Walking on the Far Left

  On a superficial level, it is widely assumed that centrists would maintain a comparatively diplomatic and neutral position in situations of debate and political decision making, generally supporting liberal and democratic values as opposed to encouraging the implementation of radical far-left proposals. They would be considered to likely have a selection of both socially orientated policies and those related to promoting economic growth and security of the markets. However, there appears to be a lot more to these centrists than can be observed here. As well as this, I would argue, it appears that a lot of the ideas of a true people-led communism, without the barriers of state and corruption of power, would appear to have a lot more in common with democratic centrist politics than one might assume. Whether this is as a tactical vote, a preference for more pragmatic and less ideologically orientated leadership, having a wide variety of values that span different areas of the politi...

"A school of thought in contemporary political philosophy that treats equality as the chief value of a just political system" This is how the Stanford Encyclopaedia of Philosophy defines an egalitarian system, essentially considering equality as the core priority for the successful functioning of a just society. While on first observations this principle doesn't seem vastly different to some of the core ideals advocated within Marxist and socialist doctrines (i.e. in relation to equality in distribution of wealth, land and opportunities, as well as the view meritocracy and meaningful work being the main reason for greater status being awarded to someone), this principle is often far from left wing in practise. This begs the questions: can an individual possessing great wealth (yet not showing any inclination to distribute it amongst others) still be considered as an egalitarian, and why do capitalists in particular like the egalitarian school of thought? Linking back to t...

Me enjoying a pint of beer (aka progress and liberation) in a pub. There is no doubt that the pub is widely regarded as a place of relaxation, socialising and entertainment that is appreciated by many globally in its various different forms and by people of many different ages from students to seniors, and anyone in between. What is less well known, however, is its major political importance and position as the site of revolution, debate and emancipation of the working classes in which it was influential in the German labour movement in the 19th century. At this time, the country was undergoing rapid industrialisation like much of Europe and more efficient work and production by the proletarians employed in the factories was needed. This was responded to through the capitalist factory owners attempting to improve this by dulling workers' senses and making them lose track of time and their feelings of exploitation by serving them alcohol in the form of schnapps during their workdays...

 Today would have been Karl Marx's 207th birthday. In his honour, I thought I would post these lesser known photographs. What is supposedly the earliest known photograph of Marx. Taken in 1861 in London. He would have been 43 years old. https://marx200.org/en/fotografien/index.html The last known photograph of Marx taken in 1882 in Algeria. He sent it to his daughter Laura with the dedication "To my dear Cacadou. Old Nick (as he was known amongst his family), Algiers, end of February". A painting depicting Marx and his comrades. https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/photo/marx/index.htm Karl Marx and his daughter Jenny taken in Margate in 1866. When he arrived there, he wrote this letter describing his arrival and accommodation and showing his love of the sea, walking along the coast and the coastal air. Little did he know that two centuries later, a 19 year old communist student and great admirer of his work (who also enjoys living by the sea and going on long coastal wa...

After a short break from posting and sorting out some university stuff, I am back online and will continue posting more fire soon. Enjoy. Politics globally, regardless of sovereignty and international influence of governments and the political leaning of politicians, continues to remain a primarily male dominated field and one that is not without its stereotypes amongst voters. There tends to be a misconception that the typical characteristics of female politicians are similar to those of stereotypical females in general (Scneider, M.C and Bos, A, 2014). In spite of this, this is rarely the case with females perhaps entering politics with their main intention being perhaps to go against female stereotypes and further encourage women to enter a field which continues to have a workforce consisting largely of males. The stereotypes associated with males generally relate to their strength, virility and perhaps lack of sensitivity with greater assertion and more likely use defence and force...