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A review by punkrocknreticence
Kommunismus. Eine kleine Geschichte, wie endlich alles anders wird by Bini Adamczak
4.0
Communism for Kids is a wonderful primer on the concept(s) of communism — for all ages. A lighthearted, lucid and rather fun exposition on the ideology — as abstracted from, as well as rooted in and enriched by, the experiences of the many communisms of the past —; this book also explains the pitfalls of capitalism and the problems of dissociating from the conditions it creates, even for a theory dichotomous to it. Through six 'trials', the book manages to explain the difference between communism in theory and praxis, emphasising on the need to bridge that gap. A brilliant, theoretical epilogue on the need for 'Communist Desire' — distinct from a desire for communism — closes this book, and leaves the reader with much to ponder upon.
Author Bini Adamczak's attempt here is not only to inform the reader with an understanding of communism that is untainted by its dominant antagonist, it is also to sensitise one towards other issues that are as pervasive and serious: as a queer rights activist, Adamczak imbibes her book with a subtle rejection and refutation of the male-as-norm. First, the book shifts the default male ('Man' or 'Mankind') to the feminine: rulers are princesses, and workers are referred to as female in the text as well. Then, it highlights the (capitalist) construction of a total dichotomy between production and reproduction. However, the illustrations are what give Communism for Kids its real feminist flavour: the female characters are not only depicted as the default, they are also shown in states of various kinds of bodily emancipation — from facial hair to armpit hair. The eyes of all characters are shaped like nipples, likely an attempt at rupturing the dominance of the phallocentric and phallogicentric in all discourse.
By bringing together modernity's two most infamous 'isms' with a highly accessible narrative style, Communism for Kids emerges victorious in a stream of academic expositions and hermeneutical arguments which drown out the will of the layperson itself (as does communism in existence without genuine 'communist desire'). A text for the times, this short, fun and highly informative book commands attention, and may even be described as essential reading — not only for those who wish to understand communism but also for those who wish to refute it. After all, as it says in the epilogue:
Author Bini Adamczak's attempt here is not only to inform the reader with an understanding of communism that is untainted by its dominant antagonist, it is also to sensitise one towards other issues that are as pervasive and serious: as a queer rights activist, Adamczak imbibes her book with a subtle rejection and refutation of the male-as-norm. First, the book shifts the default male ('Man' or 'Mankind') to the feminine: rulers are princesses, and workers are referred to as female in the text as well. Then, it highlights the (capitalist) construction of a total dichotomy between production and reproduction. However, the illustrations are what give Communism for Kids its real feminist flavour: the female characters are not only depicted as the default, they are also shown in states of various kinds of bodily emancipation — from facial hair to armpit hair. The eyes of all characters are shaped like nipples, likely an attempt at rupturing the dominance of the phallocentric and phallogicentric in all discourse.
By bringing together modernity's two most infamous 'isms' with a highly accessible narrative style, Communism for Kids emerges victorious in a stream of academic expositions and hermeneutical arguments which drown out the will of the layperson itself (as does communism in existence without genuine 'communist desire'). A text for the times, this short, fun and highly informative book commands attention, and may even be described as essential reading — not only for those who wish to understand communism but also for those who wish to refute it. After all, as it says in the epilogue:
For the first time in ages, history is open once again — for suggestions.And this is one that everyone must take.