaning liberationist when it's widely for a long time been used to refer to liberals/libertarians -whose politics are quite different. So while I align with the liberationist values, I take issue with the rhetoric around claiming 'lib' as if it doesn't have a huge history in another direction. Which is all semantics, but the OP was focused on semantics within that point, so feels relevant to add.
You are my people. I've never called myself a leftist or a liberal or a Democrat. In fact, the only people who have called me any of these things have been people who disagree with me. I prefer prophet. Or witch. Or mother-fucking-white-hot-with-rage-bridge-burning resister. I've been warning people about all of this for over 30 years. Nobody listens, but I'm not about to quit.
Facts on facts on facts. The reality is that any white cis men or just white men should be expecting suspicion. Especially in spaces that their group has harmed. And that suspicion should be met with humility and effort to prove that they aren’t just another propaganda babbling capitalist.
There are so many intersections of harm perpetuated by the followers of someone like that. The leftists who don’t have the analysis. When you said “Everyone wants to prove someone else wrong, no one wants to actually understand.” Spoke to my soul.
In Hassan’s followers we have people desperate for community who become defensive of him because of the para social relationship they have developed. And it should honestly be concerning for him that they respond that way. It shouldn’t be reactionary. It should be thoughtful and contemplative of the criticism being made. But we have so few people who actually understand why things happen and can defend them and be critical of the analysis without becoming reactionary in the process. And because these folks don’t feel strong in their ability to understand then they lash out at anyone who comes with criticism. And it honestly isn’t a great sign for us. We need people who understand. We need them to be able to criticize and to make better the ways we see harm occurring. And we don’t.
I’ve seen time and time again people who spout restorative justice principles… engaging in cancel culture and cop mentality. because when you don’t have the analysis you always default back to your indoctrination. Which is harm incarnate.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, I enjoy when folks are willing to put their thoughts out there for all to see.
Having said that, I wanted to push back a little. I think you are modeling some of the criticism you are aiming at others by calling people out because they’re not where you are. Being a communist, does not mean you believe in liberation, it’s the belief of a different economic system, and true organizers meet people where they are.
To your point, we are in a moment that takes unity, which means we need to be more invested in building coalitions with people and groups who may not be aligned with us on everything, but are all in on the thing we are currently fighting for. Lastly, most people are not fighting for liberation, they just want to live a life without struggle and be surrounded by the people they love. That’s ok, and they can be organized and enrolled into the work. If we’re willing to meet then where they are.
I like the term “Humanist” but I’m not really a big fan of labels for myself in general. If you look at the historical origin if the term “Leftist,” it refers to a political reality that began on May 5, 1789 in France and now seems obsolete given the nearly complete capture of the Third Estate by plutocrats (nobility, or the Second Estate) and theocrats (clergy, or the First Estate). The Third Estate (peasants and burghers, making up over 95% of the population) was historically the disenfranchised majority and was sometimes represented by a Parliament - what we call Congress in the US is similar though institutionally speaking there is no official “left-wing” here - though the other estates had disproportionate influence. Any reasonable analysis of present-day politics shows that we no longer have any influence over laws that are passed in countries like the United States, hence in these countries we need an Enlightenment as well as a Progressive movement. Like in Absolute Monarchies and Dictatorships, we lack any real representation in our government in so-called “Democratic” countries. This is a crisis like 1789, and when people realize just how disenfranchised they are by our nobility and clergy, there will be blood.
I’m coming back to this piece & keep re reading it. I realize I used leftists because of the same sentiment that came up in certain spaces, where liberation was not a priority & it didn’t feel right. Seeing you emphasize the label Liberationist, I feel seen and it resonates deeply. I’ll be claiming this moving forward now. Thank you for putting the words I couldn’t quite find to contextualize what I’ve been feeling!
I call myself leftist publicly because if I don't they think I'm a radical. I AM a radical. However, I work with normal people in the public sector who don't think hard about these things and that would scare them.
i don’t bother with labels in this regard. they are redundant, useful only for initial categorization. there is always more to something than its name.
liberation and anarchist ethics guide my life as well. we aren’t free unless we all are. if you have a boss, you are not free. if your neighbor is oppressed, you are oppressed. i can’t stand to see autonomy trampled over by those who think themselves better - and often don’t believe they think as such.
To me, experientially, leftist means (inside) and right means (outside). We can say on the political compass from top to bottom the differentiator is authority, but it's unclear what left to right is because it keeps moving based on who's in power. From the perspective of the social anarchist leftist, what She does not want done to Her defines Left. What He wants to do to the External world defines right...I think the gender disparity between leftists and libertarians is proof of this. This is also why the deep seated defiance of a social anarchist is far more powerful in motivating movement than the libertarian gun show performance artist
this is INCREDIBLY interesting wow!!!! tysm for this ❤
This is the best take on gender in the political spectrum I think I’ve ever read I love it ❤️
Brilliant analysis
This was such a beautiful powerful encouraging and engaging wrap of the events of this week luv! Liberationist we ride at dawn to turn the tides on the empire!
WELL YES!!!!
As someone who has felt the same way when joining socialist and communist organizations I’m very happy you shared your experience of how even the people closest to our belief system may still not align with them. As I learn more about myself and my beliefs the more lonely I feel. This made me feel so seen.
I long ago lost count of how many times this has happened to me. It's very discouraging, I know. I see you too.
My man said to me, when he was living in an anarchist community, he realised that just because they said they were against hierarchy, didn’t mean they weren't racist and sexist. I mean you can say that you are for something or against something, but are you really? Actions speak louder than words. I think there is an expectation of perfection sometimes, that we have it in our heads that you can’t use a label unless you uphold your ideals perfectly. People have blind spots, they make mistakes, they disagree. What matters to me is that people have the passion, love and rage, for change. That’s what “the left” represents to me, even if it’s a bit vague, it’s this recognition that the power structure is oppressive, and we want liberation from that capitalist-sexist-racist-imperialist monster. Within that broad field you will have a lot of discussion about how to achieve liberation, everyone squabbling about what Marx really meant when he said X and whether he was right about that anyway. Theres plenty of leftists who don’t give a toss about Marx. Let’s get free.
THIS:
> What in the ever loving fuck are we doing if we’re not focused on liberation for all oppressed people, immediately?
Really liked the piece. Subscribed. Looking forward to seeing more.
I'm down! No one is free until EVERYONE is free! 🕊🌈💕
I really like the label 'Liberationist' - I feel dumb for not having thought of it, I'd happily use it, and even promote it if it also means liberation from the hierarchy, capital, class, and the state.
Personally I've played around with 'equalitarian', 'decentralist', and 'autonomist' but just keep coming back to Anarchist, Socialist, Communist, and even occasionally Leftist.
However, I worry that the so called 'centre' will keep adopting whatever label we come up when it suits them, and the right will keep on abusing any label that we use. For example 'Libertarian' once meant being an anti-state Socialist (in other words a Leftist Anarchist), yet it ended up being co-opted by the right-wing, and Anarchist ended up being used to mean 'chaos' in the minds of many.
Whereas, 'Conservatives' happily call themselves such - although they've redefined it somewhat as originally it referred to conserving privilege, and they now sometimes claim it means preserving traditional values (whatever that means).
'Capitalists', a word that was almost always an insult from its inception - is one many of them proudly wear, without any irony (or much understanding for that matter either).
The right tries to redefine 'Freedom' to mean freedom to exclude on the basis of race, sex, gender, religion and politics. I'm not sure there is any word they wouldn't redefine given the choice, usually to its complete opposite.
So maybe Leftist isn't the best word, but I think I'll keep fighting libs and right-wingers who use it wrongly, and loudly proudly proclaim myself a 'Liberationist' too.
Yeah, and to add to that. Whilst agreeing with the general premise of this original article/piece, I felt thrown by the claiming of 'lib' as meaning liberationist when it's widely for a long time been used to refer to liberals/libertarians -whose politics are quite different. So while I align with the liberationist values, I take issue with the rhetoric around claiming 'lib' as if it doesn't have a huge history in another direction. Which is all semantics, but the OP was focused on semantics within that point, so feels relevant to add.
this was really encouraging to read! thank you
so happy it uplifted you, sweetness!!!! ❤
You are my people. I've never called myself a leftist or a liberal or a Democrat. In fact, the only people who have called me any of these things have been people who disagree with me. I prefer prophet. Or witch. Or mother-fucking-white-hot-with-rage-bridge-burning resister. I've been warning people about all of this for over 30 years. Nobody listens, but I'm not about to quit.
Facts on facts on facts. The reality is that any white cis men or just white men should be expecting suspicion. Especially in spaces that their group has harmed. And that suspicion should be met with humility and effort to prove that they aren’t just another propaganda babbling capitalist.
There are so many intersections of harm perpetuated by the followers of someone like that. The leftists who don’t have the analysis. When you said “Everyone wants to prove someone else wrong, no one wants to actually understand.” Spoke to my soul.
In Hassan’s followers we have people desperate for community who become defensive of him because of the para social relationship they have developed. And it should honestly be concerning for him that they respond that way. It shouldn’t be reactionary. It should be thoughtful and contemplative of the criticism being made. But we have so few people who actually understand why things happen and can defend them and be critical of the analysis without becoming reactionary in the process. And because these folks don’t feel strong in their ability to understand then they lash out at anyone who comes with criticism. And it honestly isn’t a great sign for us. We need people who understand. We need them to be able to criticize and to make better the ways we see harm occurring. And we don’t.
I’ve seen time and time again people who spout restorative justice principles… engaging in cancel culture and cop mentality. because when you don’t have the analysis you always default back to your indoctrination. Which is harm incarnate.
THIS!! Was going to say much of the same thing but I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, I enjoy when folks are willing to put their thoughts out there for all to see.
Having said that, I wanted to push back a little. I think you are modeling some of the criticism you are aiming at others by calling people out because they’re not where you are. Being a communist, does not mean you believe in liberation, it’s the belief of a different economic system, and true organizers meet people where they are.
To your point, we are in a moment that takes unity, which means we need to be more invested in building coalitions with people and groups who may not be aligned with us on everything, but are all in on the thing we are currently fighting for. Lastly, most people are not fighting for liberation, they just want to live a life without struggle and be surrounded by the people they love. That’s ok, and they can be organized and enrolled into the work. If we’re willing to meet then where they are.
I like the term “Humanist” but I’m not really a big fan of labels for myself in general. If you look at the historical origin if the term “Leftist,” it refers to a political reality that began on May 5, 1789 in France and now seems obsolete given the nearly complete capture of the Third Estate by plutocrats (nobility, or the Second Estate) and theocrats (clergy, or the First Estate). The Third Estate (peasants and burghers, making up over 95% of the population) was historically the disenfranchised majority and was sometimes represented by a Parliament - what we call Congress in the US is similar though institutionally speaking there is no official “left-wing” here - though the other estates had disproportionate influence. Any reasonable analysis of present-day politics shows that we no longer have any influence over laws that are passed in countries like the United States, hence in these countries we need an Enlightenment as well as a Progressive movement. Like in Absolute Monarchies and Dictatorships, we lack any real representation in our government in so-called “Democratic” countries. This is a crisis like 1789, and when people realize just how disenfranchised they are by our nobility and clergy, there will be blood.
I’m coming back to this piece & keep re reading it. I realize I used leftists because of the same sentiment that came up in certain spaces, where liberation was not a priority & it didn’t feel right. Seeing you emphasize the label Liberationist, I feel seen and it resonates deeply. I’ll be claiming this moving forward now. Thank you for putting the words I couldn’t quite find to contextualize what I’ve been feeling!
I call myself leftist publicly because if I don't they think I'm a radical. I AM a radical. However, I work with normal people in the public sector who don't think hard about these things and that would scare them.
i don’t bother with labels in this regard. they are redundant, useful only for initial categorization. there is always more to something than its name.
liberation and anarchist ethics guide my life as well. we aren’t free unless we all are. if you have a boss, you are not free. if your neighbor is oppressed, you are oppressed. i can’t stand to see autonomy trampled over by those who think themselves better - and often don’t believe they think as such.
I completely agree and I also feel like queer ppl leading hetero lives are assimilationists and it’s not talked about enough
Yes like we'd all be men if it weren't for the trans actual nature of intercourse you know
100 percent, transitioning has been the most liberating act of self-care.
Free yourself of thought prisons