PSL and ANSWER are notorious for co-opting organically created mass struggles; they routinely insert themselves into events related to the fights of oppressed peoples, and make their brand excessively visible so that they can gain in fundraising and recruitment. This is an observation I’ve heard from former PSL members who’ve become disillusioned with the org’s lack of willingness to do anything more than what’s necessary for maintaining its own business model; as has become the default for mainstream leftist orgs in the USA, PSL and its leader Brian Becker seek to organize for its own sake. Which amounts to a practice of opportunism.
Can only speak to personal experience, but PSL and ANSWER are at just about every single protest or action in our city. Or they're helping organize them. And they always do their best to center the communities that are deserving of spotlight in these moments.
And yes, they try to build their own org at the same time. That's the point. It'd be co-opting if they just swept in and took credit, but they actively work with other orgs and help them with mobilization. We need these orgs to continue working with each other and building trust among themselves. Otherwise, how in the hell do we expect an eventual vanguard to emerge out of the currently decentralized movement?
What's impressive too is that they maintain a presence yet aren't some gigantic chapter with hundreds of cadre. Like you said, not above criticism, but they're composed of hard working members that sacrifice a lot.
Can only speak to personal experience, but PSL and ANSWER are at just about every single protest or action in our city. Or they're helping organize them. And they always do their best to center the communities that are deserving of spotlight in these moments.
And yes, they try to build their own org at the same time. That's the point. It'd be co-opting if they just swept in and took credit, but they actively work with other orgs and help them with mobilization. We need these orgs to continue working with each other and building trust among themselves. Otherwise, how in the hell do we expect an eventual vanguard to emerge out of the currently decentralized movement?
What's impressive too is that they maintain a presence yet aren't some gigantic chapter with hundreds of cadre. Like you said, not above criticism, but they're composed of hard working members that sacrifice a lot.