Preliminaries

For my first post, I think it will be helpful set out the fundamental terms of my contention that Marx Is Not Radical, which I will expand in following posts.  Since there is so much misinformation circulating about Marx, Marxism, communism, capitalism, etc., it will take a number of posts just to clearly outline the basis of my views on Marx and capitalism.  Beyond this, I would like to use my blog to respond to relevant current events and political statements as they occur, as well as explore other topics of interest (global and domestic poverty, terrorism, the current economic downturn, the American political party system, free trade and fair trade, education, and anything else that catches my attention).  Right now the possibilities seem almost limitless!

But before I get ahead of myself, first things first.  I think the best way to start is by identifying some of the Most Common Myths About Marx and Communism:


1.  Marx advocated the expansion of state power.

2.  Marx called for the obliteration of any forms individuality, and the imposition of complete and absolute equality in all aspects of life, most particularly with wages.

3.  Marx advised the working class to rise up and rule over the other classes, effectively reversing the class hierarchy.

**Note the incompatibility of number 2 and 3

4.  Marx did not find any value in capitalism.

5.  Marx favored violence and insurrection.

6.  Communism, as it has existed historically, is an accurate reflection of Marx's vision.

7.  Communism represents one end of an economic spectrum on which capitalism stands at the other end, along with the free market.

8.  The history of communist and socialist states demonstrates the complete failure of communism and the victory of capitalism.

Second, here is a preview of what I believe to be Marx's Most Valuable Insights:


1.  Capitalism is characterized by inherent instabilities that subject it to repeated cycles of expansion and recession.

2.  The state is merely an instrument of other power interests.

3.  The world as it exists today is only comprehensible in historical context.

4.  The structure of production, the daily activities in which people are engaged, and the relationships into which such activity draws them, are fundamentally important to understanding culture, politics, education, and other aspects of life.

5.  The realm of ideas and art is not autonomous from political and economic activity.

6.  Fundamental misunderstandings of the nature of the system that structures our social, political, and economic relationships (such as, for example, the misconceptions about Marxism!) are instrumental in legitimating and upholding the system, even to those who are grossly disadvantaged by it.