My definition of a tankie is as follows: A "tankie" is a term that originated in British politics, referring to individuals who unconditionally supported actions of the Soviet Union, including the use of military force to suppress dissent. Today, it's often used more broadly to describe those who uncritically support or defend perceived socialist or communist authoritarian regimes, sometimes even in the face of human rights abuses. The term is typically used pejoratively within leftist circles.

I don't believe a communist is necessarily a tankie, but a tankie would call themselves a communist.

Personally, as an American, I would never fly an American flag. To me, it represents the violence of the state, the genocide of the indigenous people, and capitalism.

I believe that the Soviet union, as well as some modern communist states, have largely failed to represent the Marxist vision, and I am extremely critical of people who are embrace the theater of certain communist states.

[+] [email protected] 5 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (2 children)

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

We can very obviously see how anti-communist revolution in Hungary is going for Hungarian trans people right now.

To blame "anti-communist revolution" for the decline of LGBT-rights in hungary when much of the anti-LGBT legislation came about near 20-years after Hungary became a democracy and during when the Hungarian Socialist Party, the successor of the Communist Party, was still the largest force in Hungarian politics is disingenuous.

I would like to point out that the word tankie was used to refer to people that specifically supported the Hungarian communists request for military aid against revolution in Hungary. (...) So in the original sense of the word, I am a tankie.

...it's nice that you're honest about being anti-democratic and that you have no qualms about calling yourself tankie in that context. Are you a "little green man" as well?

[–] [email protected] 9 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Interesting. I don't want to put a burden on you, but you might want to consider that Western people who use the pejorative "tankie" might not be ideologically opposed to you in any particular way, and if you were to instead reply first with what you did just now they might even agree with you.

I got really triggered when you said I was a Holocaust denier. Maybe you felt the same way with me comparing Stalin with hitler and Andrew Jackson.

I'm sorry if I made you feel attacked or uncomfortable as a Trans individual. While I personally don't identify as a communist, I have a strong empathy for Marxist. I can only imagine the fear and anxiety you must feel at home, and I hope that you and your allies succeed in building a better world for yourselves.

[+] [email protected] 6 points 2 years ago (1 children)

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Likewise, I don't speak to many people outside of the US.

I think you'll find that westerners tend to be more loose with thier definitions. We adopt analogies and political shorthands very quickly.

Additionally, many "progressive" Americans like me are extremely critical of nationalism. Capitalist and conversation Christian propaganda is everywhere here, and it cultivates a short of hyper sensitively to certain subjects. I'm very critical of states, especially socially conservative or militaristic ones.

In your situation, supporting a communist party might be your best choice, just like mine is voting for capitalist Democrats (over Republicans).

I hope you make more Western friends. You'll surely teach them new things and vice versa.

I like you and I respect you. I need to go to sleep (it's 1:15am here). Take care!