When the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact rather abruptly disintegrated, it must have been a big psychological blow to dedicated Communists worldwide. Some people who grew up in those countries joined the Young Pioneers and the Communist Youth, achieved leadership positions in those organizations, marched in parades and sang songs, and believed themselves to be better people as a result. Much as a young American might become a Conservative Christian and join the Republican Party. Such actions could be seen as evidence that one was a good citizen and an example for other young people to emulate.
In some western countries, a high percentage of working class people were sincere Communists, even in the British Isles. The Communist Party was highly influential in both France and Italy. In some neighborhoods, most people were Communists so it was definitely a respectable thing to be. In Paris every year, thousands attended the Fête de l'Humanité and greatly enjoyed themselves.
In some countries with a history of right-wing authoritarianism, Communism was also popular. In the early days of Pinochet's regime in Chile, I rather suspect most people you'd ask would have declared sympathy for or actual allegiance to Communism. Also in Greece, during and after the Papadopoulos regime - I met a Greek girl once in Austria in the 70s who told me at the time that in Greece "everybody is a Communist". In both Greece and Chile, the general perception was the United States had supported these right-wing dictatorships and the Soviet Union was the only superpower they could trust.
Also there was (and still is in some quarters) widespread admiration for the Revolution in Cuba, especially in academic circles.
If you have ever seen the German film "Goodbye Lenin" - the character of the mother is a perfect example of what I am talking about.
Has anybody on this forum every been a dedicated Communist or does anybody still consider themselves such, or known any?
06 Mar 2016, 12:23 pm
