Cowbee

joined 1 year ago
[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 5 points 7 months ago

I think everyone that can read needs this message too. There's a difference between knowing misogyny is bad, for instance, and knowing how and why it works and how to eliminate it forever.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 16 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (2 children)

Here it is, Cowbee's "Read Theory, Darn It!" beginner reading list. All except one work has an audiobook alternative linked, otherwise there are text links directly to said works. It starts off with foundations, then builds on said foundations, ending with some practical advice on how to conduct yourself as a Leftist in general. I also include intersectional theory regarding trans and enby liberation, gay rights and history, and decolonialism.

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions!

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 21 points 7 months ago (4 children)

I try to get people to read Marxist theory, and correct common misconceptions. Part of why people feel despair right now is because they don't see a way out of this, because they don't have a background in leftist theory. I keep a basic beginners reading list I can link, if anyone wants it, I'll spare the copypasta.

It also includes a section at the end with my own personal practical suggestions for how to conduct yourself in your daily life to remain effective and optimistic.

I also try to combat problems like queerphobia, racism, and misogyny when I see them.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 6 points 7 months ago (1 children)

It isn't "American indoctrination," the ideas held by people are largely determined by their social relations and material conditions. Understanding how people come to their conclusions and the beliefs they hold is a fundamental aspect of theory, because it illuminates how we can change those beliefs.

Liberals generally want the same things Leftists do, but don't understand the systems around them, their trajectories, or their weaknesses, and thus not how to overcome them or what needs to be done.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 6 points 7 months ago (2 children)
[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 10 points 7 months ago (3 children)

We can't bring the Democrats to where they need to be, they serve their donors, and their donors would rather the Democrats lose than shift left. The DNC cannot be infiltrated either, it sustains itself purely from its donors, and as such needs establishment figures that prop up the system with fundraising, while radicals are cast aside.

This is why theory is important.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 4 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (2 children)

Here it is, Cowbee's "Read Theory, Darn It!" beginner reading list. All except one work has an audiobook alternative linked, otherwise there are text links directly to said works. It starts off with foundations, then builds on said foundations, ending with some practical advice on how to conduct yourself as a Leftist in general. I also include intersectional theory regarding trans and enby liberation, gay rights and history, and decolonialism.

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions!

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 7 points 7 months ago (5 children)

Reading theory helps keep me from distress. If we know our enemy, and how it operates, we can struggle and defeat it.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 4 points 7 months ago

What convinces people is organizing. Practice reinforces social knowledge. Reading theory is critical as well, but organizing and putting theory to practice is what spreads.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 9 points 7 months ago (4 children)

Yes, the DNC would rather lose outright than pivot to the left, because their donors would rather have republicans win than leftists. The DNC and GOP collaborate against third parties as well. In order to move beyond this problem, we need to organize outside the bounds of Electoralism, and do so on a constant basis, not just in the lead-up to election day. Reading theory helps this greatly, I keep an introduction to Marxism list on hand if anyone wants to read it that I can link.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Reading theory helps us analyze what's wrong with our society, how we can solve these issues, and gives us the ability to struggle for this change. I keep a Marxist theory reading list for beginners that I can link, if anyone wants it.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 7 points 7 months ago (4 children)

Voting third party will not bring about necessary change. The DNC can't be moved left, but will absolutely use systemic advantage against leftist parties, like how they kicked PSL off the ballots of several states. We need to organize and pressure the system itself from outside the domains of electoralism.

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