As more mainstream libs are discovering Lemmy, we’re seeing a pattern of complaints that opinions outside the ones they deem acceptable are allowed on the platform. We’ve even seen instances defederating because their userbase does not wish to be exposed to these views.
Interestingly, these are the same people who level censorship and control of free speech as their main critique of communists. What we’re seeing is that these people absolutely don’t care about free speech. They understand the necessity of censorship and actively advocate censoring opinions that they find dangerous. Yet, when societies based on values different from their own use these same tools they screech about authoritarianism.
Turns out it’s not authoritarianism libs hate, but that they consider their views to be the most enlightened and think that all other viewpoints should be shut down. What really offends them about places like China is that it’s their ideology that’s being suppressed there.
To add to MarxMadness’ comment. A lot of those claiming to be anarchists are just liberals who watch breadtube videos.
Unlike Marxism-Leninism, which requires at least a basic understanding of theory in order to call yourself one, anarchism (especially online) often seems to view theory as a “bonus” rather than requirement. Some online “anarchist” circles insist that reading theory is actually a negative and have a lot of contempt for anyone who does.
I would say it is more of a lack of prerequisites for joining a movement. An ML has to read and understand theory. An anarchist just has to hate authority. Obviously there are anarchist circles who hold their members to higher standards, but on the internet, anyone can identify with anything they want.
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