I'll preface this by saying this is an ML post on a ML sub written for an ML audience. This post will contain sectarian critiques on the ultra-Left as well as anarchists.
I'll preface this by saying this is an ML post on a ML sub written for an ML audience. This post will contain sectarian critiques on the ultra-Left as well as anarchists.
I see "left" used in a pejorative way by Lenin and Mao. Obviously these are guys who know their shit so I'm starting from the position that they have a good point, but what ideology or behavior is "left" in reference to?
I have yet to actually get to this particular work because of being busy with other shit and also ADHD, but the general terminology originates from "'Left-Wing' Communism: An Infantile Disorder" by Lenin.
But if I understand things correctly, the perjorative of "left wing communism" or ultraleftism is used for tendencies that fight all kinds of praxis that is not at the peak of radicalism, like refusing to engage in parliamentary systems(in situations where doing so would be useful), refusing to engage with trade unions because of perceived corruption or labeling them as labor aristocracy etc.
Basically the major criticism is that this attitude alienates yourself from the working class because you refuse to engage with them in the places they have belief in, or even end up fighting them on the same level as you would fight the bourgeoise reaction. Thats at least my current understanding, bearing in mind most of this is osmosis rather than reading the primary sources.
Ah, I gotcha. Thanks for the summary comrade