• Burn_The_Right@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Your definition of “left” is incorrect. Authoritarianism is never part of left-wing ideology. Once authoritatianism is introduced into whatever leftist construct is being discussed, the construct becomes right-wing. Full stop. When someone describes a “leftist” ideology that includes authoritarianism, you should consider that a red flag that a conservative is attempting to manipulate terminology.

    Authoritarianism is definitional in determining political orientation. It’s not a requirement, but when it exists as part of an ideology, that ideology becomes right-wing by definition.

    When you share memes or opinions that classify any authoritatian ideas as part of a leftist ideology, you are either gaslighting or have yourself been a victim of gaslighting (and are now sharing misinformation). This is harmful to the left. If you are actually a leftist, as you claim, please stop.

    Here is a Wikipedia entry further describing the characteristics of left-wing politics to help clarify how authoritarianism is definitionally counter to left-wing orientation.

    • Lycerius@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I understand where you’re coming from and agree in principle; however, I stated that the issue is with common parlance, which very much does include authoritarians among leftists. The Wikipedia article you linked even says so under the subsection: Types, where it includes Maoism. Perhaps I should stop referring to such as leftists so as not to normalize that perception, but it is already so and would make having a conversation with people far more difficult if I were speaking from a reference point that most people don’t share.