Date: Tue, 23 Apr 1996 16:30:43 -0400 (EDT)
From: Justin Schwartz <jschwart-AT-freenet.columbus.oh.us>
Subject: Re: Splits in the working class -Reply -Reply


> > 
> 
> Part of the problem is that I have presented ideas in very abbreviated
> form. The false consciousness has material roots in the competition
> between workers. But I think it is still false consciousness, even if
> it has material roots.
> 
> Adam.

Better, Adam, But false coinscousness has to be somehow false. And it's
not false that it's in the immediate selfish interest of a worker to
crossa  picket line and keep her job rather than stay out on strike and
lose it, even if it would be better for her if the strike succeeded and
she won greater benefits and higher wages. In fact, this is a classic
prisoner's dilemma. Her best option is that everyone else strikes and wins
benefits for her without her taking the risk. Of course if everyone thinks
that way and so acts, there will be no strike or it will fail. But the
belief taht her striking is not in her immediate interest is not false. It
may be shortsighted and partial, but it is true.

Real false consciousness is exemplified by racist and sexist beliefs about
the inferiority of certain groups. These beliefs are false, regardless of
whether it is in, say white male workers' interest to acquiese to or
perpetuate the oppression of racial minorities and women. 

--justin 




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