Counterculturalist
18th November 2014, 15:05
I'm quoting an exerpt of an email I sent to a member of the SEP after attending a lecture by David North on imperialism. I post this not to start a discussion about SEP/WSWS, but instead to solicit opinions about the role of unions, civil rights activism, and feminism in the struggle for socialism. (TLDR: I think they are crucial.)
I was wondering if you could perhaps clarify SEP's position on a coupe of subjects:
First, the question of unions. WSWS is consistently critical of them, and I agree that many of the major trade unions play a reactionary role. But some articles on WSWS seem to suggest that there is no place for unions whatsoever,and if that is an accurate characterization of SEP's views, I disagree. Flawed as they might be, unions' disappearance would have disastrous consequences for the working class. The corporate ruling class would like nothing more than to roll back any and all rights that workers gained, with the help of unions, over the course of the 20th century, and dismantling unions would make it that much easier.
Second, civil rights. SEP seems to characterize anti-racism and feminism as inherently divisive. Again, I respectfully disagree; while those activists who focus exclusively on these issues may be missing the bigger picture, I don't think that alone invalidates the importance of continuing to raise awareness of, and fight against, sexism and racism. After all, what bigger impediment to a united working class can there be than division along color and gender lines?
North argued in his lecture that the twentieth century is "unfinished" because none of the major struggles of the century were resolved, and I agree. This includes important gains for workers, women, and people of color, all of which are still under attack by the ruling elite.
Any thoughts?
I was wondering if you could perhaps clarify SEP's position on a coupe of subjects:
First, the question of unions. WSWS is consistently critical of them, and I agree that many of the major trade unions play a reactionary role. But some articles on WSWS seem to suggest that there is no place for unions whatsoever,and if that is an accurate characterization of SEP's views, I disagree. Flawed as they might be, unions' disappearance would have disastrous consequences for the working class. The corporate ruling class would like nothing more than to roll back any and all rights that workers gained, with the help of unions, over the course of the 20th century, and dismantling unions would make it that much easier.
Second, civil rights. SEP seems to characterize anti-racism and feminism as inherently divisive. Again, I respectfully disagree; while those activists who focus exclusively on these issues may be missing the bigger picture, I don't think that alone invalidates the importance of continuing to raise awareness of, and fight against, sexism and racism. After all, what bigger impediment to a united working class can there be than division along color and gender lines?
North argued in his lecture that the twentieth century is "unfinished" because none of the major struggles of the century were resolved, and I agree. This includes important gains for workers, women, and people of color, all of which are still under attack by the ruling elite.
Any thoughts?