Mass movements, individual choice

[H. Curtiss Leung]

Ralph Dumain wrote:
>> I would hope so, but in the absence of a real mass movement,
>> political activity becomes a subculture like any other, and hence
>> the problem remains.

And McClain Watson replied:
>	A "real mass movement" a la what?  I merely suggested that "the problem
>remains" because people refuse to see the possibility of "a real mass
>movement" surrounding them in their home/work lives.  Mass movements are
>created through political activity, not in spite of it.

And I've got to say: it's not that we "refuse" to see the possibilities, but
rather that we're barred from even taking the first step to realize them.
Specifically, the division of labor is the chief means of enforcing this
prohibition.  There's no lack of will or decisiveness here, no failure
of people to realize themselves in the moment.  To put it bluntly, just 
try organizing your workplace if your bathroom breaks are timed.

        You're correct when you state that mass movements are created through 
political activity, but such activity would necessarily challenge the division 
of labor and capitalist organization -- leasure-time pseudo-activism not only
won't do it, it'll recreate the objects it claims to challenge.


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Curtiss Leung                        Voice (212)267-7722 x 3033
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