Re: [Marxism] Party as permanent faction [was Re: The DSP's freshapproach ...]

[Craig Brozefsky <craig@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Richard Fidler" <rfidler_8@xxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:

> However, isn't it natural that in any broadly representative
> political formation members will be inclined to align themselves
> with varying currents of thought and opinion? That being so, far
> better to structure such currents rather than be confronted with the
> problem of undeclared factions, which is a major source of the
> problems to which Joaquín alludes.

I disagree that it is better to 'structure' such variations in thought
and opinion in a formal manner, as it radically alters the social
context.  It becomes difficult for participants to communicate
effectively when they have to consider wether their interlocuter is
speaking as an individual within the larger formation, or as a
representative of formal ideological faction.  *Ideological* sub-group
identity undermines the larger group political solidarity, masks the
variations in the thoughts and opinions of each individual, inhibits
cross-mixing of analysis and perspectives, and in short is an error of
reification.

Far, far too often the formal structuring outlives it's usefulness and
only becomes a severe drag on the whole group.  I also find that the
formalization tends to mask concrete political power struggles and
make it difficult to the whole formation to operate and take care of
the day to day business -- because every decision is contextualized as
a struggle between factions.

I differentiate between those factions defined by ideological
differences, and sub-groups defined by material differences between
members, such as women or minority groupings within the larger
political formation.  I understand that these material differences in
wealth, social status, gender expectation, and ethne, are reflected in
ideological differences.  However, if you are going to provide a
formal identity for the sub-group, it should be focused on the
material root of the differences, not the current manifestation of the
ideological differences.

You go on that team
I go on this team
divide everyone
ok, now we can fight

This is not an ideological struggle, it is a social and economic
struggle.


-- 
Sincerely, Craig Brozefsky              <craig@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
what a klon  - neko           http://www.red-bean.com/~craig
Less matter, more form!                       - Bruno Schulz
ignazz, I am truly korrupted by yore sinful tzourceware. -jb

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