How can I convince people that communism is not "good in theory"? I hear this crap all the time in my political science class and its driving me nuts. Communism is NOT good in theory or in any other circumstance, but I am unsure how to convince others of this fact.
2007-10-09 13:34:17 · 12 answers · asked by Whishkey Bottom. 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
It's very simple. Set up an exercise in which a group of people have a big task to complete. Nobody is allowed to be in charge. Arrange things so that some of the people have to work much harder than others to get the job done, while a few people contribute very little or nothing at all. Then when it comes time to hand out rewards, give everybody the same amount. See how the most productive workers like that.
You've just demonstrated how communism was supposed to work in theory. In practice it's even worse - the ones who produce the least get the biggest share.
Communism is a failed theory for a number of reasons, including the fact that it removes the incentive for people to produce anything, and the fact that it's impossible to implement as intended because human beings don't behave that way.
2007-10-09 13:44:21 · answer #1 · answered by stevemdfwtx 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Do some research and give them a brief overview of the Soviet Union's history. Or Communist China's history. Or Socialist Cuba's history. I'll give you some examples, but I recommend researching it on your own. Then you'll truly understand the topic.
Communism and Socialism are both born from the same basic concept. They both de-value individualism. You are part of a collective, not an individual. Your accomplishments mean nothing, only the accomplishments of the collective matter. The problem is simple: the world's greatest accomplishments have all been achieved by individuals. The group is made up of individuals, the group is the lump sum of all the individuals in it. If you weaken or de-value the individual, you have also weakened the group.
But ultimately it goes against human nature. Humans strive for personal freedom. We don't like being controlled. We like to have leaders but that's not the same thing. Look throughout history, the theme is repeated constantly. Communism has to suppress this natural inclination. You, as an individual, cannot have a voice, only the party's voice matters. But its like suppressing a human's need to eat. Its not going to happen. So you have to exert control. The Soviet Union had Stalin and maintained the Gulags long after Stalin was gone. Communism cannot allow a dissenting voice. The voice might spread. If the voice spreads, the collective fails. Freedom of speech, no. Free press, no. Gun ownership, no. Free market, no. You can have no voice, you can have no say, you can have no decision.
2007-10-09 21:00:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have you read Marx and Engles' A Communist Manifesto? It is the ultimate source on the subject of Communism. Think about what they say and relate it to reality. Ask questions like, are all people exactly the same? If you do this you will have your answer.
2007-10-09 20:48:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its acceptance in the World is going over like a lead balloon. What good is a so-called sound theory if it makes people miserable?
2007-10-09 20:40:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
"in theory" communism is good, but true communism only exists "in theory". It can never exist outside of theory. A system can be more communist than another, but the person who becomes leader of a communist system tends to want more power, and destroys the system and it falls into fascism.
2007-10-09 20:59:46 · answer #5 · answered by Boss H 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Communism might be good in theory but it's been a dismal failure in reality. Challenge your Prof. and fellow students to point out a successful communist country, and don't let them get away with it just hasn't been done right yet.
2007-10-09 21:13:53 · answer #6 · answered by mfitz67 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask them for an example of a successful communist system. One where the people are not literally dying to get out.
But you also have to remember that some people just can't be reasoned with. Sad, but true....
2007-10-09 20:59:30 · answer #7 · answered by Jadis 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Explain to them how communism is about valuing every human life, giving everyone something to eat, establishing a standard of living, etc. This would neccessitate some of the people at the very top giving something to the people at the very bottom, and why would they want to do it? We aren't all equal. Some people don't deserve anything to eat. Some children deserve to die. Just tell them this, they will understand and you will be the most popular kid in class.
2007-10-09 20:41:45 · answer #8 · answered by the unchosen son 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Why do you say communism is NOT good in theory?
If your reasons are valid, rational people will listen and give it some thought.
2007-10-09 20:36:36 · answer #9 · answered by Chi Guy 5 · 6⤊ 2⤋
So you don't think shared wealth sounds good in theory? Early Christianity was based on it. Where I agree that communism is not good and does not work in practice, I still believe that it sounds good in theory.
2007-10-09 20:45:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋