I was wondering why Marxism was still a thing and this placed seemed to be filled with Marxists. So, why? Didn’t the fall of USSR teach us anything? Do today’s Marxists think that USSR did something wrong? In other words, will they do anything different than the dictators of the soviet union? Also, some here seem to admire Stalin. I would really have to try hard to find a community that would admire removed but apparently admiring Stalin, another mass murder seems to be perfectly fine!
Very good question! It’s important to understand that materialist analysis (although it’s evolved over time since being formalized by Marx) is still very important for social struggles: marxian economy is what’s being taught to economists for them to understand how to maximize “surplus value” (i.e. better exploit workers). There’s also been serious analysis of non-reproductive work (house chores, conversational work, etc) from feminist circles.
Also, marxism is not a unified doctrine. Marxism-leninism, maoism and stalinism (among others) are authoritarian ideologies which don’t accept dissent. But Marx himself had some anti-authoritarian critiques later in his life, and many people who identify as marxists don’t side (especially not uncritically) with authoritarian regimes.
hell yes. especially since the collapse of the USSR, anti-authoritarian marxism (libertarian communism) is on the rise, and except on niche internet forums like Lemmy it’s hard to find Lenin/Stalin apologists in real-world struggles.
Don’t hesitate if you have more detailed questions. I could also ask some marxist comrades for some good resources if you like.