REVOLUTIONARY socialists should certainly support many of the Million Man March's demands, but over. all the weakness of the nation of Islam's vision and programme are too integral a part of the call for a march on Washington for socialists to support it unreservedly, without criticism.
Nonetheless, it would be short-sighted to downplay the potential significance of the Nation of Islam. 4.
The march seeks to mobilise some of the most oppressed sectors of the American population against their oppression. Given the absence of leadership from the traditional civil rights organizations. this march could become the means by which Blacks raise their voices most powerfully for freedom, jusdoe and equality.
Atonement
The Nation of Islam's call for "atonement" and the emphasis on view. Telling women to stay at home is a further handicap: it reduces the numbers and promotes antiquated social relations between the sexes, Black men need to march side by side with Black women - not for them and not in place of them.
Despite the Nation's fervent appeal for Black unity, no coalition for the march is seriously projected. "Unity", apparently, is to be achieved on the basis of the NOT's programme.
Malcolm X's strategy of separating religious and political issues to achieve ine greaiest unity and strength in action is an approach that would be of great benefit.
The contradictions of the Na. tion of Islam's march reflect the contradictions of the Nation of Islam itself: a conservative religious organisation whose defiant opposition to white racism and the US government wins it increasing supAmericans, especially the youth. In an April 1 speech in Massachusetts Farrakhan made the following points.
1. The march is a protest against the oppression of Black people and a declaration of our determine the future of ourselves and our people.
2. The march is a "day of atonement" in which the Black man will apologise to te black Woman for his sins, his sloth. his personnel failures, and will pledge to live up to his personal responsibilities.
3. The march is a work stoppage and economic boycott. that Black men will not go to work that day; Black Women will support the march by staying at home, buying no products. This boycott will show the power of Blacks in the American economy -"this modern-day Babylon" - by refusing to participate in it for one day.
4. The march makes a political call to all black people to leave the parties, which have failed to address Black issues and necos. and to re-register as independents.
5. The march is a call to unity among Black people in the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality.
The NOI has helped to rehabilitate many individuals whose lives have been condemned to the mareins of Amencan society. Crime. alcohol, drugs. vosence, pro duce wasted lives. For many the NOI has been the only available alternative. tions to the strategy of self-help. Blacks de not create the KCa ar Concis bder which they live. and no amount of individual rehabilita. Farrakhan: "you young white tion will solve the larger social prob lem, although it may dope and your damn guitar make individuals more effective in working toward a know whether you're a man sources, especially those of the "religious right".
Farrakhan denounces individals and groups who are hut in his account of world history, capitalism itself is not faulted. Herein lies the key area of Farrakhan's analysis. passionately describes the oppression and exploitation of NOI of today. burk propr, ahu tis naarca American probiem. Kater. we are seing today a global rebellion of the oppressed sansi ue oppressor, dic cxThe ghost of Malcolm X still haunts Farrakhan and the NOI. Malcolm's criticism of Elijah Muhammad, the Nabn and of coune/ l p litical development sharply rebuke Farrakhan and the In Boston in March 1994 Farrakhan berated the audience for ad. Maicoim s popularity, his endurance as a symbol of Black liberation, SOCIALIST OUTLOOK No. 93, November 11 1995, Page 7
people with your head full of and your long hair...you don't or a woman - an earing in your