Stalin Complex on the Left wing
Throughout history there have been many attempt's at "communist" states (although they call themselves socialist states which is more likely to be the case), The USSR, Cuba, China (to an extent), Vietnam, etc have been examples of these states that have attempted Socialism by many names and these states have debatably failed in many aspects leading to deaths, famine and Economic downfall. But i'm not here to talk about the downfalls of the States i'm here to talk about the downfalls of the people leading those states and possible states to come.
--The Authoritarian Left--
The Authoritarian Left, more notably Marxist-Leninists (MLs) and Marxist-Leninist-Maoists (MLMs) have created and self-internalised cult of personality which has led to its own downfall in following. Rather than talking about ideas or actually acting on those ideals, MLs and MLMs have created their own Olympics based on how Radical their ideas can be, and rather than working those ideas into the working class like they claim they are trying to, they instead have a gloating competition with other MLs and MLMs. Throwing around terms like "idealist" or "reformist" to anyone who opposes their ideals, rather than doing anything they prefer to act like they are.
--The rift widens--
This can lead to a massive divide in the left, between the Libertarian leaning Anarcho-Communists and Authoritarian leaning Leninists. Two sectors of ideology that Economically aren't that dissimilar, both want proletarian ownership over the means of production just by different processes, Leninists wanting a more state owned business model versus the Anarchist Collective ownership model with a gift economy. Economically both of them are similar, historically both are similar in that there have been attempts at both systems with varying levels of success. Only difference in the tendency in which those attempts happen, one with a proletarian revolution that overthrows the state entirely, the other overthrows it and replaces it with a collective leadership (Marxism-Leninism). So what causes this great divide?
--The Great Divide--
The Divide occurs for the most part as a by-product of the cult of personalities that have been created at the heart of these Socialist States; Mao, Stalin, Lenin, Castro, Kim Jong Un, etc. MLs and MLMs claiming to aspire to be like or be remembered like some of the great leaders, but with a twist in that they are Socially Liberal and more accepting of sub-cultures like LGBT+ Rights, Women's Rights, etc. They get swept up by their own self greatness and knowledge of Soviet history and Chinese history that they forget to actually do anything productive. This happened in the past with Stalin, Mao and Lenin, they created such a Cult of personality that they would do anything to defend it, more modernly shout down at other left-wingers because they're "too idealist" or "reformist". Yes, because nothing screams revolution quite like shouting at people on the same side as you, that's really going to get the Capitalists shaking in their boots.
--The current and Future Consequences--
The consequences of this that i see happening today are Marxist-Leninist groups in some countries that are practically indistinguishable from Trotskyists and Left-Communists, All i see MLs doing today is handing out flyer's and newspapers ironically sat next to the Trotskyists they frequently mock for doing the same thing they are. The Future consequences could be more failed socialist states due to leadership changing hands, rapid policy changes and more deaths as a consequence of MLs showing off to each other about how radical they are, rather than working with those on the same economic side as them, and actually doing what they'd say they'd do which is work for and represent the working class.
--What exactly am i calling for?--
I wouldn't say i'm calling for much change, because as an Anarcho-communist the inevitable failed Socialist Transitional States that MLs call for collapsing and failing doesn't harm me because i was never in favour of it in the first place. However, since i'm one for Diplomacy, I know how "Liberal" of me, i am willing to reach out a open hand to MLs reading this.
If you see aspects of this in your ML circles, call them out on it, if you really want refer this to them. But most importantly, keep open dialogue with Left Libertarians like me. We don't call you anything that you don't call yourselves, so why would you bark down at us, sure there's a chance what we are calling for may undermine you but if you claim to be a proponent of Democracy then surely if that's what the people want then surely that's what you should aim for and get off your high horse and help them create. If you have the fear that Anarcho-communists like me are going to undermine you, then surely you understand that what you want is flawed and not many workers will want that. You can continue bowing to you shrine of Stalin, Lenin, Mao, Kim Jong Un, etc every morning, and continue to bicker with your ML comrades about how radical you are or how radical you could be. But in all seriousness this doesn't necessarily mean you bark down at Anarchists and Left Libertarians who don't see much merit in the great leaders you see so highly as gods. Before you say things like "i go on campaigns and rallies all the time" good for you, but that's hardly revolutionary, in fact that seems almost reformist don't you think?
