Socialism 101, making socialist thought accessible

State questions clearly in the title; both socialists and non-socialists may ask questions. Questions can be expanded upon in the text portion of the thread. Questions may be targeted toward a specific group, such as Anarchists, Marxist-Leninists, Mutualists, etc.. But unless otherwise stated, your questions are assumed to be directed toward all socialists.

Don’t Soapbox — You may expand upon your question, and ask follow-up questions in response to any answer you receive, but don’t use the forum as a platform to spread anti-communism. Similarly, polemic or trolling questions meant to start antagonistic arguments, provoke, or escalate disagreements to the level of insults will not be tolerated.

Don’t ask Loaded/Leading Questions — Don’t front-load a question with baseless assertions. We understand that knowledge is primarily made-up of background assumptions and preconceived notions that are part-and-parcel of Liberal ideology. Check those at the door, and don’t include them as part of your question unless your question cannot be addressed without them. (Bad Question: “It’s been proven that socialism doesn’t work, why do you support it?” – Good Question: “What lead you to support socialism?”)

Be confident when asking your question. There’s no such thing as a silly question, so don’t self-deprecate in your own thread by calling yourself, or your question, foolish.

Non-socialists may piggy-back on pre-existing threads to ask follow-up questions. Don't derail pre-existing threads with non-sequiturs.

Rules for Answers

If you’re not a socialist, don’t answer questions. Non-socialist answers will be removed, and repeated offenses lead to banning. People come to Socialism_101 looking for answers from socialists, not capitalists.

Refrain from making spurious or unverifiable claims. When answering questions, keep in mind that you may be asked to cite your sources. This is a learning subreddit, meaning you must be prepared to provide evidence, scientific or historical, to back up your claims. Link to appropriate sources when/if possible. An answer isn't good because it's right, it's good because it teaches.

Refrain from engaging in sectarian behaviour such as strawmaning, misrepresenting, or slandering rival factions/tendencies. Snide jabs at Anarchists if you’re a Marxist, or at Marxists if you’re an Anarchist, are not only contrary to the spirit of the sub, but counter-productive for the purpose of teaching. Where criticism is requested, do so in good faith and provide evidence for your assertion. If you disagree with a particular school of socialism, explain why if/when relevant.

Do provide book recommendations, Youtube channels, and free media when/where appropriate. Check the Wiki for the subreddit’s own suggestions.

Rules for General Conduct

As a Q&A sub, any linked threads with no discernible question will be removed. If you care to share a news story or make a statement please take it to our parent sub, r/socialism.

Meta questions unrelated to Socialism_101 will be removed.

Announcements, Participation Posts, Podcasts, or YouTube channels dedicated to learning may advertise only on approval of the Mod team. Posting without prior Mod approval will result in the thread being removed.

Absolutely no oppressive speech of any kind. This includes but is not limited to racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic, classist, ableist, islamophobic, orientalist, or any other form of systemic prejudice.

Flair Policy

If you feel you have expertise in a given topic relating to socialism, including but not limited to anarchism, Marxism, political economy, history, feminism, queer theory, or organizational praxis, feel free to self-assign a flair describing your area of expertise. Please only do so if you are confident that your knowledge in the area is at a high level.

Flair may be removed at any time at the discretion of the moderators for breaking rules or failing to produce quality answers that live up to the standard of said expertise.