[R-G] Anarchism and Feminism

[Macdonald Stainsby]

I'm cross-posting this to LeftHook as well, since similar discussion has 
been had recently.

usman x forwarded:

> ----------------------
> "We have to recognize that to the degree that revolutionary feminism
> critiques and intervenes on racism, class elitism, and sexism, which
> includes homophobia, it is the most left movement that we have in our
> nation." - bell hooks
> 

I am actually commenting on the last line/signature that Usman included, 
not the actual forwarded article.

The quote above illustrates the main problem with much of the North 
American Left today. I do not intend to spend my time picking on NBell 
Hooks or feminism, indeed a feminist analysis does have much to offer. 
However, the thinking that critiquing other forms of thinking makes one the 
'most left movement' is a deadly trap. Commenting on other forms of thought 
outside of integrating oneself into a larger framework, but *deliberately 
isolating as principle, followed by then critiquing from afar* is a major 
problem.
The left, all tendencies, have a comfort zone form of theatre critic 
analysis and heckler mentality that substitutes as a kind of praxis. When 
we are looking at one another, yes we do indeed have valuable lessons to 
offer one anothe, but the point is still to build a movement that has as 
its capability to overthrow imperialism.

We cannot allow thinking that "critiquing and intervening" make us the 
"most left movement". This alone is actually a corrosive influence. First 
we build alliances among one another, and through organizing and 
challenging one another to build a concerted struggle that actually can 
challenge capital and patriarchy, within that framework as allies, then we 
can offer ways to one another to strengthen our organizing.

In other words, two principles need to be understood *before* any 
"intervention": First, through practice, we show each other and people 
across the city and beyond that we are a serious force that relates to 
their experience and is relevant and deserves to be listened to, and second 
we should realise that the "most left movement" is building a movement that 
grows beyond within our circles and is able to pose a serious challenge to 
the maintenance of the status quo in imperialist society. WE first focus on 
what unites us, and not believe that seperating on what divides us through 
rhetorical "interventions" is a good starting point.

Politics that are about what unites are a million times stronger than 
making organizing principles of the divisions, and elevating them to the 
highest priority.


-- 
Macdonald Stainsby
http://lists.econ.utah.edu/mailman/listinfo/rad-green
In the contradiction lies the hope
		--Brecht.