Solidarity with ethnic minorities,

[bloody_capitalist_sham]

Hello,

I am a member of Socialist party in the UK. At a meeting i asked why socialists show solidarity with Muslims. Not that i am racist or anything mind you. But i said surly we should be trying to identify with them because they are working class first, Muslim second. So by showing solidarity with them as Muslims we are hurting our goals and confusing our ideals.

The answer was that because Muslims have a long history of oppression because of their faith, and they can no longer think of the Labour (new Labour) as their party, Socialists should try an show solidarity with them.

So do you think oppressed people, even when religious groups, socialists should show support? Or should we purely try and identify with them on their class identity?

Although i would prefer a purely class based strategy, would showing solidarity bring them into a socialist way of thinking, albeit quite slowly.

[redstar2000]

Originally posted by bloody_capitalist_sham
The answer was that because Muslims have a long history of oppression because of their faith, and they can no longer think of the Labour (new Labour) as their party, Socialists should try and show solidarity with them.

Typical. :(

A political party that wants to win "elections" must appeal to as many people as possible...without regard to "silly concepts" like class.

Reformist practice always leads to reformist politics in the end...regardless of "good intentions".

I regret to inform you that the party you have joined is "socialist" in name only.

http://www.websmileys.com/sm/cool/223.gif

[bloody_capitalist_sham]

Yeah i had pretty much guessed it was a bit reformist, when i heard they take part in elections lol. but, still many of the people dearly want revolution and puts lots of time into defending workers, it may not be as revolutionary as i would like. but it makes me feel good helping other workers, its got to be better than watching telly at the very least.

However, serious question. What position can we take if its not in support of Muslims and other religions? because saying bad stuff about slam, can make you seem like a racist, because people think when you attack this religion you might be trying to attack them because they are non-white?

In the real world, how should socialists go about helping Muslim people?