Furthermore, the change from "normal" opposition to a radical, insurrectionary, or revolutionary movement always starts with an abrupt, unforeseeable explosion over a relatively minor "final straw" slight. And it never starts with an agenda of all the correct demands. What that explosion does, precisely, is initiate a process of struggle and learning, through which the working classes, acting outside of any preconceived agenda, and joined by those who have had the time and privilege to study history and politics, can define not only an agenda of specific demands, but a new type of polity.
I certainly have my pessimism of the intellect about where this movement can go without more clearly defining itself politically and organizationally. And it must and will do that, through the work and influence of someone (some persons or groups), if it doesn't disappear or get destroyed by the repressive and ideological power of the neoliberal capitalist state.
It's not that, because it's a working-class movement, Yellow Vest is sure to be socialist and successful. Given the actual socio-economic, ideological and political state of neo-liberal capitalist societies, it would be foolish to think such a thing.
It's that: that someone can only be a participant. Rather than hold its nose in pre-judgement, for the self-satisfaction of "Tsk, tsk," and "I told you so," any self-respecting left has the responsibility to support and participate, as it can, in a working-class uprising, in order to make a better outcome more likely.
The Gilets-Jaunes is clearly a movement of the rightfully pissed-off working classes against the smug capitalist elite. It deserves our solidarity.
Union Gap
Across the West, the left has struggled to know how to respond to the populist uprisings of recent years. There is a tendency on the left to denounce any shock to the status quo as driven by reactionary forces. The revolting masses are often written off as fascists.
- Fraser Myers
For some two or three hundred years, people one could call "left" hoped that popular movements would lead to changes for the better. Today, many leftists seem terrified of popular movements for change, convinced "populism" must lead to "fascism.
- Diana Johnstone
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