Communism: Why It Doesn't Work | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Communism: Why It Doesn't Work

As a part of a multi-part series, this is an analysis on how communism fails as a way to govern the masses

216
Communism: Why It Doesn't Work
ModBB

There is a plethora of forms of government in the world, all with various motives and methods of ruling the masses in an orderly fashion. While all of these methods can work in theory, the issue is the practice and employment of these various forms of government.

This article is part one of a series of articles that will be individually exposing the flaws of every major form of government. Via the message of these articles, I hope to enlighten those who read on about how flawed government can be due to the varying elements of ruling a sovereign state.

Today we will be taking about the "big C"—communism. Communism is currently lauded by a few select individuals, but is also disliked by quite a large portion of, not only Americans, but other global citizens. What exactly is it that breeds such a heavy disdain for a form of government? In essence, I think that the majority of the people who dislike communism simply learned to not like it due to social pressures. They were taught that the communists are evil, and that capitalism will prevail. I think it is vital to realize that communism, along with most forms of government, is horribly flawed. To view communism from an unbiased standpoint is necessary in analyzing its components.

First off, communism bases itself on the elimination of social class, and that the means of production should belong to the proletariat, or the people. Communism is all about the masses being in control, and the masses being equal in terms of financial power. Sounds pretty great, right? Everyone living in peace together without money to separate them? Well, that is what Karl Marx had in mind when writing the “Communist Manifesto." He wished for a utopia to contain all of these wondrous elements, but as with the majority of problems involving some form of organized practice, the people are to blame.

In communism everyone earns the same, and everyone has everything accessible to them, because it is shared and the government owns it. Education, health care, you name it. The problem with giving everyone the same wages and benefits, is that it breeds stagnation. Using the most basic of examples, if someone makes the same as a doctor as they do not work at all, they will more than likely choose to do nothing at all. Why waste the extra energy for the same exact benefit? That causes overall national production to slow down, and eventually leading to the decline, or even dismantling of the communist nation. I also bet most people reading this would love to own their own home, and have a myriad of personal belongings. Communism will not stand for that. Everything is shared, and it is shareable because it is owned by the government.

Another problem is what faces any form of extremism; Communism is considered to be on the far left of the political spectrum. This usually leads to some form of dictatorship, as with any far left or far right leaning nation. Unlike classic democracy, you cannot just get rid of your leader after their term is up. They have to either die by natural causes, or be taken down in a coup. Whoever takes the helm of the country, is there to stay for quite a while. They might even have a lineage prepared even when their leader dies. A good example of this is the Castro and Kim family in Cuba and North Korea, respectively.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

364
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

15289
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3121
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments