Revolution is defined as a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system. Throughout history, there have been many examples of revolutions, ranging in size and affect. There is a vital difference between then and now, though. We're more equipped than ever to start our own revolution. In America’s current political and social climate, it's easier than ever before in history for us to start a revolution. That's not to say that it's a simple task, because it's far from it, but we have the type of leaders and mindsets to make real, permanent changes.
The issue that self proclaimed “revolutionaries” run into is having the mindset that this movement is revolution or nothing. They believe that reform and policy change do nothing for revolutions except prolong them. They believe that long Twitter rants and think pieces are somehow more influential than going out to vote. These have their place, by all means, but when speaking about revolution, we need action.
It's not enough to condemn every politician ever with no plan of action yourself. Every revolutionary meeting I've been to, people not only discuss revolutionary tactics, but they discuss what we need to demand from our government now. Bob Avakian, former chairman of the Revolutionary Communist Party, even called for immediate action on the issue of police brutality himself. Yes, police brutality and many other issues are deeply embedded in the way the United States runs, but not doing anything but waiting around for a revolution will not stop people from getting killed.
Revolution can look like many different things. Revolution doesn't have to be complete anarchy. Revolution can be Black Lives Matter activist, DeRay McKesson, becoming Baltimore’s next mayor. The fact that he is running is a clear step in the right direction for a revolution. The fact that we have more young people involved in politics now than ever before is a clear step in the right direction for a revolution. The fact that a socialist is running for president is a clear step in the right direction for a revolution.
Supporting Bernie Sanders doesn't make you any less of a revolutionist. Being a Democrat doesn't make you any less of a revolutionist. The only thing that can make you any less of a revolutionist is actively supporting this current system without any plans to change it for the better. On the other hand, it's not enough to just claim the title "revolutionist." We must work together to actually fight for the world we want to see.
A revolution is a journey, a journey that will be long and tiring. A journey that we must help each other through. A journey that has no clear destination, but a journey that will be well worth it.
