The USSR, teen rebellion and anti-Communism

Any leftist (Anarchist, Communist or Socialist) will come to a point where he/she will ask him or herself why it is people can still support ideas that do not promote equality and harmony amongst people. Why is it that seemingly well educated, perfectly intelligent men and women will so emphatically reject the harmony and prosperity that most leftwing ideas (through logical reasoning) offer. Why is it that they turn to capitalist, rightwing views, when the stated aim of these is to maintain the class system and all it entails, such as poverty and exploitation for many, and power and wealth for few?

I believe there are several reasons for this. The first is a very basic misconception: the USSR was communist. It was not. The USSR was a totalitarian dictatorship for virtually all of its existence. It was meant to have been built on Marx’s idea but corrupt, power hungry men usurped and used the hype of these ideas for their own ends (most notably Iosef Stalin). Right wing, or anti-communists, will often quote the USSR as a prime example of communism. It is not. Communism promotes freedom. Communists, anarchists and socialists were persecuted under Stalin’s rule as much (if not more) as the rest of the population.

Another reason for the rejection of leftwing ideas as a step forwards is as a kind of rebellion. This may seem illogical, but one must understand that these revolutionary ideas have (since the 90s) passed on into mainstream teenage culture. Che Guevara has become the icon of vaguely rebellious teenagers worldwide. Being a “Commie” or having an A on your bag have become signs of belonging in teenage culture. As all large-scale cultural shifts, it has created a counter reaction. Teen rebellion has now shifted from being against the system, to being against those who are against the system. Rather than being a well informed opinion, anti-communism (at least in teens) has become a kind of rebellion in itself.

This I think stems from the very real problem of peer pressure and opinions. Here peer pressure from rebellious teens claiming to be “commies” has lead to the pent up teen rebellion of the others being directed at what appears to be the majority of leftists.

- RzBz

From Rioter's Block Issue #2 printed March 27