I know someone that thinks tankies are allies against American imperialism, and they say that any movement to the left is better than capitalism, even if it’s Russia or CCP branded leftism. They say that nothing that Russia or CCP has done is worse than what American imperialism. This all came up after I mentioned the tankie triad, and they said they were subscribed to multiple communities on there and didn’t disagree with what they were seeing on there. Let me know if there’s a better place to ask or if there’s any other threads or resources I should refer them to. I will be forwarding this thread to them, so your help would be greatly appreciated.

  • WillStealYourUsername@lemmy.blahaj.zoneMEnglish
    18·
    9 hours ago

    There is no one conversation you can have or argument or proof you can present that will convince them. People unfortunately don’t work like that. The more invested they are in their position the more difficult it will be to get them out. Your best bet is to not push them out, but point out capitalist and unethical positions of both russia and china, without letting such a convo devolve into too much of an argument.

    Keep in mind that both china and russia are capitalist nations. Both have hierarchical businesses with managers and bosses, and both suppress unions and workers rights. They might not believe you if you tell them this as they seem to conflate being not aligned with the west makes you anti-imperialist which they conflate with being anti-capitalist. They might also claim that these nations aren’t socialist but transitioning into socialism so any failure to meet the definition of socialism is excusable in their eyes.

    Going all in on lots of proof is either going to give them a lot to think about or more likely will just have them dismiss everything you have to say to them and have them write you off as someone who is emotional and gullible (they might believe any evidence you present is capitalist propaganda).

    The best best bet is being someone they respect who they view as very knowledgeable telling them they are wrong, someone capable of providing historical sources etc.

    Convincing them that russia sucks should be easier than changing their position on china, at least if they are even slightly reasonable. Might be possible to change their mind on china as well if your angle is that china is a disappointment when it comes to socialism, but I dunno. I’ve never convinced a tankie before.