Date: Fri, 1 May 1998 09:30:16 -0400 (EDT)
From: Gerald Levy <glevy-AT-pratt.edu>
Subject: Re:  Re: AUT: why gramsci


Jason wrote:

> <snip>, it might be useful to discuss some of the powerful and lasting
> theoretical ramifacations of his worm [sic, JL], rather than just the
> history behind it. Gramsci, dispite his colorful history, is known today
> as the founder of some of the central points of British, and
> increasingly American, cultural studies.

It is true that many of those in the field of cultural studies look to
Gramsci as a point of departure. But, the majority of the left in one
fashion or another also identify with Gramsci. Indeed, if one were to
ask 100 leftists what the legacy of Gramsci is, then one would probably
get at least 90 different answers! Is this good? I'm not convinced. To
begin with, I think there is a romantization of Gramsci (a kind of heroic
image that one gets the feeling many would like to see turned into a
bronze sculpture). Also, there seems to be relatively little
interrogation by most leftists concerning Gramsci's praxis, in
particular, his relationship to the Italian Communist Party (PCI)
leadership. If there is so much controversy about Gramsci's writings,
perhaps much of that controversy has its source in the contradictory and
changing praxis of Gramsci himself?

Happy May Day everyone!

Jerry 



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