I finished State and Revolution, Blackshirts and Reds, and the Communist Manifesto. Should I next focus on collecting my relevant resources and arguments for debunking anticommunist propaganda or read more theory? My thoughts are that I have a functional (albeit technically basic) understanding of ML theory but I have noticed the main barrier to convincing people in my life are the propaganda surrounding Stalin, Mao, etc. I would love any advice from those more knowledgeable and experienced than I. Thank you in advance
There is no either or. Just like the question of reform or revolution, engaging in the former (reform/theory) enables one to build towards the latter (revolution/debunking). By struggling for reform, one might be led to the realization that a revolution is necessary. In your case, by reading theory, you are in a better position to do the work of debunking since you’ll have more tools (knowledge) at your disposal.