Garveyism and Contemporary Society

Define Garveyism

 

Garveyism is the teachings and activities surrounding the Marcus Garvey. This aspect of Black Nationalism also refers to the social, economic and political policies of UNIA-ACL founder Marcus Garvey.

The role of Garveyism-an excerpt from the Introduction to Caribbean Politics

Garveyism had tremendous philosophical importance in the 1930's. The central theme of Garvey's teaching was black nationalism and the need for blacks to get political power. He argued that the lack of political power had created a situation of social, economic and cultural deprivation in the black diaspora. Garvey's emphasis on race in the context of the 1920's can be viewed as an important philosophical and intellectual input into the 1930s movement. An important component of the demands of the Nationalist movement was the liberation of the West Indian masses, which owed much to the teachings of Marcus Garvey. It is important to note however, that though the Moyne Commission attempted to marginalise the race question, race and racism was a fundamental cause of the disturbances.

These other dynamic affecting labour conditions in the British West Indies, that is, the emergence of Black Nationalism and the onset of the Great Depression of 1929 among other factors, spawned numerous political parties and trade unions such as the Marcus Garvey's People Political Party.

Garvey's Philosophy

Because of the various social, economic and political conditions that Blacks were enduring. Garvey came up with three main philosophies. They were Self-Reliance, Racial Pride and Anti-Colonialism.

Racial Pride

Marcus Garvey believe that Black people should see beauty in themselves. As a people they should write their own literature and critically reads the white's man literature. He admonished Blacks to search their roots and find where they belong, create their own Black art and appreciate their own form of music, drama and poetry to advances themselves. Blacks must eliminate the dependence on whites, advancing like they do but not trying to be like they are. 

Self-Reliance

Garvey was a firm believer in Backs being educated and being their own bosses. He rejected the idea of Blacks answering to Whites and wanted Black people to becoming entrepreneur, own businesses and employ their own people. In other words, Blacks should govern Blacks.

 Anti-colonialism

Marcus Garvey believe in freedom from European rule and advocated for repatriation. He believe in Self-Government for Black People. 

To what extent has Garvey's philosophy influenced political and social development in Jamaica.

Marcus Garvey was a Marxist. He believe that the Blacks should not sit and take hand downs from the Whites (Cultural Imperalism).

Political

• His ideas strengthened democracy
• Garvey advocated for independence even when Colonialism was entrenched in Jamaica
• Founded his first political party before Universal Adult Suffrage
• Advocated for Self Government (Black Government & Nationalism) 

Social

• Taught Blacks to be proud of Colour and culture
• Promoted and developed leadership capacity in Blacks including women.
• Established the UNIA; group had international prominence and impact.

Ideas contributed to the development of Rastafarianism

In Jamaica, many Rastafarians look at him as a king.

Influence: Reggae, Music, Orthodox Church (Ethiopia).

Liberty Hall in America named after him.

There is a course at the University of the West Indies on Garveyism.

Garvey's contribution to other areas

• Garvey formed the 1st political party, the People Political Party. He was a counselor for St. Andrew. He missed three (3) consecutive meetings and so he lost his position. 
• The communication media used by Garvey to get his ideas across to people were: newspaper, speeches.
• Organizations used by Garvey to mobilize the people locally and internationally.
• The People Political Party
• The Universal Negro Improvement Association
• The Black Cross Regiment

Topic: Political Socialization and its Agents

Define Political Socialization

Political Socialization- is the process through which society develops, pass on and change the values, beliefs and attitudes towards politics. It is an attempt to make political culture. 

According to Gairy Bertsch (2011) "Political Socialization is the process by which official prevailing attitudes and beliefs are transmitted to a society particularly to new comers such as children and migrants."

 

Introduction to Political Socialization

 

Identify four Social Agents and how they impacts the political process in a named state.

Jamaica

The Social Agents in the Political Process are divided into two sections: Primary and Secondary.

 Primary Agents

Family

The family as an agent of socialization.

It's influence is almost obvious as it is consist of the household unit. The family provides the individual with first contact with outside world authority and it gives initial exposure to particular attitudes and political beliefs as well as loyalties and attachment. 

In addition, the family influences how one will respond to power and authority. The individual can respond either conventionally or unconventionally through rebellion, submission or the person can become involved in the political process.

Community

The community can also served the same purpose as the family but from a more extensive view. This means that the individual is open to diverse views of individual which would influence their action, attitude and belief about the political process. 

Secondary Agents

Church and Religion

The church as an agent of  socialization.

The Church and Religion-It does not have to be the Church but Mosque, Temple etc while in some occasions, some children are not affect by this agent because their parents are atheists.

From this agent moral codes are strengthen or weaken. For instance, A boy who has been molested by his Catholic Priest will probably not have patriotic feelings as opposed to the child who is taught the importance of spirit guidance through Sunday/Sabbath School/Arabic instructions in the teaching of certain values and attitudes.

Media

The Media is very significant and of growing importance in spreading political ideas, attitudes and beliefs. How is it done? Through the media people can express their views and speak out on what they are dissatisfied with especially over talk shows whether hosted on radio or television. It is through these media that justice can be gain from the society. One type of media that is of growing importance which has a vast impact on young people are social websites such as facebook, twitter etc. 

Political Parties

Persuasive speeches, false promises and things that they offer (house, land, free houses) are means by which Political parties used to persuade people to vote for them. As an institution, these parties are apart of the development of political support for their leaders. It is specifically aimed at political socialization via youth group. However, it is least influential of all socialization group as citizens have the least contact with the politician. The Politicians are only seasonal and present themselves when it is only necessary during election time.

School

The school is one of the first exposure to an organized efforts to develop loyalty to political parties and patriotism. To learn the anthem, the pledge, about nation heroes, they learn to respect the flag and develop patriotic feelings. When the school is nit functioning, it exposes the young person to power and authority. Peer group also constitutes informal relationships which are found at school, church, work and clubs. These informal agents or relationships do a lot to sway the beliefs, values and attitudes of the person or persons involved.

In concluding, it can be said that the nature and character of socializing institutions varied based on the people's social class, gender, race and culture. The influence is multidimensional as well as the direct method of socialization is not disguised. It is explicit for example in a family where children are required to share the political view of their parents. In the indirect method attitudes formed are not directly related to politics for example conditions in schools and workplace.

Lecture