Why a Working-Class Revolt Might Not Be Unthinkable

Mark Thoma argues Why a Working-Class Revolt Might Not Be Unthinkable.

His conclusion is that:

We need a serious discussion of this issue, followed by changes that shift political power toward the working class. But who will start the conversation? Congress has no interest in doing so; things are quite lucrative as they are. Unions used to have a voice, but they have been all but eliminated as a political force. The press could serve as the gatekeeper, but too many news outlets are controlled by the very interests that the press needs to confront. Presidential leadership could make a difference, but this president does not seem inclined to take a strong stand on behalf of the working class despite the surprising boldness of his job-creation speech.

Another option is that the working class will say enough is enough and demand change. There was a time when I would have scoffed at the idea of a mass revolt against entrenched political interests and the incivility that comes with it. We aren’t there yet – there’s still time for change – but the signs of unrest are growing, and if we continue along a two-tiered path that ignores the needs of such a large proportion of society, it can no longer be ruled out.

Emphasis Mine

For a working-class revolt to occur, there has to be a self-consciousness within the the working class itself. That is, the working class has to be aware that it constitutes a class opposed to the capitalist class. The working class has to place itself within a historical context of a class struggle.

I do see any widespread awareness of the class struggle. The consciousness that exists is mainly based on racism, sexism, xenophobia, and homophobia. These are all devices that preclude the development of a true class consciousness.

I fear that the current economic distress will give rise to fascism instead and this will further consolidate the rule of the Capitalists.

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