Member-only story

The IWW: The Making of a Revolutionary Working-Class Counterculture

David Foster Wallace

·12.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Joe Hill: The IWW The Making Of A Revolutionary Workingclass Counterculture (The Charles H Kerr Library)

6 min read · 2 weeks before

223 View Claps

16 Respond

Save

Listen

Joe Hill: The IWW & the Making of a Revolutionary Workingclass Counterculture (The Charles H. Kerr Library)

by Macario Schettino

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9739 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	787 pages

In a time of rampant inequality and worker exploitation, a revolutionary force emerged to challenge the dominant capitalist system: the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). This radical labor union, founded in 1905, became a beacon of hope for countless working-class men and women, offering them a voice and a path to social justice.

In his groundbreaking book, "The IWW: The Making of Revolutionary Working-Class Counterculture," Charles H. Kerr provides a comprehensive and captivating account of this extraordinary movement. Kerr, a prominent socialist publisher and IWW supporter, offers a unique insider's perspective on the IWW's origins, principles, and tumultuous history.

The Birth of a Rebellious Union

The IWW emerged at a time of widespread labor unrest in the United States. Workers faced abysmal working conditions, low wages, and brutal suppression by employers and government forces. Existing labor unions, often controlled by conservative leaders, failed to meet the needs of the most exploited workers.

Dissatisfied with the status quo, a group of radical activists and labor leaders gathered in Chicago in 1905 to form the IWW. They rejected the existing trade union model, which organized workers along craft lines, and instead adopted an industrial unionism approach. This meant organizing workers from all industries and backgrounds into a single union, uniting them in a common struggle against capitalism.

Revolutionary Principles

The IWW's principles were as revolutionary as its structure. The union rejected the idea of collective bargaining and instead advocated for direct action, including strikes, boycotts, and sabotage. It believed in the abolition of capitalism and the creation of a workers' republic based on collective ownership of industry.

The IWW also played a pivotal role in promoting working-class culture. It published a popular newspaper, Solidarity, which featured articles on labor struggles, radical ideas, and cultural expressions. The union also organized countless cultural events, including lectures, concerts, and theater performances, aimed at educating and inspiring workers.

A Countercultural Movement

The IWW's commitment to radical principles and its distinctive cultural practices created a vibrant and rebellious counterculture within the working class. IWW members embraced a bohemian lifestyle, often traveling, singing folk songs, and participating in free speech activism. They saw themselves as cultural revolutionaries, challenging the prevailing norms and values of the dominant society.

The IWW's countercultural influence was particularly evident in the hobo community. Hobos, migrant workers who traveled the country in search of work, found a home in the IWW and its network of "jungles," makeshift camps where workers could rest, share resources, and organize. The union's embrace of hobo culture, with its emphasis on freedom, solidarity, and self-reliance, further solidified its status as a radical counterculture.

Suppression and Legacy

The IWW's revolutionary ideas and tactics made it a target of government repression and employer violence. Union members were often arrested, beaten, and even killed by police and company thugs. The IWW's radicalism also alienated some within the labor movement, who feared its potential to disrupt established unions.

Despite the challenges it faced, the IWW left an enduring legacy. Its radical principles and countercultural practices inspired countless workers to resist oppression and fight for a better world. The union's commitment to direct action and industrial unionism influenced later labor movements, including the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).

Charles H. Kerr's "The IWW: The Making of Revolutionary Working-Class Counterculture" is a must-read for anyone interested in labor history, social movements, and the struggle for social justice. Kerr's meticulous research and firsthand account bring to life the extraordinary story of the IWW, a radical union that challenged the very foundations of capitalism and inspired a vibrant working-class counterculture.

Through its principles, tactics, and cultural expressions, the IWW demonstrated the power of collective action and the potential for a more just and equitable society. Its legacy continues to inspire workers and activists today, reminding us of the importance of fighting for our rights, challenging injustice, and creating a better future for all.

IWW Members On Strike, Holding Signs And Marching In Solidarity. Joe Hill: The IWW The Making Of A Revolutionary Workingclass Counterculture (The Charles H Kerr Library)

Learn about the IWW's radical principles, including industrial unionism, direct action, and anti-capitalism.
Discover the vibrant counterculture that emerged within the IWW, embracing hobo culture, free speech activism, and bohemian lifestyles.
Explore the challenges and repression faced by the IWW, including government violence, employer opposition, and internal conflicts.
Gain insights into the lasting legacy of the IWW, its influence on subsequent labor movements, and its relevance to contemporary social justice struggles.

Joe Hill: The IWW & the Making of a Revolutionary Workingclass Counterculture (The Charles H. Kerr Library)

by Macario Schettino

5 out of 5