Blood In My Eye - Red Start Political Education Session
Jan 10, 2023
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The podcast discusses George Jackson's 'Blood in My Eye' and its relevance to socialist organizing. Topics include the co-opting of the abolitionist movement, America's absorption of Nazi scientists, American intelligence's connections to Nazi agencies, and Lenin's book on imperialism. The use of violence in revolutionary movements is also explored, with a focus on the tactics of the Black Panthers and the Rainbow Coalition.
Fascism in America has three phases: revolutionary subversive, sensational while in power but not secure, and consolidation of power securely.
Organizing and connecting with incarcerated individuals and communities is crucial for fostering a revolutionary movement.
Deep dives
George Jackson's Analysis of Fascism and American State
George Jackson provides a detailed analysis of fascism and its presence in the American state. He argues that fascism in America is deeply rooted and has three phases: the revolutionary subversive, the sensational while in power but not secure, and the consolidation of power securely. He criticizes liberal reformism and states that the American system cannot be reformed, emphasizing the need for a revolutionary movement to replace it.
The Incarcerated Class as Revolutionary Subjects
George Jackson views the incarcerated class, including prisoners and those impacted by the prison system, as revolutionary subjects. He highlights the importance of organizing and building authentic connections with these individuals and communities as a means to foster a revolutionary movement. The recent abolitionist movement and its focus on police defunding and dismantling incarceration serve as examples of the potential power of these revolutionary subjects.
The Role of Unions in a Fascistic America
George Jackson criticizes unions that cooperate with the state, particularly when it comes to fascism. He points to past examples of labor unions in Italy collaborating with fascists. In the context of a fascistic America, Jackson suggests focusing on grassroots organizing at the workplace level, building efficient workplace democracies and forging authentic connections with workers.
Jackson's Advocacy of Violence and Revolutionary Tactics
George Jackson and the Black Panther Party advocated for minority use of violence and revolutionary tactics in the face of a fascistic American society. While some criticize these tactics, Jackson believed it was necessary to heighten the revolutionary moment in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. The effectiveness of these tactics is debatable, but Jackson's writings provide insight into the strategic thinking of the time.