General Discussion
Showing Original Post only (View all)Why are "Democratic Socialists" attempting to establish a whole new definition of socialism? [View all]
We've already had discussions on DU about what socialism is, and that's not my purpose here. It's indisputable that there is a long-standing, established definition--and it's not what is being advocated by Democratic Socialists. It doesn't seem, at least, like any of the prominent Democratic Socialists are advocating for actual socialism. Instead, Sanders (and I imagine other Democratic Socialists) advocate for Social Democracy (the Nordic Model).
What I can't understand, for the life of me, is why they've chosen to conflate Social Democracy and socialism (with the latter being extremely polarizing, and also widely misunderstood--by supposed adherents, as well as opponents). Why not just call yourself a Social Democrat? Social Democracy already exists, it is most definitely not socialism, and Sanders frequently praises the Nordic Model (understandably so).
So, why?!? Why identify as a Democratic Socialist? Why go to the trouble of trying to re-define socialism when it's absolutely unnecessary? This just seems to me to be an incredibly idiotic choice. If you want to promote (understandably) the Nordic Model, why shoot your cause in the foot?
I really don't get it.