I just wanted to say I've seen you engaging in good faith discussion all over Lemmy, and I really, really, appreciate that. Whenever socialism, communism, Marxism and the like come up, people are quick to jump to ad hominem and flinging shit-covered sarcasm at each other, and you consistently engage thoughtfully in the discussion, even when your interlocutors don't. Thank you.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 18 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Thank you! I really appreciate it, I do try to be level headed when engaging with people. I know I used to have a lot of the same misconceptions so I try to correct them when I can. Thanks!

[–] Strawberry@lemmy.blahaj.zone 9 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Please share your wisdom, I always get snarky as hell and I don't like that about myself

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 12 points 1 day ago

If I'm being honest? Reading Liu Shaoqi's How to be a Good Communist (also in the reading list on my profile). A good part of it stresses the importance of maintaining a level head and trying to maintain good relations with "wrong" but well-meaning comrades.

[–] davel@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 day ago

I dissuade Party members from putting down people who do not understand. Even people who are unenlightened and seemingly bourgeois should be answered in a polite way. Things should be explained to them as fully as possible. I was turned off by a person who did not want to talk to me because I was not important enough. Maurice just wanted to preach to the converted, who already agreed with him. I try to be cordial, because that way you win people over. You cannot win them over by drawing the line of demarcation, saying you are on this side and I am on the other; that shows a lack of consciousness. After the Black Panther Party was formed, I nearly fell into this error. I could not understand why people were blind to what I saw so clearly. Then I realized that their understanding had to be developed.

[–] HawlSera@lemm.ee 9 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Humans are brainwashed into thinking it's "Human nature" to be greedy and self-centered, so when someone comes offering help those stuck in this condition can't help but think "What's the catch?"

And the clearer it is that the person has good intent, the more dangerous the catch must be.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 5 points 1 day ago

People aren't really "brainwashed" in the traditional sense, they seek license to confirm their biases that they think they benefit from. A good article on the subject is Masses, Elites, and Rebels: The Theory of "Brainwashing."

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