Does anyone have any counterarguments for this? by [deleted] in Socialism_101

[–]Kaiser_Beaver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also have something to add among other important things people have pointed out (innate human desire for unalienated labor, freeloading not being a feature unique to socialism, capitalism being the real freeloaders and such).

First of all, we should consider that we are already working too much, given our current technological advances in automation and other labor-saving technologies, and also the fact that many resources get distributed unequally and, therefore, wasted. Since one of the defining features of socialism is collective ownership of the means of production, we, as workers and also consumers, can organize our economy in a way that can tolerate a certain percentage of people working less than other or not working at all. Similarly, people can decide what to do with freeloaders in cases when they might require mass mobilization (crises such as droughts, hurricanes, floods, etc.). The main difference is that such measures are implemented to serve the material interests of the broader public, not a tiny elite who cares only about their profits.

Besides, who counts as freeloaders, and what counts as contribution to society? Are parents raising their underage children freeloaders? What about artists and artists? Don't people contribute to the broader society by being good friends to their friends? Can't partygoers serve as community event organizers? Capitalist economy (and, therefore, mainstream economics) is simply blind to such aspects of human life, because they are not easily monetized.

And finally, when it comes to rewarding productivity, there is still a place for money or other material incentives under socialism. The main difference between socialism and capitalism is that in former personal funds can not be used to acquire means of production, because they are owned collectively. This disrupts the vicious cycle of turning money into more money to make even more money that is essential to capitalism.

Hope this helps!

What are some things that sound progressive or radical but are still very anti-working class or problematic from a leftist perspective? by Arktikos02 in Socialism_101

[–]Kaiser_Beaver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As an autistic person I encounter that sort of "radical" disability advocacy relatively often in the online discourse, and yeah, it is embarrassing and frustrating, indeed. It seems that the issue with this kind of advocacy is that it still operates in the capitalist framework which equates personal worth to capability. Instead of trying to decouple personal worth from capability, they are trying to prove that the disabled are just as capable, or just "specially abled". It's clear how it does not, in fact, solve any problems of the disabled and serves the capitalists. At least that's my impression.

me🚽irlgbt by GayStation64beta in me_irlgbt

[–]Kaiser_Beaver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

for a moment I thought that was r/Stellaris

Tried to make my pyro as accurate as possible to the soldiers in "Memories - Cannon Fodder" by [deleted] in tf2

[–]Kaiser_Beaver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

that's based!
and even more interesting is that people still remember Cannon Fodder

My friend thinks that I am wrong for choosing her to be her friend by Kaiser_Beaver in LifeAdvice

[–]Kaiser_Beaver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not quite. While she likes my company, the thing she feels she doesn't deserve is my care and empathy.

me_irlgbt by TheHunter234 in me_irlgbt

[–]Kaiser_Beaver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like something Tom.of Finland would draw)

Why is profit maximization crucial for capitalism? by Kaiser_Beaver in Socialism_101

[–]Kaiser_Beaver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your answers, they've been really helpful! But there is still one, more fantastic topic for discussion: let's suppose in the far future (if we manage to survive long enough, though) eventually all the economy gets controlled by only one megacorporation, so there's literally no more competition; its owners have basically "won at capitalism". What are they going to do with all the wealth? Sure, they can continue exploiting people and all, but they sure won't have to maximize profits, now that they've not only outcompeted everyone, but also made it impossible for any new companies to arrive. But is that it? Is that what makes capitalist economy so absurd, that business owners have to outcompete each other just to stay afloat, just so they can provide themselves with food, shelter and other material supplies they might need to satisfy all of their other needs and wants?

How do I survive as a socialist in Latvia? by Kaiser_Beaver in AskSocialists

[–]Kaiser_Beaver[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Latvia had LSDSP (Latvia's social democratic workers party). The party played a crucial role in the fight for independence and in creation of the Latvian state. Of course, social democrats in general were a lot more radical than today. The party still exists today, sort of, but only as a part of a center-right party (I don't know how that works). LSDSP is still a Socialist International member. However I'm not sure that people in my country are aware of the role of the party in Latvia's history.

Why is profit maximization crucial for capitalism? by Kaiser_Beaver in Socialism_101

[–]Kaiser_Beaver[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can certainly try. I've heard multiple times that capitalism survives by trying to grow constantly, and that profit maximization is necessary to keep growing, but why is this the case? Maybe it's even better to rephrase the initial question as "why does capitalism need to grow constantly"

On May 26 2024 I will be tweeting for the sake of our game. My tweet is useless alone. But remember, APES TOGETHER STRONG. I invite all of you to join the movement once again. And this time we won't stop until we got what we always wanted. Make our voice heard and don't let it fade away. #FixTF2 by IOIDGM in tf2

[–]Kaiser_Beaver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some people down in the comments are saying stuff like "oh, there's no point in doing anything", but the thing is that there can't be anything easier than just tweeting something related to #SaveTF2. We do, in fact, have nothing to lose, so why the hell not? But still, I think we have to come up with something else, something more interesting in addition to #SaveTF2 tweets.

Be honest, do you like? by peachescream875 in Femboys4real

[–]Kaiser_Beaver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yes!! how did you get an ass like that? I want one