[Marxism] Re: To Carlos (2)

[Brian Shannon <Brian_Shannon@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

In light of your explanation, I would not have used the Castro/Batista
analogy, although I think that your language invited it.

In any case, most "white-skinned" revolutionists, including yours
truly, are much more likely to bend the stick the other way. Obviously,
this is also a form of "white-skin" privilege, in this case "white-skin
guilt."

IMO, arguments should be judged for their inherent worth, particularly
on this list. We should not fear or pander to guilt.

We should also be aware that much of the confusion on this list is
because we are--in our imagination--addressing different
constituencies. In other words, sometimes we write as though it is a
fundamental analysis of party and class. Other times it is a nuanced
intervention that might be written as an article for a socialist
publication. Another time, it may be to put forth a simple idea.

For example, I believe that you and I had some difference over the way
that I argued for proportional voting. I had responded to a form
mailing from Michael Moore. I was criticized by someone for not digging
deeper and giving a Marxist analysis, although I don't recall that this
was your point. Someone even asserted that the logical extension of my
arguments would lead to support to a popular front.

However, I was responding to Moore on his own terms. I thought it
worthwhile and kind of fun to undercut Moore's assumptions. I was taken
aback by the criticism, because it seemed that the argument for
proportional voting would be obvious to socialists, particularly during
this period.

In truth, I presented a light summary of the relative fairness of
proportional voting and how it could push forward a progressive agenda.
It was an argument that any supporter of bourgeois democracy could
make. At the same time, I think that it is a position that can also be
held by socialists and that socialists can join with bourgeois
democrats in fighting for it.

My socialist reasons might very well not be presented during such an
alliance. Even if I were writing for a socialist publication, I would
not necessarily base my support for proportional representation on
Marxism, any more than I would argue for immediate withdrawal from Iraq
based on documents of Lenin and the early years of the Third
International.

I realize that some of the above is not in direct response to Carlos,
but is a general comment on argumentation on this list. It is a
suggestion to pay attention, as much as we can, to what the writer is
actually saying and where he or she is coming from. At the same time,
we shouldn't avoid a little fun or teasing.

Brian Shannon


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