in Activism

RPMA Coordinator’s Report

February 5, 2011
Oxnard, CA

INTRODUCTION
Compas, the following is a condensed analysis summing up the situation in which the Raza Press and Media Association (RPMA) currently finds itself. It includes a very general description of our movement today; the positives, negatives, and contradictions facing the (RPMA); and some possible responses that would improve the work of the RPMA. Its purpose is to share how the coordinator sees the over all situation of the RPMA and document for historical purposes.

INTRODCTION: PARTICULAR REALITIES OF CONCRETE CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED
A realistic appraisal of the current spaces of struggle within our movement explains to us why the Raza media is in such a dismal situation. It also informs as what we, as progressive and revolutionary journalists must do, to move the struggle forward. At all times keeping in mind that we (RPMA) are a reflection of this reality.
• First, those who are in the leadership of the “social movement” within our communities, continue to push moderate reformism and faith in the “moral principles” (of justice, peace, etc.) that they believe exist within the oppressor nation (capitalists, racists, etc.) –as the solution to ending the racist-fascist oppression currently confronting a large sector of our community.
• It is also apparent that the leadership/activists within the movement have not learned from past experiences –as many of the same errors made by activists in the past– continue to be made again.
• We also see that the left and revolutionary elements and groupings found within the movement are being “out organized” by the liberals or are being led by them. The reality is that many of us find ourselves tailing, rather than leading.
• The capitalist-colonialist system, playing up the “aspirations and opportunism” of the petty bourgeoisie -through financial enticements– has almost complete control (directly or indirectly) over many of those who are involved in social struggle –even without some of these activists themselves knowing it.
• We also witness how individualism (personal gain, etc.) and non-materialist struggle (idealism) is the motivator of many of the activists found within movement. (1)

POSITIVES AND STRENGTHS:
• Yet, in spite of scenario just described, the RPMA continues to move forward. Since our last general meeting (August 2010), members have produced a variety of media (journal, articles/commentaries, podcasts, etc.). We are the only Raza media group currently in existence. While there are some progressive Raza journalists doing work, generally speaking, they function as individuals and without any transparency.
• On the other hand, the RPMA has proven to be one of the most transparent and collective associations. It has a structure, well defined goals, meets on a regular basis, and publicizes the minutes and outcomes from its meetings. This is one of the principled features that distinguish the RPMA from other Raza media workers.
• The current structure of the RPMA functions according to our present conditions, enabling our small association to be very effective. The structure is also capable of incorporating any increase of activism that might arise in the future.
• Politically speaking the material/journalism that the members of the RPMA produce –is either progressive or revolutionary in content. This demonstrates our commitment to the aims and goals of the association.
• As explained in the article found in the most recent issue of La Pluma (Winter 2010), “20 YEARS OF JOURNALISM COMMITTED TO THE LIBERATION OF ALL OPRESSED PEOPLES”, the RPMA has to be recognized and commended for its 20 years of existence and determination to build the press/media that our community needs.

NEGATIVES, WEAKNESSES, AND CONTRADICTIONS
Observations and analysis of the work within the last six months also demonstrated some contradictions that need to be resolved. These include the following”
• Members could improve their work by making it more hard-hitting, sharp, innovative, and revolutionary. There is a need to make our media more “resistance focus” and not merely “critical” of the system. This means creating a media that not only informs, but also becomes a weapon of struggle.
• We must do a lot more to recruit women into the association. Members are making very little effort to bring women into the work of the RPMA. We all agree that the small number of women in the RPMA is not acceptable; therefore we must all work to find a solution.
• Members of the RPMA must raise their level of commitment, both in time and resources to meet the goals/aims of the association. We have missed opportunities to reach our communities due to our liberalism and lack commitment. (2)
• Members are doing very little actual “reporting” on issues and actions taking place within our movement and our communities. We need to be in the service of the mass based struggles affecting La Raza.
• Individualists progressive or liberal petty bourgeois forces, within our “movement” continue to engage in a practice that, subjectively or objectively, ignores or negates the existence of the RPMA. (3)
• Members, with few exceptions, are not using their resources (contacts, etc.) and the so-call “social network”, to expand the membership.

WHAT SHOULD BE OUR RESPONSE?
• RPMA members need to step-up our work and commitment, and especially work to recruit new elements into the association.
• Our articles/media production have to expose, in a fashion that a large section of our community can understand, the colonial-capitalist system and the opportunistic line which “superficially looks” like it opposes the system and is fighting for the “whole of the community”, but it really benefits only a few.
• We need to strive for the creation or development of more original perspectives and solutions to the current oppression faced by the majority of people. This calls for more study and learning.
• We need to struggle against liberalism and fulfill/complete all of our tasks. Outcomes and agreements from our meeting must be implemented.
• We must continue to struggle in all spaces that are open to us. This includes the academia (Chicano Studies, etc.), where, notwithstanding petty bourgeois elements, there continues to be many who are committed, in some form, to the liberation of our people.

VENCEREMOS!

NOTES:
(1) The Dream Act Movement, where many of the “Dreamers” are motivated by their individualism; they struggle for legislation that enables them “become legal” residents and citizens with provisions allowing for the inclusion of serving in the imperialist-murderous military.
(2) For example, we couldn’t get a member of the RPMA to volunteer to present at the MEChA San Diego State (Nov. 2010), an area where we could influence or plant the seeds of revolutionary journalism to future generations.
(3) The rejection by NACCS (National Association of Chicano/a Studies) of our workshop proposal. It is unbelievable that a Chicano Studies association would deny within their work, space for the only existing Raza media group.