Even if you don't live in a country where the government is communist, you can still apply the ideology of communism in your daily life, participate in associations that support the principles of communism and get involved in politics. This article will give some simple tips for becoming a communist in the twenty-first century.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Learning about Communism
Step 1. Understand the suffering of the proletariat
The proletariat is the working class; people who work for an employer for wages but do not own any part of the place where they work including the components of production such as land, equipment, factories, office buildings, raw materials, and others that enable them to work. The majority of the proletariat have no control over their own work and do not share in the profits of their employer.
- Since the proletariat has no power over their work and relies heavily on wages to live, they can easily be exploited by their employers.
- According to the term coined by the Marxists, the party who oppresses the proletariat is called "the bourgeoisie." They are capitalists who own their own companies, factories, and land so it can be said that they control most of the world's wealth.
- A modern concept, 99 percent, is very similar to Karl Marx's concept of the proletariat, and another 1 percent refers to the bourgeoisie.
- The main principle of communism is that the proletariat must struggle to take control of the components of production and manage them jointly.
Step 2. Think about how private property results in social injustice
Private ownership of the components of production is the source of the strength of the bourgeoisie in exploiting the proletariat. According to Marx, if ownership of the components of production is handed over to the proletariat and distributed equitably, the workers will earn better incomes, the level of exploitation will decrease, and the social class created by the unequal distribution of property will disappear.
Some modern companies give their workers some of their shares so that the company can be said to be owned by the workers. However, there are still very few companies that implement this system
Step 3. Review the communist criticism of capitalism
According to Marx, it is the capitalist system itself which, together with the market economy system and the unbridled desire for profit, results in conditions of social injustice. Marx felt that the way out of this was the abolition of the capitalist system through the revolution of the proletariat.
- Many communist revolutionary movements have occurred in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, although only a few communist regimes remain.
- Most modern communist parties are more focused on reforming capitalist society than on revolution.
Step 4. Deeply understand the core concepts of Marxist communism
If you introduce yourself as a communist, people will assume that you understand the core concepts of communism and can be discussed well.
- Begin with a pamphlet written by Frederik Engels in 1847 on the basic tenets of Marxist communism entitled The Principles of Communism.
- Continue with the Communist Manifesto published by Karl Marx with Frederick Engels in 1848.
- Read the 3-volume book Das Kapital by Karl Marx if you want a challenge.
Step 5. Read additional literature on communism explaining the context and evolution of the communist movement
Some good introductory articles include: Communism: A Very Short Introduction by Leslie Holmes, and The Theory and Practice of Communism: An Introduction by R. N. Carew Hunt
Step 6. Add some other works of communism to your reading list
Ideal choices include Vladimir Lenin's The State and Revolution and Leon Trotsky's In Defense of Marxism.
Step 7. Remember that communism is very much against private property ownership and excessive consumption of things
The most communist thing you can do is rely on public libraries and used bookstores to achieve your research goals.
Part 2 of 3: Participating in Communist Political Activities
Step 1. Read the latest publications and websites about communism and communism sympathizers
Some good examples are People's Word, libcom, and The People's Daily Morning Star.
Step 2. Join and actively participate in local communist organizations
Look for communist parties or communist activist groups in your area.
- In the United States, you can join the American Communist Party (Communist Party USA).
- If there are no communist groups in your area, consider starting a new communist community.
Step 3. Participate in groups and movements based on or in line with communist ideals
- Support the unions and remember that good communists don't support strikes!
- Participate in occupation or occupation activities.
Step 4. Always remember that even peaceful demonstrations can be subject to legal sanctions
Learn about the laws in your area and be prepared to be punished and even jailed for participating in political demonstrations.
Part 3 of 3: Applying Communist Principles in Daily Life
Step 1. Reduce the consumption of capitalist propaganda by avoiding commercial television and radio broadcasts
The marketing system is unavoidable in the modern world and is often underestimated. In fact, this is a means of manipulation that is often used by capitalists.
Avoid websites with lots of ads, and always use pop-ups and ad-blockers to avoid unwanted online ads
Step 2. Spend your money wisely because money is the essence of capitalism
Giving your money to exploiting companies will make them stronger and oppress the working class.
- Find out about some of the companies that make food, medicine, and other items you can use. Avoid working with companies that are known to exploit their workers.
- Buy goods directly from the person who produces the goods and avoid companies that market these goods.
- Look for a company that treats its employees well. Shop at cooperatives or stores that are jointly owned by its employees.
Step 3. Join a cooperative system
With a low annual fee, you can participate in sharing your food resources. Most existing cooperative systems offer the opportunity for members to share the work together.
Step 4. Reduce consumption of commercial products
- Avoid purchasing single-use products of any kind.
- Avoid unnecessary ownership of personal property. Before buying, think about whether you really need it and how you will use the property. If possible, make large purchases with other people so you can share them.
- Learn to sew and repair things. Repair and reuse old items before buying new ones.
- Buy used items that are still worth it as much as possible.
- Stay away from the latest technology and gadget trends. Always buy only what you really need.
- Learn to grow crops and start producing your own natural produce whenever possible. Shared gardens in your area can also be utilized if available.
Step 5. Consider not owning a car
Cars are very expensive and a waste that can be considered unnecessary for most people.
- Always use public transportation.
- Take advantage of the ride-hailing program in your area.
- Consider buying a used car that is still good compared to buying a new car if you really need a car.
Step 6. Treat your workers well if you are an employer
Pay them well and allow them to participate in directing, profiting, and also in the ownership of the company.
Step 7. If you are a worker, support the worker welfare movement
Join a trade union or similar organization and invite your coworkers. If workers are not organized in your workplace, take the initiative to be the originator of a new organization.
Step 8. Tell others about your beliefs and share practical knowledge on how to become a communist
Always remember that some people, especially from earlier generations, will react unkindly to the terms "communism" or "communist" because they perceive them as political propaganda during the Cold War. Don't take it to heart and don't hate them. Setting a good example is a better way than having aggressive confrontations and arguments
Step 9. Avoid injuring others physically or psychologically while carrying out your revolutionary activities
Being an oppressor will not advance your communist movement and will only land you in prison.
