Everything you always wanted to know about revolutionary socialism (but were afraid to ask)
An introduction to Marxist ideas, organised by the Alliance for Workers' Liberty
12-7pm, Saturday 19 April 2008, University of East London Docklands campus (Cyprus DLR)
Sweatshop labour, soaring inequality, privatisation, war, racism, destruction of the environment, women's oppression... why is the world like it is? And how can we change it?
Workers' Liberty is a Marxist, revolutionary socialist organisation. We believe that the problem is capitalism, and all societies based on class exploitation; and that workers' struggle and working-class revolution can create a new society, one without exploitation or oppression, in which human beings are able to develop their individuality freely.
This year is the 40th anniversary of 1968, when French workers and students rose up against the rule of capital, in the vanguard of a worldwide upsurge against capitalism and Stalinism. We will be discussing both the lessons of 1968 and the significance of the struggles by workers and young people that are shaking France today.
Plenty of time for debate, discussion and questions
11.45am Registration
12.15pm Welcome and introduction to the event
12.45pm
i) Why the working class? Young workers, class struggle and rebuilding the labour movement
ii) Marx’s ecology: rediscovering a forgotten tradition
2pm Lunch
2.30pm
i) “Radical chains”: how does class struggle relate to the fight against women’s, black, LGBT and other forms of oppression?
ii) Socialism, democracy, revolution and violence
3.40pm
i) What do “imperialism” and “anti-imperialism” mean?
ii) How (and how not) to fight the BNP
4.50pm
i) Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba: models of 21st century socialism
ii) Why is the left so divided? How do we get socialist unity?
A debate between the AWL and the Socialist Party
6pm Assessment of the day and closing plenary, with a speaker on the lessons of 1968 and the class struggle in France today.
7pm Close
Tickets for the event £5 waged, £3 unwaged - with a £1 discount if you pay in advance. You can just turn up on the day, but please preregister if you can by emailing skillz_999@hotmail.com or ringing 020 7207 0706.
Cheap vegetarian and vegan food provided.
We can find you somewhere to stay if needed.
Followed from 8pm by a fundraising social with Marxist hip-hop artist the Ruby Kid @ the Ivy House, 8-10 Southampton Row, Holborn (a couple of minutes from Holborn tube).
