This post argues that engagement in class struggle, while necessary, does not by itself generate an adequate theoretical understanding of capitalist society. A widespread tendency within radical activism treats practice as a substitute for theory, leading to persistent confusions not only about exploitation, but also about the state, law, and the mechanisms through which capitalist … Continue reading Class Struggle Is Not a Substitute for Marxian Theory (Illustrated through critiques of John Clarke’s work)
Tag: John Clarke
A Lack of Critical Analysis of the Limitations of Many Unions in the Context of a Class of Employers
John Clarke, a radical leftist in Toronto and former major organizer of the defunct Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP), posted the following on Facebook without comment, quoting from an article in the social-democratic leftist journal Canadian Dimension John Clarke 'Unions were founded as a way for labour to stand up to the institutions that exploit them. … Continue reading A Lack of Critical Analysis of the Limitations of Many Unions in the Context of a Class of Employers
Limitations of a Radical’s Views on Class Exploitation: The Toronto Radical John Clarke’s Blog, Part Three
Introduction In my first post in this series Limitations of a Radical’s Views on Class Exploitation: The Blog of the Toronto Radical John Clarke, Part One , I started with an hypothesis: many activists in practice assume that it is unnecessary to engage in theory in any rigorous manner (even if they claim the contrary) since … Continue reading Limitations of a Radical’s Views on Class Exploitation: The Toronto Radical John Clarke’s Blog, Part Three
Limitations of a Radical’s Views on Class Exploitation: The Toronto Radical John Clarke’s Blog, Part Two
Introduction In my first post in this series (Limitations of a Radical’s Views on Class Exploitation: The Blog of the Toronto Radical John Clarke, Part One, I started with an hypothesis: many activists in practice assume that it is unnecessary to engage in theory in any rigorous manner (even if they claim the contrary) since … Continue reading Limitations of a Radical’s Views on Class Exploitation: The Toronto Radical John Clarke’s Blog, Part Two
Limitations of a Radical’s Views on Class Exploitation: The Blog of the Toronto Radical John Clarke, Part One
Introduction I want to start with an hypothesis: many activists in practice assume that it is unnecessary to engage in theory in any rigorous manner (even if they claim the contrary) since they engage in practice—they are activists. John Clarke, a former major organizer of the defunct organization Ontario Coalition Against Poverty, illustrates this hypothesis … Continue reading Limitations of a Radical’s Views on Class Exploitation: The Blog of the Toronto Radical John Clarke, Part One
A Radical Leftist’s Exaggeration of the Ease of Characterizing the Exploitation of Workers
I waited two weeks for a response by John Clarke, a radical leftist here in Toronto, to reply to my criticism of certain aspects of his analysis of the strike of the Air Canada flight attendants' strike (see his article https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/taking-stock-of-the-air-canada-strike). He never responded, so I am copying my critique on the Canadian Dimension page. Radical … Continue reading A Radical Leftist’s Exaggeration of the Ease of Characterizing the Exploitation of Workers
Expressing Solidarity with the Striking Air Canada Flight Attendants Involves More than Referring to Their Just Rewards
Introduction John Clarke, former major organizer of the defunct Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP), recently posted the following: Solidarity with the Air Canada flight attendants and full support for their just demands. Radical leftists should certainly support the flight attendants' struggles, including being paid while working for an employer. Radical Leftists Need to Link Visible … Continue reading Expressing Solidarity with the Striking Air Canada Flight Attendants Involves More than Referring to Their Just Rewards
Solidarity with Air Canada Flight Attendants Does Not Mean that We Should Ignore Critical Analysis
This post connects to the broader argument outlined in The Money Circuit of Capital. Introduction I was disappointed when seeing the following recent post by John Clarke, former major organizer for the defunct Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP): Solidarity with flight attendants! I certainly express solidarity with the flight attendants as well--but I would never simply … Continue reading Solidarity with Air Canada Flight Attendants Does Not Mean that We Should Ignore Critical Analysis
Review of the Pamphlet “Climate Change is a Class Issue” by Sarah Glynn and John Clarke, Part Three
Introduction This is the third part of of a series of criticisms of a recently published pamphlet on climate change and class, titled Climate Change is a Class Issue (2024), written by Sarah Glynn, a radical activist and writer located in the United Kingdom, and John Clarke, a radical activist located in Toronto. The first … Continue reading Review of the Pamphlet “Climate Change is a Class Issue” by Sarah Glynn and John Clarke, Part Three
Review of the Pamphlet “Climate Change is a Class Issue” by Sarah Glynn and John Clarke, Part Two: Exploitation of Workers as Past and Not Just Present or Future, Second Section
Introduction This is the second section of the second part of a series of criticisms of a recently published pamphlet on climate change and class, titled Climate Change is a Class Issue (2024), written by Sarah Glynn, a radical activist and writer located in the United Kingdom, and John Clarke, a radical activist located in … Continue reading Review of the Pamphlet “Climate Change is a Class Issue” by Sarah Glynn and John Clarke, Part Two: Exploitation of Workers as Past and Not Just Present or Future, Second Section
The Abolitionary 