Against Gorz

Sorry to burst the bubble, but there is no such thing as "non-reformist reforms". Because the revolutionary horizon is so distant, radicals are relying more and more heavily on the promise of "revolutionary reforms" but I think the results of the last decade speak for themselves. It is a convenient illusion that incremental reforms are getting us any closer to a just and sustainable society, much less mode of production. Name one that has furthered revolutionary aims. All reforms to the current system function as affirmations that the system is flexible, adaptable, reformable and therefore the best of all possible systems. At the psychological level, this re-inforces the hegemonic ideology already prevelant throughout all classes. Yes, there are challenges, but the system is resilient and overcomes all barriers. It is in this sense that all reforms are reformist and therefore counter-revolutionary.Sorry Rosa. Sorry Andre. The other big problem with reforms is you have to ask or "demand" them from the government, affirming the illusion that governments are in control of the hegemonic system of production and social reproduction. We are all taught our government is "of the People, by the People, for the People". Sure, we are told by the cultural apparatus, there are some "bad corporations" and "bad lobbyists" trying to subvert this lovely democracy, but reforms can thwart them. Through the so-called "political" process. This is a well-managed distraction from the actual relations of power. Citizen agency is directed toward voting for their representative in government. Toward useless protest such as signing petitions, marching and going to rallys. This reliance on capitalist governments to solve issues is why greenhouse gasses and other pollutants and waste and destructive land-use practices etc. etc. are destroying the biosphere. They can negotiate international agreements all they want, but they can't end capital accumulation. Governments are therefore reduced to "green capitalist" false solutions to maintain GDP growth. Reform the banking system. Reform the regulatory agencies. Reform the judicial system. Reform the schools. This is why liberalism vs conservatism is a false dichotomy; Capital loves it when we are engaged in useless reformist battles, expending all our energy railing against the latest clown politician, the latest threat to our "rights", the latest decision by the Supreme Beings. This is all background noise as Capital does what Capital does. Left wing "non-reformist reforms" theory asserts that as more and more "demands" are met the People realize their power and begin to make radical demands that challenge the rule of Capital. History provides a different story. In reality, as demands are met, people are increasingly satisfied with the status quo. They become defenders of a system which appears willing to compromise and share some wealth or status. But if the People demand too much, expect Capital to go on strike and impose discipline. or start a new round of culture wars. Or real wars.