It is vital to remember that many of these ideologies, collective terms, and the underlying movements were developed in response to the desire to address injustice or resolve societal challenges. Though they may have evolved and changed into something else, at their core, many have a specific goal and mission they are trying to address. The reality is that a desire for improvement or development did not necessarily drive the evolution of many of these movements, as a few often exploited them with the aim of gaining greater control and influence over people’s lives.

For example, while shared assets and communal living have existed in some form over the centuries, modern communism is primarily rooted in the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The movement emerged during a time when many absolute monarchs still ruled in many of the European countries. It gained popularity, particularly in Russia, following the revolution and the end of the First World War. At its core, communism aimed to overthrow capitalist societies, redistributing control to the working class and promoting principles of community and shared resources.

Although some ideologies, particularly in their evolution and implementation, and what they have become, make them unappealing or not necessarily fair, it is often the way they have been implemented that is the issue. People and governments frequently rise and rally against the cause or movement, rather than addressing the real need or underlying cause that led to the movement in the first place. Whether it is the need for a fairer society, one where no one is left behind, the perceived threat to personal identity, or simply that people’s needs are met by the state, at their core, many of these ideas remain popular worldwide.

With the historical rise in popularity and the ceasing of power, many of these ideologies and movements underwent significant changes and often became corrupted by the desire of some for absolute control and power. Historically, many of these ideologies, movements, and causes have evolved from other causes, incorporating aspects from existing ones, adapting to new standards and policies that better align with the principles and beliefs of their followers. When you examine the ideologies as they stand, they can easily be dismissed; however, by looking at their core, selecting some, but not all, of the core principles, and combining specific components and aspects from various ideologies and movements, you can often gain insight and a roadmap into a genuinely fair and free society. Simply put, you should not discount a good idea, regardless of where it comes from.

Next time someone claims that a statement you just made is a socialist principle or that you sound like an anarchist, your response should not be to be offended, to panic, or even try to change the subject; the answer should be, “Is the idea I presented wrong?” Is free healthcare for all, really socialist, or is it a concept that costs people a fraction of what they pay for private coverage and ensures no one is left behind? The question of whether affordable social housing is rooted in communism or a bid to help those more vulnerable in society. The simple truth is that, though following one of these principles devotedly may be dangerous, adapting and selecting the best from lots of different ideologies and movements could help create something new, something better.

Stay safe, and until the next time.