The Panthers Can't Save Us Now: Debating Left Politics and Black Lives Matter

Consumer brands made antiracism commitments, but meaningful reforms were out of reach. Black Lives Matter's most substantive demands remained unmet, and policies to help the most dispossessed and precarious Americans were not achieved. Johnson cautions against the revival of ethnic politics and calls for broad-based left politics to end racial inequality and police violence. He advocates for redistribution, public goods, and multi-ethnic working-class solidarity as the only viable response to these crises.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2022
Publisher: Verso Books

In the aftermath of the widespread protests against the police killing of George Floyd, nearly every major consumer brand made public statements denouncing racism and often accompanied these statements with new advertising campaigns that matched their tweets. Despite the historic magnitude of the protests and the apparent support from the ruling class, the most significant reforms advocated by Black Lives Matter remained out of reach. Even less progress was made in implementing policies that could alleviate the suffering of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable Americans. Why has anti-racism proven to be such a powerful catalyst for mobilization but an inadequate vehicle for building a strong political opposition capable of achieving significant reforms?

Johnson challenges the prevailing notion within the left-leaning discourse and cautions against the resurgence of ethnic politics. Instead, he advocates for a broad-based left movement as the sole viable path to address the intertwined crises of racial inequality and police violence. According to Johnson, the only effective response to the horrors of police brutality and mass incarceration lies in the implementation of redistributive measures, the provision of public goods, and the cultivation of multi-ethnic working-class solidarity. It is worth noting that addressing the root causes of crime and violence also serves as the means to build a strong working-class majority and create a more equitable and peaceful society.

The failure of anti-racism to translate into meaningful political opposition can be attributed to several factors. One significant obstacle is the narrow focus on individual acts of racism rather than the systemic issues that perpetuate racial inequality. Many activists and organizations tend to prioritize individual cases of police brutality or racial discrimination, while neglecting the broader structural problems that underlie these incidents. This narrow perspective limits the ability to build a broad-based coalition and mobilize a significant portion of the population.

Furthermore, the political establishment often views anti-racism as a threat to their interests and power. The ruling class and their corporate allies have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. They often resist any reforms that challenge the current economic and political order, as these changes could threaten their privileged position. This resistance manifests in various ways, including opposition to legislation that promotes racial equality, the suppression of dissent, and the infiltration of anti-racism movements by agents provocateurs.

Another factor contributing to the limited impact of anti-racism is the lack of a clear and compelling vision for a more just and equitable society. Many anti-racism campaigns fail to offer a clear roadmap for achieving the desired outcomes. They often rely on abstract slogans and moral appeals, without providing concrete proposals for addressing the root causes of racial inequality. This lack of specificity and feasibility makes it difficult for people to connect with the movement and support its goals.

Moreover, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes. However, the media often portrays anti-racism as a fringe movement or a matter of individual prejudice rather than a systemic issue that affects society as a whole. This portrayal marginalizes the movement and limits its ability to gain mainstream attention and support. Additionally, the media's tendency to focus on sensationalized stories and polarizing debates further divides the public and hinders the development of a unified response to racial inequality.

Despite these challenges, there are reasons for optimism regarding the potential of anti-racism to drive meaningful political change. One key factor is the growing recognition of the interconnectedness of various social and economic issues, including racial inequality, police violence, and economic inequality. As people become more aware of these interrelated problems, they are increasingly willing to support policies that address these issues holistically. This shift in public sentiment has created a fertile ground for the growth of a broad-based left movement that can unite people across different racial and economic backgrounds.

Furthermore, the rise of social media and digital communication has provided new avenues for organizing and mobilizing people. Social media platforms have enabled activists and organizations to reach a wider audience and mobilize people quickly and efficiently. This has led to the formation of new grassroots movements and the emergence of powerful social movements, such as Black Lives Matter and the #MeToo movement. These movements have demonstrated the power of collective action and the ability to bring about significant change through the mobilization of large numbers of people.

In conclusion, anti-racism has proven to be a powerful source of mobilization, but it has yet to translate into a strong political opposition capable of winning significant reforms. The narrow focus on individual acts of racism, the resistance from the political establishment, the lack of a clear vision for a more just society, and the media's portrayal of anti-racism as a fringe movement have all contributed to this limitation. However, there are reasons for optimism as people become more aware of the interconnectedness of social and economic issues and the power of collective action. By building a broad-based left movement that addresses the root causes of racial inequality and police violence, we can create a more equitable and peaceful society for all.

Weight: 178g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839766305