On 10/26/06, Jim Devine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
On 10/26/06, raghu <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> As a working definition "Western leftist"=person who lives in the OECD
> nations, who is philosophical inclined towards socialism. Yoshie's
> point is that too many people who belong in this (admittedly
> imprecise) category make sweeping unfavorable generalizations about
> third world governments.
That definition implies that Yoshie is a Western leftist! Does she
have the viewpoint that she attributes to that class of people?
No she doesn't. I said "too many of the Western leftists" not "all",
so my working definition survives :).
It would be interesting to do a survey to see if the sweeping
generalization that Western leftists make sweeping unfavorable
generalizations about third world governments or not. I haven't seen
that kind of work anywhere, but it may exist.
Easy: just scan PEN-L archives.
That's not true in all eras. A lot of OECD leftism has been "third
worldist." Years ago, many leftists in OECD countries were extremely
Even today much of OECD leftism is "third worldist" in the sense of
highlighting oppression and encouraging or applauding revolution in
the third world. The funny thing though is (as Yoshie points out)
people often prescribe revolution for the thrid world, but reform in
the West. Look at how many posts on PEN-L you see about the democratic
party, labor unions and minimum wage legislation. There is a very good
reason for this of course, revolutions are hard, painful and often
bloody. On the other hand when Yoshie tries to discuss for example
women's rights issue in Iran, she gets dismissive comments like the
whole Iranian regime is sexist at its core, so it is futile to talk
about reforming women's rights in the current setup.
Perhaps we should not be so glib in advocating revolution in Iran
either and pay at least some attention to the possibility of reform in
an imperfect environment.
-raghu.
