Is Communism Truly Egalitarian?

Communism is often heralded as a model of egalitarianism, where all individuals contribute and receive based on their needs. However, a close examination reveals that the reality deviates significantly from this ideal.

The Theory vs. Reality

Theoretically, a purely communist society should be equitable and provide community wealth to everyone, aligning closely with egalitarianism. In such a society, each member would contribute their abilities to the collective, and everyone would have equal access to goods and services. Democracy would reign supreme, valuing every individual and ensuring equal freedom to live and contribute.

However, in practice, the allure of communism often leads to a stark disparity between theoretical promise and harsh reality. Senior government officials, often termed 'Senior Comrades', were known to arrogate to themselves privileges not available to ordinary workers. This stark inequality reflects a reality where 'some comrades' are indeed more equal than others.

The Hierarchical Structure of Communism

Lenin's famous assertion that 'every kitchen maid will be governing the society' is partly realized in theory but is undermined in practice. In actual communist societies, the conditions of the 'kitchen maid' are set by 'Senior Comrades'. Hence, while communist propaganda strives for a classless society, it in fact fosters a highly stratified system, directly contradicting the egalitarian ideal. Many communist propagandists position themselves within the 'Senior Comrades' tier, ensuring that they enjoy disproportionate power and privilege over the broader populace.

The Concept of 'From Each According to Ability, To Each According to Need'

The phrase 'from each according to their ability, to each according to their need' encapsulates the core principle of communism, recognizing the fundamental diversity among individuals. This statement acknowledges that different individuals have different capabilities and requirements, thereby providing a degree of flexibility within the communist ideology.

However, when communism is applied, there's often an implicit understanding that the 'need' of some individuals is more critical than others. This creates a nuanced inequality, where certain individuals are deemed indispensable to the functioning of the system, thereby ensuring their continuedprivileged status. This hierarchical structure contrasts sharply with the egalitarian ideal of communism.

Decency and Common Sense Among Communists

Despite the inherent contradictions, many communists genuinely believe in the principles of equality and justice. They understand the necessity of making the world more bearable in the interim while grappling with the challenges of capitalism. In this sense, communism, at its core, is about creating a more equitable society, albeit still far removed from the idealized concept of egalitarianism.

In conclusion, while communism aims to create an egalitarian society, the reality often falls short of these ideals. The theoretical framework of communism, while acknowledging individual differences and needs, is frequently undermined by a hierarchical structure that prioritizes certain individuals over others. This gap between theory and practice raises critical questions about the true nature of communism and its compatibility with egalitarian principles.