Comrade:ComradePilas

Hello! I'm a Chicano from the south of the USA.

I'm an active member at my Amazon Facility's struggle for unionization and currently working with my local DSA and CPUSA.

Answers for the questions:

1st Set.

1. Where did you find ProleWiki from? How familiar are you with it? Comment what made you want to join ProleWiki and what areas you are interested in contributing to.

It was recommended to me by user GojiraTheWumao over r/TheDeprogram Discord server.

2. What current of Marxist thought do you uphold? Describe as thoroughly as needed your path towards your current political perspective.

I call myself just a Marxist, but I align myself with Marxism-Leninism (mind as well call myself one).

3. Have you read our principles? Comment your agreements or objections to their points.

I have! I don't have any objection, I pretty much agree with everything in there. one of the few things I would feel odd is the mention of modern Russia under the Anti-Imperialism section, but in that case, it is not as hard because it does emphasize "critical" in support which I have to agree.

4. What is your understanding of gender? Should Marxists support the LGBT community?

Gender is a social construct that aligns with our material conditions, the further we progress the more we develop an understanding outside of the binary norm; Yes Of course. Marxists should support LGBTQ+ rights, they are a target of the bourgeois media and reactionaries such as fascists and chauvinists. The LGBTQ struggle is Class struggle

5. What is your position on Joseph Stalin and Mao Zedong? How would you describe their historical role? Share any comments or critiques you have regarding them.

Critical support for both of them. They were great leaders who were important keys into improving their nation's material conditions, but they were not perfect. Both of them were still humans who committed mistakes in their lifetimes. Critical Support over uncritical one.

6. What are your thoughts on China, Vietnam, Cuba, DPRK and Laos? Do you believe any of these countries is socialist? Why or why not?

I believe all the previously mentioned countries are examples of AES and should deserve critical support for their part against imperialist hegemony.

7. What is settler-colonialism, are there any countries that still fit that description and what should be done regarding them? Further, what is to be done about the decolonization and liberation of indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, and immigrant groups in your country?

Settler-colonialism is a form of colonialism in which the colonizers aim to absorb foreign land and destroy the indigenous population from it. examples are the USA in its founding and Israel, which is still an active settler colonial project.

8. What is your analysis of the situation in Palestine? What do you think of the 2023 October 7 events and the groups involved from both sides of the conflict?

Palestine has been under illegal occupation under the Israeli regime, under an active genocide to eliminate its population. It should not be surprising that entities such as Hamas have risen in order to counterattack this violence. whenever there is oppression there will always be resistance, and I will support it. From the river to the sea!

2nd Set.

1. In your own words, how would you describe dialectical materialism?

It's the scientific and philosophical understanding on how conflict and contradictions drive social change. the most clear example is the moving forces of Class Struggle.

2. What are your thoughts on national liberation or the concept of land back (either one)?

Support for National Liberation is a key for Marxism, as someone who is Mexican-descendent it is important for me to see the liberation of the oppressed in colonial settlements.

6. What do you believe is the main difference between Marxism and other anti-capitalist movements?

Marxism is much more than other anti-capitalist movements. It is just not revolutionary action against capitalism, but much more than that. Its 3 main components (Philosophy, Economy, and Political) and the development of concepts such as Dialectical and Historical Materialism already set it higher than any other ideology.

7. What is Imperialism and how do institutions and programs like the IMF, Belt and Road Initiative, and the World Bank relate to it?

As I understand it, Imperialism is the stage in which the capitalists use their power in monopolies to enforce a global power. in other words, it is "the highest form of capitalism". Before, of course, of its decayed due to the natural contradictions that the system has (fascism) 8. Yes, I have read and listened to audiobooks. Some important works that have stuck with me have been Black Shirts and Reds by Parenti and American Trade Unionism: Principles and Organization Strategy and Tactics, Selected Writings by William Z. Foster. This latter one being important in my contributions to my local union.