This is an archive of the former website of the Maoist Internationalist Movement, which was run by the now defunct Maoist Internationalist Party - Amerika. The MIM now consists of many independent cells, many of which have their own indendendent organs both online and off. MIM(Prisons) serves these documents as a service to and reference for the anti-imperialist movement worldwide.

Maoist Internationalist Movement

1996 MIM Congress

Teenage Life

In the present context of imperialist patriachy, teens are frequently abused by their parents who are entrusted with their care by the state. They have no where to turn for alternatives, because they are prevented by the state from gaining self-sufficiency. Under the guise of "protecting" them from harsh adult realities and "allowing" them "freedom," they are prevented from working good jobs or signing contracts for shelter. This binds them to patriarchy,their choices limited to either their parents or substitutes named by the state.

Reform is possible under capitalism. Youth 13 and over should be able to sign contracts to the fullest extent of the law. This would put them on par with biological women of their nation and class as far as consent and freedom issues go, because it would make it possible for them to leave their situations. Like bio women, they would generally have a lower earning potential than men of their nation and class, but they would gain that crucial self-sufficiency.

Under socialism, we see teens as having much mmore lifestyle unity with adults as we abolish the undialectical division of education in one part of life, work in another. People of all ages will both work and learn all through life. Prohibiting work on the part of the youth presently is an oppressive practice by the state to sanctify patriarchal power. We do not encourage youth in our circles to work rather than relying on their parents if they have the choice because in most cases they are better off getting education and increasing their later earning potential. However, we oppose the state's making that decision.

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