Dear Editor,
The people who grounded in the ballroom on the upper floor of the Tower Hotel for the Symposium to mark the 33rd death anniversary of Walter Rodney (it was almost filled to capacity), represented just a speck of our population and was made up mostly of intellectuals, the middle class and a sprinkling of the faithful ordinary folks. For me the occasion was a bit low-key and the common expression of those who responded when the floor was opened for questioning was one of frustration, dwindling hopes, loss of faith in those who have assumed leadership positions, and worst of all who seemed spent for direction and line of action.
But this view was spot on, in that it reflected the pulse of the wider society ‒ the masses and their despondency. I think it would be correct to say that the Hotel Tower audience expressed was a kind of microcosm of what everyday people experience daily, except that what the working class experiences is way beyond and more dreadful. There is this general feeling that our opposition leaders will not up the ante, and neither did anyone there get the least impression that there was any indication of them even remotely contemplating such, in spite of the topsy-turvy state of affairs that was highlighted. And this is a pitiful situation; there is a longing of the masses, a void within that beckons.
However let me say that with the exception of Ramon Gaskin, who gave a very lively, hyped-up presentation that constantly engendered much laughter and Mr Christopher Ram, who made a brief and forceful analysis, the entire session was kind of flat, not befitting the man.
There was none of that energy and vibrancy flowing that one would expect from that kind of function and gathering in celebration of a once dynamic and remarkable personality. There was not a semblance of revolutionary zeal; not a scintilla of nostalgia, reminiscent of the late charismatic champion of “people’s power.”
Admittedly 33 years is quite some time gone, but it also is proof that the flame of Rodney has gone under ‒ to put it mildly; that the revolutionary torch has not been passed on, and is lost to a new generation, especially black youth, “who are walking around with eyes wide shut” and give not a damn except for the fanciful and material. After all, isn’t this what is being demonstrated and extolled above all else, sprawling buildings, sleek vehicles, and a crazy rush for the flesh/material. But that apart, while the passing years can weary us we ought to stay our course as we understand the nature of a movement/struggle and the ideals and principles by which it is guided. When the goal has been achieved we honour and celebrate those who have been in the vanguard, who initiated it but fell along the way, becoming martyrs. On the other hand, if the goal is still being pursued, the significance of honouring and upholding their memory as a driving force, a banner for the cause to which they gave their life, remains even more relevant and strident.
For the ordinary working man putting food on the table and taking care of basic amenities say for a family of six is a humongous task, not to mention the underemployed and unemployed; then you see why crime is such a big deal ‒”by hook or crook man must live.” This society is rapidly being carved out into two worlds: that of the rich and filthy rich versus the downtrodden. Notice the ineffectiveness of the unions, how they are dwindling and paling into insignificance. But how do we seriously attempt to bring about positive change without our leaders from both sides of the race divide seriously and sincerely addressing this troubling issue which has gotten worse though more sly in some instances. It is obvious that anyone assuming a leadership role in the political arena must be mindful of the danger of the race game, its potential havoc, but which we continue to pussyfoot about, refusing to look it squarely in the eye. So much so that it sometimes seems easier to stop tomorrow than to mend our racial cleavage. Thus none should fail to note that Rodney’s greatest contribution during his short six years of electrifying political activism was his appeal and the unifying of our people across race, for which he was much admired and which was ultimately the cause of his demise. What we have today is much hypocrisy, and make believe; generally an outward show of getting along. Almost every move at collaborating is based on a rigid self-interest, say a business deal with financial gains as the lone over-riding motive. Knocking the wind out of the sails of racism is no piece o’ cake, moreso since we cannot legislate for how we should behave towards each other. But definitely our racial climate is a deception, it is not healthy; let us take off our rose-coloured glasses and to self be true.
As some are wont to say, “We are what we are,” but we still need to understand that for as long as this negative perception, this fixation of one another is fertilized, nurtured and fed, then there is no end to this unwholesome state of affairs, or our mode of thought and behaviour. Amen.
The suspicion and distrust with which we regard each other hovers like a gossamer, forever lurking; as someone said, “Fear has many eyes and can see underground.”
And how sad that black intellectuals who have been fortunate to escape the drudgery and wretchedness of society of which the working class are invariably the victims, hate the very thought of Rodney saying: “that for us to be considered allies of the working class we must attach and identify ourselves to the activities of the masses.” What we have today, with the exception of a few that you can count with the fingers on one hand is the glaring opposite. The thing is, many leaders are so cold and distant from the people, that the people don’t feel them, don’t even believe that they are at one with them. Come on! Sincerity must be felt, palpable, if you must have people walking behind you.
But as I have said before, notwithstanding some of the above, the old and faithful warriors it seems have grown battle weary, hence it’s a bit of a stretch not to empathize with them to some degree and agree that as humans we all at some point need some respite.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
