Red Menace On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among The People
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Jul 17, 2025 The hosts discuss Mao Zedong’s influential speech on handling contradictions in society, focusing on class struggle and revolutionary practice. They break down the critical distinction between antagonistic and non-antagonistic contradictions. The conversation includes reflections on historical campaigns, the superficiality of liberal democracy, and how a community-oriented approach can foster collective harmony. They also analyze the complexities of Tibetan history and the need for humility in political dialogue, advocating for unity through constructive criticism.
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Antagonistic vs Non-Antagonistic Contradictions
- Mao distinguishes antagonistic contradictions that require violent revolution from non-antagonistic contradictions resolvable under socialism.
- This helps understand socialist society’s complexities and ongoing struggles despite revolution’s success.
Who Are 'The People'?
- Defining "the people" versus enemies shifts with historical context and stage of revolution according to Mao.
- This flexible and pragmatic view enables effective alliance-building in complex societies.
Capitalism’s Irresolvable Crises
- Capitalism’s core contradictions like ecological destruction and inequality are irresolvable by design.
- Socialism offers the only framework to plan rationally and sustainably addressing these crises.
