RE: Seeking Knowledge And The Ability To Understand And Interpret It... "Marxism"
Maybe in your search for knowledge about Marxism you should have consulted Marx himself!
Of course, in the beginning, this cannot be effected except by means of despotic inroads on the rights of property , and on the conditions of bourgeois production; by means of measures, therefore, which appear economically insufficient and untenable, but which, in the course of the movement, outstrip themselves, necessitate further inroads upon the old social order, and are unavoidable as a means of entirely revolutionalising the mode of production.
The Communist Manifesto
Despotic=Authoritarian
Looks like Marx was a right-wing pervert, too bad you don't have a time machine so you could teach him real Marxism.
Advocating for an ideology responsible for the worst genocides (notice the plural)in the last century while pretending to have everyones best interest at heart isn't going to cut it anymore Buster!
Buster huh ... OOhhh... I stand corrected, and thereby my Mission is accomplished... It appears you've done some homework to bolster your position and actually thought about it - For that i'm impressed and commend your effort - I rarely find anyone who can articulate an opposing opinion on anything, much less a subject as complicated and controversial as this one... HOWEVER...
Referencing the above quotes from the Communist Manifesto, I will just say Context Matters and leave it there. I don't think you realize it, but you have proven my overall point perfectly (at least in this conversation). Selectively using Marx's ideals or "cherry picking" references to serve your own purpose contradictory to the actual intent - sort of reminiscent of what Stalin and Mao did, right?
I am however interested in debating your assertion as to who was genuinely at fault for the "worst genocides in the last century", as you so eloquently stated it. Political scientists, economists, philosophers, and historians have debated that question for at least the last sixty years, perhaps longer. There's no question it's a debate worth having.
Maybe the interaction between you and I can become more than just comments and replies to a controversial topic. I have been looking for a "niche" here on Steemit and this just might be it.
I hereby challenge you to an actual debate on your proposition that Marxism is the ideology responsible for the worst genocide(s) over the last century".
The validity of any claim asserting or contesting blame would have to be accompanied by actual facts to support it and also subject to empirical verification to confirm the proposition. Neither can easily be obtained, presented, and confirmed within the comment section of a Steemit post. If you accept, I have no doubt the two of us can agree on some form of moderation, and work out any other details to make it worth wile for us both...
BUSTER !! :)
Your proposition is interesting but there are some little problems and one big problem.
Little ones, not a lot of time right now and some heavy preparations on my part would be necessary.
The big one, We need to come to an agreement on the Definition of Marxism.
While that may be one quote among many it clearly shows an acceptance of authoritarian measures ,perhaps only sanctioned to achieve a goal, but not a condemnation of Authoritarianism.
I will look into the context if you can give me a quote where Marx condemns Authoritarianism as method in revolution or governance not of course a condemnation of his opponents.
Saying context matters and leaving it at that makes me feel like you will only answer my points dismissively a counter quote is the least you could do.
I will go into definitions and the how they are a problem in todays political discourse in my response to your other reply.