Hi there, I’m not trying to start a political argument or anything, I’m just curious what people here think about this often repeated claim that the Federation is a socialist or even communist utopia? I know Strange New Worlds did say in dialogue it is socialist but I was wondering if people here think that’s accurate? I’m not a communist or a marxist or anything like that, but I’ve had people who identify as such tell me the Federation basically is communist. So anyway, what’s your thoughts?

  • TC_209 [he/him, comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
    0·
    3 months ago

    From a Marxist perspective, all class-based societies are governed by dictatorships:

    A dictatorship is the political dominance of one group of people over others. In a class society, a dictatorship usually favors the interest of certain classes over the others.

    Right now, we live in the Dictatorship of the Bourgeoisie

    The bourgeoisie is the ruling class in capitalist society; it owns the means of production and has a decisive influence on production. It lives off of surplus value which it obtains by exploiting the labour power of the proletariat.

      • TC_209 [he/him, comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
        0·
        3 months ago

        Given this thread is about whether or not the Federation is a communist or socialist society, Marxist definitions are the most useful, eh? Furthermore, I’d argue that the term Dictatorship of the Bourgeoisie very accurately describes American (I’m an American) society, and does so regardless of one’s personal beliefs.

        • MrSaturn@startrek.websiteOPEnglish
          0·
          3 months ago

          Well there are non Marxist socialist/communist models and systems but I take your point. I was just answering you because you responded to why I’m not a communist, that’s all

          • TC_209 [he/him, comrade/them]@hexbear.netEnglish
            0·
            3 months ago

            Again, perfectly fair. Before I was a communist, I rejected Marxist concepts as well. I’ve spent over two decades reading and listening to arguments for and against all sort of political, social and economic ideas. I’ve identified with centrism, liberalism, libertarianism, social democracy and other ideologies. Today, I consider myself to be a Marxist/socialist/communist not because it’s just the latest thing I’ve hit upon, but because it’s what’s made the most sense to me. When I use Marxist words and ideas, I don’t do so because I’m a Marxist; I’m a Marxist because those words and ideas have helped me to make the most sense of the world. And I’m certainly not demanding, or even asking, you do become a Marxist, I’m just asking you to consider what makes the most sense.

            mario-thumbs-up