A People's History of the New Deal w/ The Intervention
Aug 24, 2023
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Breht O'Shea of Rev Left Radio joins Nick and Levi to discuss the history of the New Deal, grassroots movements, limitations, ethnic divisions, the impact of capitalism, women in the labor movement, the 2019 Ukrainian election, criticism of a political candidate, negotiation, defining productivity, presenting a positive vision for change, and lessons from history.
The collapse of ethnic-based support systems during the Great Depression led to a rise in working class solidarity and the formation of a working class culture that transcended ethnic boundaries.
During the New Deal, a union bureaucracy emerged that marginalized women and relegated them to traditional gender roles, limiting their influence within the labor movement.
The workers' conception of moral capitalism, which blamed individual capitalists for the economic crisis, led to demands for state intervention and union support without questioning the fairness of capitalism itself.
Both research studies demonstrate the impact of capitalism on cultural shifts and identity formation, highlighting the need for a critical understanding of how capitalism affects identity and solidarity.
To promote solidarity and push beyond moral capitalism, it is crucial to present a positive vision of the future, emphasizing the benefits of socialism and universal programs that benefit everyone.
Deep dives
Ethnic identity and working class solidarity in Chicago
Elizabeth Cohen's research in Chicago shows how the collapse of ethnic-based support systems during the Great Depression led to a rise in working class solidarity. Workers of diverse ethnicities began to identify themselves collectively as Democrats and unionists, forming alliances based on their shared experiences of exploitation. The culture of unity promoted by the nascent CIO fostered a sense of working class identity that transcended ethnic boundaries. The workers' conception of moral capitalism led them to blame individual capitalists for the economic crisis, rather than questioning the system itself. The New Deal and its rhetoric of fairness became an integral part of this working class culture, offering hope and support during difficult times.
The role of women in the labor movement
Elizabeth Fau's research in Minneapolis focuses on the place of women in the labor movement during the World War I era and the New Deal period. She argues that in the early labor movement, women were active participants, attending meetings, standing on picket lines, and articulating their demands alongside men as part of the working class. However, during the New Deal, a union bureaucracy emerged, which marginalized women and relegated them to traditional gender roles. Women's demands were often framed in terms of their roles as housewives or dependents, rather than as independent members of the working class. This limited their influence within the union bureaucracy, despite the increased need for women workers during wartime production.
Moral capitalism and the blame on individual capitalists
Both Cohen and Fau highlight the workers' conception of moral capitalism, a belief that capitalism could and should be fair, but that individual capitalists were responsible for the economic crisis. This belief led workers to demand state intervention and turn to the new union movement for support. However, they stopped short of questioning the fairness of capitalism itself. Instead, they blamed individual capitalists for the crisis. This focus on individual bad capitalists rather than questioning the system itself allowed for a limited critique of capitalism and a belief that reforms and union organizing could create a fairer society.
Cultural shifts and the impact of capitalism
Both research studies demonstrate the impact of capitalism on cultural shifts and identity formation. Cohen's research in Chicago shows how the collapse of ethnic-based support systems and the rise of mass consumer culture led to the formation of a working class culture that transcended ethnic boundaries. Fau's research in Minneapolis reveals the influence of a top-down, male-centric union bureaucracy that marginalized women and limited their role in the labor movement. These cultural shifts and power dynamics were shaped by the material conditions of capitalism, highlighting the need for a critical understanding of how capitalism affects identity and solidarity.
The Draw of Moral Capitalism and Divide Among the Working Class
Cohen argues that the working class in Chicago turned to moral capitalism as a way to address their disillusionment with capitalism while still rejecting socialism. The concept of moral capitalism prevented them from fully desiring the overthrow of capitalism. Foul, on the other hand, criticizes the creation of a bourgeois bureaucratic structure and a mass-proletariat culture that perpetuated gender inequality. Both authors acknowledge the influence of popular sentiments during the New Deal, but also highlight the role of state violence in suppressing anti-capitalist thoughts. The rise of fascism and the propaganda against left-wing movements also impacted the choices made by the working class. However, both authors agree that a moral cultural shift occurred in support of capitalism during this period.
Pushing Beyond Moral Capitalism
To convince people to push beyond moral capitalism, it is important to present a positive vision of the future. This means accentuating the benefits of socialism and focusing on how individuals can have more leisure time, pursue their interests, and education without the burden of debt. Emphasizing the need for universal programs that benefit everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, is also crucial. By highlighting the failures of the New Deal in terms of racial imbalances and exclusion, it becomes clear that any reform or program should be universal in order to bring people together and prevent division.
Overcoming Divisions and Promoting Solidarity
In order to overcome divisions and promote solidarity, it is important to organize and educate the working class. This includes joining unions, which can provide a sense of community and help radicalize individuals through their labor experiences. By working side by side with fellow workers and engaging in collective organizing, the potential for radicalization and a stronger labor movement is increased. Additionally, emphasizing the positive aspects of socialism, such as increased leisure time, fair wages, and access to education, can help reshape people's perceptions and generate support for a more equitable and just society.
The Importance of Universalist Programs
A key lesson from the New Deal is the importance of universalist programs. By ensuring that benefits and reforms are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their identity or background, divisions can be minimized and support for progressive change can be maximized. Excluding certain groups or basing access to benefits on factors like race or ethnicity only perpetuates inequality and division. A focus on inclusivity and universality is crucial in pushing beyond moral capitalism and building a more equitable society.
The impact of segregation and desegregation in public pools
The podcast discusses the history of segregation in public pools and the impact of desegregation. It highlights instances of white pool owners dumping bleach into pools where black children were having fun. The aftermath of desegregation led to white communities shutting down public pools and opening private pools with membership fees and certain guidelines. This example is used to explain the rise of goldwater libertarianism and the continuation of racist policies under the guise of states' rights.
The importance of multi-racial solidarity and a universalist approach
The podcast emphasizes the need for multi-racial solidarity and a universalist approach in societal change. Movements like Black Lives Matter and white radicals joining in protests demonstrate the belief in the humanity of all races and the rejection of divisions. The failures of non-universalist programs, including the New Deal, are highlighted, and the importance of a community-oriented and egalitarian worldwide project is discussed. The podcast also mentions the growth and significance of new unions in the service industry, addressing issues such as sexual harassment, racism, and healthcare for trans people, showing progress in the connecting class-based struggle with social issues.
Nick and Levi from The Intervention podcast are joined by Breht O'Shea of Rev Left Radio to discuss the history of the making of the New Deal "from below." We talk about the movements and dynamics that forced concessions from the ruling class, the importance of understanding the New Deal in our current moment, and much, much more.
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