Sunday, November 25, 2007

What is "Communism"?


I have always been wondering what this "Communism" noun is all about? Since I have crossed 18 years of my life year back, it's now have become significant enough to equip myself with a greater sense of this renowned word, though in my state there isn't any communist political party eminent, but in the nation of INDIA they exist in a few corners and these days making enough noise in parliament. After finding many articles and having read them all, I decided to write this one here, it reflects it more or less clearly.
“What is Communism?” it may be good to first compare it to communism with a small “c.” The system of thought called communism is an ideology summarized in the neat-sounding maxim, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” A study of communism could lead one into the fascinating and divergent attempts throughout history by groups to walk in the light of the above principle -- attempts both secular and religious, some benign and some malignant.

Like the big elephant examined by the group of blind men in the old Indian story, our understanding of communism would vary greatly depending on which portion of the beast we touch. But if we think of communism as that bulky beast of the jungle with many strange parts, Communism with a capital “C” would be the tusk- perceived as a sharp and dangerous spear by its fearful examiner.

Modern day Communism is based on the writings of two German economists, Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels, who answered the question “What is Communism?” in their collaboration, “The Communist Manifesto” published in 1848. In it they declare that many problems in society are due to the unequal distribution of wealth. To bring about happiness and prosperity for all, the distinctions between the rich and poor of society must be eliminated. And since the rich will never give up their goods or status voluntarily, a rebellion of the poor -- the working class -- is necessary.

Thus, Communism is a distinct socio-political philosophy that is willing to use violent means to attain its goal of a classless society. If capitalism is defined as a social system based on individual rights (and individual wealth), then communism is its direct opposite. Communism believes in equality through force. In its system, individual rights are ground to powder and used to build its idol of absolute government control. It is indeed like the tusk of the elephant. It is sharp. It is dangerous. And it has gored millions of men in its rage through history.

Communism embraces atheism and dismisses religion as “the opiate of the masses,” a system designed by the rich and powerful to keep the poor in their place.

But Communism’s quest for a classless society is bound to fail. As Frank Zappa, ‘60s rock star, succinctly said, “Communism doesn’t work because people like to own stuff.” Furthermore, someone has to hold the money bag even in a communist-style society. And whoever holds the bag becomes not only a target for those looking on but for the subtle interior demons of pride, avarice, and self-preservation.

If there will always be the poor, then there will always be the rich. There will always be division, the haves and the have-nots, and any attempt to establish a classless society this side of heaven, particularly through the violent and godless ways of Communism, is destined to frustration and failure.

I personally am very against this policy, what other people think about it, is a worth learning point. So do comment as your views friends!


1 comments:

Dhiru said...

Communism the term carries a deeper meaning to it....considering your interpretation of this word I would say that this can be very rightly the meaning of it...but when ideologies are born they are not born for the degradation of society....they are born for its upliftment.

and I believe that this ideology was also among those which were meant for societal development. Communism I believe was meant to diminish the inequality in distribution of wealth. Yes I agree that in the era of its origin...this was achieved by the means of Force but this was not the only means and it can never be like that. This system of thinking is an excellent tool for protecting the rights of the poor and maintaining harmony in the societal hierarchy.

It explains that the gap between the rich and the poor should not be equivalent to the difference between the black and white. Otherwise the social values of brotherhood, equality and co-operation will turn into the vices of hate, oppression and injustice.

That's all I had to say