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View Full Version : awareness and literature for the "lumpen proletariat"



R_P_A_S
21st December 2008, 00:36
the lumpen proletariat... Who are they? Are they just homeless people? Or does this title extent to other members of the working class?

I drive 19 miles to work 5 days a week. one way. On my way to work there are 2 major intersections, there for the last 3 months every morning and evening I see the same 5 homeless/beggars people. I've given them change, an umbrella and some fruit. They were probably there before I got that job and will most likely be there after i quit or get fired.

They are a bit hard to talk to, the traffic light does not last that long, and they are more interested in moving from car to car as quickly as possible to get some sort of hand out as oppose to engaged in random chit-chat. One of the man that I talked to said he was a veteran, he's missing a hand. He said that after he got back from Vietnam he couldn't keep up with some of the medical bills his Veterans insurance didn't cover and eventually he ended up on the streets, old man said he been begging for 23 years "or so". The other said he got out of jail 9 years ago and got caught stealing used tires from the job he's parole officer got him and got sent away to jail again and once he got out it was difficult for him to get a place to live or an other job.

I would like to give this people something to read. I know it sounds pointless. But It be something different for them. as oppose of the coins and crumbs they daily get. You never know. I wonder if there's any pamphlet type of literature for homeless people? for the lumpen proletariat?

Do you guys feel this efforts are worthless? should I even bother?

Wild_Fire
21st December 2008, 01:08
I think the Lumpen Proletariat are defined, as workers that can't or are unable to be employed.

Yes, I think you should definitely bother, and it is definitely not pointless!

I don't think they chose willingly in each case you've mentioned to become 'outcasts' of their society. These people are kept down because they can't function in society as it is. Perhaps, they might be more open to your approach of 'left politics' because of their situation.

Check out Zabalaza.net for appropriate pamphlets to give to them.

And don't give up on people!

The Idler
21st December 2008, 15:12
Homeless people aren't what Marx defined as the lumpenproletariat. The lumpenproletariat are the petty criminals who don't want the working class emancipated and free from exploitation.

S.O.I
23rd December 2008, 04:39
as i dont see the vietnam vet as a lumpen prole, he could actually be a pretty good progressive asset, as he propably know alot about government exploitation, and imperialism...

so, sun tzu - the art of war could propably get him back on track again. after all, you have to help youself before you can be any good at helping others.