In practice all the people from socialist states who I met in person and asked about it, did not feel represented at all, on the contrary, they hated socialism, primarily for the very low quality of life and instead they hyped american capitalism because of the abundance of consumer products it generates
Who were these people? Did they grow up and work during the socialist period in the country/countries in question? Were their parents workers or capitalists? It’s easy to find someone from any socialist or previously socialist country who will denounce its government, either for legitimate reasons, out of ignorance, or for personal gain. We have people on this instance who live/lived in a socialist country, with a very different perspective
If that statement is based on the assumption that there are still classes in socialist states too, I fully agree with it.
When contemporary Marxists use the term “socialism”, we’re not referring to communism, which is classless and therefore stateless by definition. Communism has never been implemented, and cannot be implemented as long as imperialism remains a threat. Classes remain in every socialist country (Cuba, China, the DPRK, Vietnam, and Laos), and they will exist for the foreseeable future. The fundamental difference between a socialist state and a capitalist state is which class they represent
Did they grow up and work during the socialist period in the country/countries in question?
Yes, they did.
Were their parents workers or capitalists?
Workers
We have people on this instance who live/lived in a socialist country, with a very different perspective
I don´t doubt that, individual perspectives differ. Especially regarding the example of Cuba and it´s history it´s totally believable, considering how people had to live there under US American colonization until the revolution. However a lot of Cubans also decide to leave Cuba because of the living conditions socialism created and I am not talking about the Bacardi family but the poor people who swim to Florida on an old inner tube.
When contemporary Marxists use the term “socialism”, we’re not referring to communism, which is classless and therefore stateless by definition. Communism has never been implemented, and cannot be implemented as long as imperialism remains a threat. Classes remain in every socialist country (Cuba, China, the DPRK, Vietnam, and Laos), and they will exist for the foreseeable future. The fundamental difference between a socialist state and a capitalist state is which class they represent
Thank you for the elaboration! This definition makes sense to me and I agree with it.
However a lot of Cubans also decide to leave Cuba because of the living conditions socialism created
Socialism in Cuba did not worsen living conditions by any metric. The reason for harsh living conditions during the special period was the dissolution of its biggest trading partner (the USSR) and the disgusting blockade enforced by the US, which continues to this day. Socialism is the reason why Cubans has far better access to education, healthcare, housing, etc. compared to people in most capitalist countries; imperialism is the reason why Cuba has been unable to thrive, and the fact that it’s survived and is doing relatively well despite the ongoing genocide is a testament to the superiority of socialism
The reason for harsh living conditions during the special period was the dissolution of its biggest trading partner (the USSR) and the disgusting blockade enforced by the US, which continues to this day.
You are right, the trade blockades are the main reason for the economic situation in Cuba. I knew that already and I wonder why I did not remember it in this context. Thank you for reminding me.
Who were these people? Did they grow up and work during the socialist period in the country/countries in question? Were their parents workers or capitalists? It’s easy to find someone from any socialist or previously socialist country who will denounce its government, either for legitimate reasons, out of ignorance, or for personal gain. We have people on this instance who live/lived in a socialist country, with a very different perspective
When contemporary Marxists use the term “socialism”, we’re not referring to communism, which is classless and therefore stateless by definition. Communism has never been implemented, and cannot be implemented as long as imperialism remains a threat. Classes remain in every socialist country (Cuba, China, the DPRK, Vietnam, and Laos), and they will exist for the foreseeable future. The fundamental difference between a socialist state and a capitalist state is which class they represent
Workers, in construction and gastronomy.
Yes, they did.
Workers
I don´t doubt that, individual perspectives differ. Especially regarding the example of Cuba and it´s history it´s totally believable, considering how people had to live there under US American colonization until the revolution. However a lot of Cubans also decide to leave Cuba because of the living conditions socialism created and I am not talking about the Bacardi family but the poor people who swim to Florida on an old inner tube.
Thank you for the elaboration! This definition makes sense to me and I agree with it.
Socialism in Cuba did not worsen living conditions by any metric. The reason for harsh living conditions during the special period was the dissolution of its biggest trading partner (the USSR) and the disgusting blockade enforced by the US, which continues to this day. Socialism is the reason why Cubans has far better access to education, healthcare, housing, etc. compared to people in most capitalist countries; imperialism is the reason why Cuba has been unable to thrive, and the fact that it’s survived and is doing relatively well despite the ongoing genocide is a testament to the superiority of socialism
You are right, the trade blockades are the main reason for the economic situation in Cuba. I knew that already and I wonder why I did not remember it in this context. Thank you for reminding me.