In recent history, communism has been one of the most discussed political ideologies.Some see it as a system marked by justice and economic egalitarianism.Others say it ‘s more about political dominance and personal subordination.To know if communism is oppressive, we need to consider both the theory behind it and its actual operation.
Understanding Communism
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels are probably the most familiar names in Communism. They believed that social development was largely the outcome of class struggle, in which workers opposed their employers.
In their work The Communist Manifesto, in 1848, they envisioned a system where large factories and the like were no longer privately owned but had their resources shared generations successively by commoners.
Another strategic target of communism:
A the society without classes
Everyone owns production jointly
All people ‘s earnings are equal
Exploitation will be eliminated
In theory, Communism is intended to remove the oppression brought about by economic inequality.
The Theory vs. The Practice
Although communism talks about equal rights on paper/problem with some countries to the communism in practice. The Soviet Russia under Stalin, as well Mao zedong’s China and North Korea were all greatly centralized states. In those examples, either politics or media matters were generally determined by the central government.
Some critics say that a party which has the power to do so through having control over both political authority and economic resources will find it hard not stop having their opponents be invisible confined instead of free individuals.Freedom starts at home.
Why Some Consider It Oppressive
The usual criticisms consist of following:
Centralized Power
In a centralized fashion the party seized its power in many communist states, or just had all of it to begin with. Political opposition was often prohibited.
Limited Political Freedom
According to several historical cases there was limited freedom of speech, publication, and politics in this sense.
Economic Control
Freedom of choice was restricted for people who worked with the collective, and for intellectuals who wanted better conditions. The communist party made private businesses and ownership of property illegal.
Several communist regimes, therefore, have drawn a label of oppressor from many people because of these factors.
The Counterargument
But supporters say that underclass culture isn’t inherent to the ideology; the problems we see in some countries today, be it authoritarian leadership, corruption or outside pressures will result from such forced industrialization is a narrative fallacy. They say:
They also argue that capitalist systems may produce economic inequality as well as poverty and the exploitation of people (another form of oppression).
Is Communism Inherently Oppressive?
It depends on how you define what oppression represents.
If by “oppression” you mean distinctions in wealth and exploitation based on class, then communism aims to get rid of it.
If by “oppression” you mean people have no political freedoms and the state concentrates all power in its hands, history shows that communist regimes often display these traits.
The difference between ideology and actual practice is fundamental.
Conclusion
In response to unbalanced economics and labor exploitation, Communism was conceived. According to its theory, it aims to create a society of fairness, and equality. But in practice, many national governments adopting that kind of system became authoritarian and restricted personal freedom.
So, is Communism a form of oppression? The debate goes on. The idea promotes equality, but as history demonstrates again and again in practice this has often meant political repression.
