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Reconsideration
Nov. 12th, 2010 01:15 pmI used to be a Marxist.
Besides the flaws of Marxism as a historical theory and a political program, it also encouraged a blindness to cultural considerations (such as misogyny, racism, or heterosexism) in its focus on economic ones (there's something *weird* about the idea that if we can get beyond capitalism, then every other form of oppression will go away). Even worse, it encouraged me to ignore anyone's needs and feelings, and internalize an ethic of self-sacrifice.
I slowly untangled the problems and turned toward anarchism.
****
I am now considering whether some of my other ideas have involved similar errors. Marxism encouraged me to put principles before people. Has pacifism encouraged me to do the same? Has non-aggression? Have I gone too far with these ideas? I need to think about this.
Besides the flaws of Marxism as a historical theory and a political program, it also encouraged a blindness to cultural considerations (such as misogyny, racism, or heterosexism) in its focus on economic ones (there's something *weird* about the idea that if we can get beyond capitalism, then every other form of oppression will go away). Even worse, it encouraged me to ignore anyone's needs and feelings, and internalize an ethic of self-sacrifice.
I slowly untangled the problems and turned toward anarchism.
****
I am now considering whether some of my other ideas have involved similar errors. Marxism encouraged me to put principles before people. Has pacifism encouraged me to do the same? Has non-aggression? Have I gone too far with these ideas? I need to think about this.
