ELEIÇÃO MUDA ALGUMA COISA?

Summary

In this video, Thiago critiques the electoral system, questioning the belief that voting can lead to real change. He discusses the disillusionment of the working class with elections, arguing that they only reinforce the existing capitalist structure. Instead of focusing on elections, Thiago advocates for grassroots movements and revolutionary politics as the true means of achieving structural change. He emphasizes the need for a radical, bottom-up approach to challenge the state and create a more democratic and people-centered political system. Elections are seen as tactical tools, not solutions for systemic issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script reflects on the skepticism surrounding elections, questioning whether they really bring change and discussing the disillusionment many people feel about the political system.
• 😀 It highlights two contrasting views: one where people are disillusioned with the political system, and the other where people believe elections are the path to societal change.
• 😀 The idea of voting for candidates with little support (e.g., 1-2% of the vote) is criticized, as it reflects the flawed nature of the political system that often prioritizes popularity over genuine alignment with political projects.
• 😀 The 'vote for the least bad' mentality is criticized for perpetuating a system where voters choose the lesser evil, often electing candidates who don't represent their true values or interests.
• 😀 There is a strong critique of the current political system, with emphasis on how it often excludes working-class, poor, and peripheral communities, making it harder for them to engage meaningfully with politics.
• 😀 The script points to historical examples and quotes from thinkers like Lenin to argue that the political system is designed to suppress the working class, preventing their full participation in democracy.
• 😀 It stresses that the majority of the population, especially in peripheral areas, is not well-educated about political systems, creating a barrier to informed voting.
• 😀 The importance of grassroots movements and direct political engagement is emphasized, suggesting that significant social changes arise from organizing at the base level rather than relying solely on elections.
• 😀 The idea of supporting 'radical candidates' or candidates aligned with the working class, even if they have little chance of winning, is presented as an opportunity to raise political awareness and demonstrate class consciousness.
• 😀 The script ends with a call for the left-wing to prioritize social movements over elections, arguing that true change comes from grassroots organizing, not from top-down political solutions.

Q & A

What is the primary argument against voting for the 'lesser evil' in elections?

The primary argument is that voting for the 'lesser evil' perpetuates the capitalist system by continually electing candidates who do not represent substantial change. This strategy reinforces the dominance of bourgeois politics and does not address the root causes of inequality.

What does the speaker mean by 'universal suffrage' being used as a tool by the ruling class?

The speaker refers to universal suffrage as a means for the ruling class to gauge the level of class consciousness among the population. By observing voting patterns, the ruling class can measure how aware and politically engaged the working class is.

How does the speaker describe the role of elections for communists?

For communists, elections are seen as a tactical tool rather than a primary means of achieving change. They are used momentarily to support candidates who may best represent the working class's interests in a given situation, but the ultimate goal is not to achieve power through elections.

What is the speaker’s stance on political parties like PCB and PUP supporting candidates like Guilherme Boulos?

The speaker acknowledges the tactical support by the PCB and PUP for candidates like Guilherme Boulos and Luiza Erundina. This is viewed as a temporary strategic decision aimed at strengthening working-class representation, but not as a solution for achieving structural change.

What does the speaker mean by 'disputing consciousness' rather than focusing on elections?

The speaker emphasizes that the focus should be on raising class consciousness and organizing movements outside of elections. The real struggle is to build direct democracy and empower people through popular movements, not just through electoral politics.

Why does the speaker criticize voting for candidates with only 1-2% of the vote share?

The criticism is that voting for such candidates is ineffective and does not contribute to meaningful change. It suggests that a vote for someone with a marginal share of support is essentially a wasted vote and does not challenge the dominant political structures.

How does the speaker define the purpose of elections for the working class?

Elections for the working class are seen as a tool for raising awareness and demonstrating class consciousness. The focus is not on winning elections but on advancing political education and organizing people around their true interests.

What is the speaker’s critique of politicians from the liberal left?

The speaker argues that liberal left-wing politicians are not fundamentally different from right-wing politicians, particularly in economic matters. They both uphold capitalist structures and do not offer substantial solutions to systemic problems like inequality.

What does the speaker suggest as a more effective form of resistance than voting?

The speaker suggests that a more effective form of resistance is organizing strong social movements and pushing for direct democracy, where power is controlled by the people, rather than relying on political parties or electoral systems.

What does the speaker mean by the necessity for 'putting our feet on the ground' in relation to left-wing politics?

Putting 'our feet on the ground' refers to the need for the left to be more grounded in reality, focusing on grassroots organizing and building popular power. It means moving away from electoral illusions and prioritizing tangible actions that build working-class power and consciousness.