Classlessness in America
The uses and abuses of an enduring myth
“DO YOU recognise the irreconcilable class antagonism between workers and capitalists that exists under the present economic system?” That is question one on the membership application form of the Socialist Labour Party of America. A helpful note explains that all questions must be answered Yes for an application to be considered. This insistence on ideological purity may explain why the fortunes of the party have disappointed of late. Though it can trace its history as far back as 1876, when it was known as the Workingmen's Party, no less an authority than Wikipedia pronounces it “moribund”.
This article appeared in the United States section of the print edition under the headline “Classlessness in America”
From the September 24th 2011 edition
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