I just wanted to ask this question as I have heard this talking point mentioned several times here on Lemmygrad, but with little follow up or explanation. I myself am very curious and am actively pursuing joining a local chapter of a party, but I am in a very precarious place in my life, and I would like to inform myself as much as I can before making my final decision.
So what exactly would potential consequences of joining a communist party look like? Do you have any personal experiences with issues or discrimination that arose from your membership to a communist party?
Could these effects be mitigated by joining under an alias? Are the effects permanent? Will being a member prevent a person from traveling internationally and receiving a passport? Will being a member hurt chances of admissions to universities or jobs even if it is not disclosed? Will being a member be discoverable during security clearance checks and prevent the taking of a government job?
I’m sorry for the amount of questions, I’m just very curious, but simultaneously worried about the permanent repercussions that might arise from me seeking to join a party, especially in the heart of the Imperial Core. Thank you for your help and guidance.
Thank you for your response! It was very helpful and let me see a few new perspectives that I hadn’t thought about before.
However to answer your question, I am a bit on the younger side, but over the age of majority and in higher education, so my place in life isn’t entirely solidified yet. Which is where the main worry comes from with me afraid that I’m shooting myself in the foot before I’ve had a chance to branch out in my life. Which I believe would limit me significantly as a person, and my ability to be a useful supporter for a party. Which is why I was worried about the prospect of slipping up before I even begin in regards to the future with jobs, legally, with governmental positions, and most importantly university as I am in a low community college at the moment due to life not going very well these past few years, and looking to transfer as soon as possible. So I was worried about an innately liberal institution shooting me down due to a political affiliation even if it isn’t fully public. Along with that I do thankfully keep a very small online footprint, and the social repercussions aren’t very worrying to me, mainly the professional, legal, and permeant consequences. At least to begin with, as I doubt jumping in headfirst would be benifical for anyone anyways, but I do see myself escalating my involvement in the future.
To answer your last question however, I am in the United States, particularly on the East Coast where “leftie” politics are extremely despised at worst and not tolerated at best. If knowing that would change your answer a little bit, I’m open to listening, especially as you are also from the US.
I seriously doubt it would impact university admissions, especially for a bachelor’s. Unfortunately I think most schools are being run by business freaks that just want to sell degrees, not to say that you can’t find plenty of great teachers and receive a good education. But I may be wrong.