Social Forums

[BreadBros]

Hmm, I'm sure the topic of social forums has probably been discussed before. However, in light of the upcoming US Social Forum, I felt it was worth it to open up a topic for discussion.

I'm sure most of us have heard of the World Social Forum, if you haven't acquaint yourself here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_social_forum . This summer, from June 27th-July 1st the first ever US Social Forum will be hosted in Atlanta, Georgia. My questions are: Will you be attending? Have you attended a social forum before (theres already the Midwestern Social Forum and Southeastern Social Forum in the US)? What is it like? What are everyone's opinions on the Social Forum concept in general?

I've never been to one (although Im thinking of going to the US one). In general, it sounds good to me in concept. However, as I've been reading about them I've been troubled by a few things. First of all, they seem to have transformed from assemblies of people, to assemblies of representatives. One of the major allegations is that most of the African poor peoples' groups have been replaced by NGO-type Western "relief" organizations. Secondly, they obviously try to downplay any radical nature to them and present them as get-togethers for what seems like a very broad "left". However, the left elements that are present seem to make it worthwile. I heard there were some good actions at the European Social Forum and at the last WSF (in January) there was a riot by African kids that forced the organizers to lower food prices I believe, so maybe not all is for naught.

In general, what are everyone's opinions? Is there any hope for organizing a more solidly left type gathering?

[Wanted Man]

Here is the stuff about the kids raiding the place: http://www.revleft.com/index.php?showtopic=61680

A pretty badass move, IMO.

Anyway, I know the communist party here did participate in the Dutch Social Forum of 2006, giving 2 speeches I believe. Just being present there in such a manner is one way to gain support. It doesn't necessarily mean that you have to subscribe to the whackjob "alter-globalism", of course.

[Enragé]

no, because wanting solidarity, peace, and justice to globalise instead of greed and exploitation is such a whackjob thing :rolleyes:

[Wanted Man]

Whackjob was actually a wrong word for me to use, because whackjobs can still effectively bring about change, though obviously not in the way we envision it. So, the alter-globalist movement is not whacky, it's just inefficient because it doesn't necessarily want to get rid of capitalism as a whole. It is well-intentioned, but we'll want to take their good intentions and climb up another step to reach proletarian internationalism. :)