Date: 	Fri, 14 Nov 1997 13:58:13 -1000
From: Stephen E Philion <philion-AT-hawaii.edu>
Subject: Re: M-FEM: Re: (Fwd): Barbara Bergman (femecon-l) on marxism. Responses?


When I read these kinds of words, I recall Noam Chomsky's words about
America's favorite religion being "Anti-communism."  Part of being
faithful to this religion includes making it clear to your audience,
especially when you are afraid of being a target of red baiting or being
labelled an extremist, that you ain't no Marxist.  

1.) Exactly which "Marxists" is Bergmann talking about? Members of some
small wierd sect, with a membership of 20-30 faithful, that shows up on
American campuses? Or are we talking about Marxists who constitute the
mainstream of Marxism in the States or Europe?  If the former, well, gosh,
maybe she just needs to read some women Marxists (say Lise Vogel, Ellen
Wood, Linda Gordon, Angela Davis, Carol Stabile...). I think Bergmann's
claim that Marxists don't support affirmative action would surprise these
Marxists. 

Usually liberals are confused about the Marxist critique of programs such
as affirmative action. That is, they confuse critique with opposition. In
a very simplistic paraphrase of one Marxist critique of AA, the critique
goes that AA is not enough and more is necessary if we are to ever hope to
the problem that a very disproportionate # of women and racial/ethnic
'minorities' (especially those of darker skin complexions) are likely to
experience political-economic subordination in Capitalist society.  Even
liberals like Jesse Jackson and Betty Freidan have made similar
*critiques*.  Now, as far as I know, Marxists are not opposed to AA,
though I'd be glad to hear from Bergmann about mainstream Marxists who
actively oppose AA.  I suspect that her claims are based more on
impressions than actual reading of Marxists on this topic. 

I would highly recommend Michael Goldfield's recent book *The Color of
Politics* to Bergmann.  I would take Goldfield's views on the matter as
much more representative of a Marxist perspective on Race and Capitalism
than "Cherry." 

Steve

 > Date: Fri, 14 Nov 1997 04:34:12
-0500 (EST) > Originator: femecon-l-AT-bucknell.edu
> From: "Barbara R. Bergmann" <BBERG-AT-american.edu>
> 
> Marxists have generally taken the position that reducing discrimination by
> race and sex under capitalism is not important, and may even be
> counterproductive because it delays the revolution. Now that the
> revolution has been put off indefinately, I hope our Marxist brothers and
> sisters will rethink their negative attitude toward amelioration of
> capitalism, through affirmative action, or in other ways.
> 
> Come on, Cherry, whatever you are, rethink.
> 
> Barbara R. Bergmann    ***   bberg-AT-american.edu
> Professor Emerita of Economics, American University and the
> University of Maryland
> 
> 
>