The term “tankie” was originally used by dissident Marxist–Leninists to describe members of the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB) who followed the party line of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU). Specifically, it was used to distinguish party members who spoke out in defense of the Soviet use of tanks to crush the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and the 1968 Prague Spring uprising, or who more broadly adhered to pro-Soviet positions.[7][8]
Basically it’s because certain western communists defended the use of tanks by the Soviet Union to forcibly crush rebellions, hence the term “tankie”. I think it’s useful to have the term because they’re a distinct phenomenon from regular fascists in that they at least pretend to be leftist and thus tend to use different talking points and arguments — even if it’s to achieve the same fascist goals.
Agreed, as an American liberal with one crucial distinction, we want to spend more to return more. 15% of my pay goes to health insurance. I’d like to spend more on the government level to return more on a societal level
while tankies ARE fascists the word “tankie” actually comes from the 1956 Hungarian revolution, when the Soviets sent in tanks to crush a democratic socialist revolution. The tankie part comes from the people who were overjoyed and happy when the tanks rolled in. (IFAIK mainly used for Western communists)
deleted by creator
From wikipedia:
Basically it’s because certain western communists defended the use of tanks by the Soviet Union to forcibly crush rebellions, hence the term “tankie”. I think it’s useful to have the term because they’re a distinct phenomenon from regular fascists in that they at least pretend to be leftist and thus tend to use different talking points and arguments — even if it’s to achieve the same fascist goals.
deleted by creator
Red fash is a good alternative to tankie
Don’t say it in US. GOP is red, but wrong kind of red.
Ah didn’t know they had already reserved that term
deleted by creator
Well, American liberals are pretty much capitalists that just want to spend more. Progressives might be more the distinction you had in mind
Agreed, as an American liberal with one crucial distinction, we want to spend more to return more. 15% of my pay goes to health insurance. I’d like to spend more on the government level to return more on a societal level
It’s a particular flavor of fascism, and a direct reference to Tienanmen Square.
while tankies ARE fascists the word “tankie” actually comes from the 1956 Hungarian revolution, when the Soviets sent in tanks to crush a democratic socialist revolution. The tankie part comes from the people who were overjoyed and happy when the tanks rolled in. (IFAIK mainly used for Western communists)
The term comes from support of Russia using tanks not support of China’s use.