This has been a topic on my mind a lot recently, but I've been afraid of asking it here since I thought I would be being accused of/banned for being sectarian. While I am more on the ML side of things, I really have no qualms or issues with Anarchists and mostly consider our political differences insignificant in the face of global capitalism as it is now. In my eyes, we're a long way off from the reality of needing to debate how a new society will be structured/governed, so, at the end of the day, whether someone is anarchist or ML is not really a major issue to me. As long as they're against the current status quo and understand the need from change, they're cool by me.

Maybe I'm wrong, but that feels like the prevailing belief, in so many words, I've seen other MLs express as well. However, it feels like the majority of sectarianism I've seen pop up is always Anarchist accusing MLs and communists of being as bad as fascists, or supporting genocide, or being evil, etc. I feel I never see it the other way around. At the most, MLs just tease and rib anarchists, but don't view them as evil or reactionary, as some Anarchists see to view MLs. I'm basing this off of things I've seen/experienced online, and from IRL friends who consider themselves anarchists, but who've recently started espousing anti-communist talking points (ie: using the word tankie, saying communist dictators are/were as bad as fascists, etc.)

So why does it seem to come to this most of the time: Anarchists more often being unwilling to work with MLs and accusing them of being fascists, and not the other way around? Is this just a flawed perception on my part? A bias or point of propaganda I've had seep in and need to try and overcome? Is it a valid observation? If so, why does it play out like this?

I'm really sorry if this is still considered sectarian. I really just wanted to express these feelings/observations and seek input/correction from others on them, rather than bottle them up and potentially form prejudices. As mentioned, I personally don't have issues with others having different beliefs among the left, as long as they're fighting capitalism and imperialism, and being supportive of their fellow, diverse comrades.

EDIT: I just wanted to thank everyone who's commented for their thoughtful responses. You've given me a lot to think about, both in challenges to my bias observations/experiences, and in explanations more clearly articulated and knowledgeable than what I understood. Thanks for understanding my intent and keeping it civil.

  • Bluegrass_Buddhist [none/use name]
    ·
    3 years ago

    The anarchist vision is definitely the long-term goal for any socialist project worth its salt, no doubt. But as you said, none of us will live to see that goal play out, so MLs argue that it has to take a back seat to just meaningfully challenging capital.

    For that same reason, many MLs also say that sectarian divisions really don't matter at this point. I think that's true, and will continue to be true for maybe another decade or so. But as the empire's collapse accelerates, the need for an organized response - and viable alternative institutions - will only grow more urgent. Eventually the ML/Anarchist differences will come to a head and need to be meaningfully addressed.

      • Bluegrass_Buddhist [none/use name]
        ·
        3 years ago

        I'm using "ML" in a very broad way here; to describe people I know who believe some form of proletarian-controlled state is a necessary step on the road to communism, and those who believe that the best way to establish such a state would be through working-class institutions operating under the sponsorship of a (or several allied) working-class parties.

        But you're right, no one should dogmatically cling to political labels or specific ideological tendencies. We need to do whatever works.