Aesopian Language

Originating from social issues during the industrial revolution, Marxism views any society it does not control as its enemy. It manifests itself with a form of asymmetric warfare. The strategy assumes a minority within society who must use clandestine and illegal techniques until this “vanguard” can establish a majority. Once that tipping point is reached, the dictatorship of the proletariat will green light the use of violence and force to smash and replace the existing (imperialist) social order. The key to this strategy is a one-way communication that is dependent upon both confusing the adversaries while reinforcing and directing the obedient “proletariat.” All communication is via a phraseology referred to as “Aesopian language.”

The technique was first used by a Russian satirist named Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin, who used it to get around severe censorship in nineteenth century Russia. V. I. Lenin adopted the technique in the Preface to Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism. Whereas Saltykoy was a humorist, there is no allowance for humor in the Marxist adaptation. That adaptation depends upon certain techniques that Louis F. Budenz categorized as follows:

• Upside-down Definitions
• Double-talk
• The Big Lie
• Changes of the Line

Upside-Down Definitions

When used, the language may appear to bend certain rules of Marxism, but communists understand that they do not. These are the unbendable definitions for Marxists:[1] ^[1]

• “Marxism” is a commitment to the conviction that the destruction by force and violence of non-communist governments is essential to world “progress.”
• Leaders are called “scientists” and Marxism is based upon “scientific socialism”.
• “Democracy” includes the Red Terror, one-party system, extensive secret police, and slave labor camps for reactionaries – because no one is allowed an individual opinion.
• “Peace” refers to “class warfare.”
• “Liberation” means “enslavement.”

Marx and Lenin both made clear that without organized violence or compulsion, it is impossible to win the socialist goal of bringing “progress” to mankind. Violence is the agent of “progress.” That which advances socialism is “progressive” and “liberating.” Anything that retards socialism is “reactionary” and is to be destroyed. It is necessary to lie, perjure, or engage in other illegal activities to advance the cause. That starts with convincing outsiders that this definition is not the real definition while the proletariat knows that it is. This is why there is no allowance for humor in Marxist Aesopian. Humor requires honesty, and honesty instantly destroys the deception.[2] ^[2]

Whereas the true definition of science is the process of pursuing truth, the Marxist definition is restricted to supporting destruction of the “capitalist” state.[3] ^[3] It then follows that scientific socialism aims to destroy western democratic states. As a result, a scientist leads the effort to destroy capitalism. Without being on guard, a typical American will completely misunderstand any reference to science or scientist by a Marxist. While still the minority, Marxists will use this to claim they are being persecuted like Galileo.

Double-Talk

Given the upside-down definitions above, a rich misuse of language is unlocked to encode messages that are exactly the opposite of their appearance.

A convolution in Political Affairs of 1945 called “Patriotism” became prominent in the trial of eleven communist leaders at Foley Square in 1949. The author, N. Baltisky, deduced that the highest form of patriotism to the United States was to declare devotion to Soviet Russia. When challenged, Marxists made claims of Bill of Rights and civil liberties violations.

The Big Lie

Adolph Hitler first used the term in Mein Kampf, but Marxists are the masters of its use. In 1950’s, head of the CPUSA, William Z. Foster, wrote that “never before has there been such a wide and rapid imperialist expansion as that of the United States during the five years” (since World War II). This was at a time when Soviet Russia was expanding its sphere of control, and the “greatest generation” was glad to be home again and ignored the rant. Today’s younger American generations seem to buy the lie.

Changes of the Line

Labels are a convenient way to twist the way someone views a person, place, or thing. Budenz points to two specific examples that changed after World War II when the relationship between Russia and the United States went from allies to adversaries:

1. The “Roosevelt peace policy” became the “wise Stalin peace policy.”
2. The United States went from being “democratic” and “peace-loving” to “imperial aggressor.”

Summary

If you’ve noticed this kind of language in Washington, DC, there may be an underlying reason for it. When a politician uses the label of progressive, we should be concerned if the meaning is the Marxist definition. Stalin identified “social reforms” as an ideal smoke screen to hide preparations for the revolution to destroy western societies in Foundations of Leninism.

EP | 63 A CHINA COLD WAR STRATEGY ^[4]

[1] ^[5] Budenz, L. F. (1954). The techniques of communism. Chicago, IL: Henry Regnery Company. Pp. 57-58.

Fadden, C. J. (1939). The philosophy of Communism. Chicago, IL: Benziger Brothers. Pp. 151-155.

[2] ^[6] “… Because, you see, humor is truth”. Quotes By Victor Borge, The Clown Prince Of Denmark. (n.d.). Retrieved July 01, 2020, from https://quotes.thefamouspeople.com/victor-borge-3118.php

[3] ^[7] Budenz, L. F. (1954). The techniques of communism. Chicago, IL: Henry Regnery Company. Pg. 45.

 

This article was originally published by Dennis Haugh ^[8] and is reprinted by permission.