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Protestation
(lemmy.ml)
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this post was submitted on 26 May 2025
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Communism
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Publicly funded infrastructure and utilities within a Capitalist system isn't an example of Socialism. Socialism is an organization of society where public ownership is principle, ie at least over the large firms and key industries. The US Army is not "socialist," it's an arm of the state within a Capitalist system. Same with roads.
I get what you're trying to say, but I think this line of thinking backfires more often than it helps. Anti-socialists can easily point out that it's the broader system that needs to be viewed, not the discrete element.
Purely pedantic. The terms socialism and socialist are perfectly legitimate to describe the outlook or philosophy behind running aspects of society as "an arm of the state" vs having private interests run them for profit.
I think most people associate socialism w social programs because we have a weak understanding of political theory due to cultural taboos about "politics' in polite conversation.
If we talked about it as often as we do other things like sports or movies (and w should because of it has a HUGE impact on our lives) it would help us understand what socialism actually is and why social programs are usually half measures at best.
Social programs within Capitalism are band-aids, yes, but social programs within Socialism are necessary. I think that's what you're saying, but wanted to add clarity.
It isn't pedantic at all. Capitalist countries like the Nordic Countries may have more social safety nets (even if they are slowly being picked apart by Capital), but that doesn't make them "Socialist." Using Socialism as a moniker in place of public ownership obfuscates how the entire economy is run, and in whose interests. The post office in the US, for example, primarily exists to work with the private sector and help smooth it out. Social programs aren't Socialism.
You're also on the community for Communism, you're going to find people more strict and clear with using terms like "Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism."