Garveyism vs. Marxist

Attribute	Garveyism	Marxist
Founder	Marcus Garvey	Karl Marx
Beliefs	Black nationalism, Pan-Africanism, self-reliance	Class struggle, socialism, communism
Focus	African diaspora, racial pride	Class inequality, workers' rights
Goal	Empowerment and unity of black people	Overthrow of capitalist system

Origins

Garveyism, named after Jamaican political leader Marcus Garvey, emerged in the early 20th century as a movement advocating for the unity and empowerment of people of African descent worldwide. Garveyism emphasized the importance of self-reliance, economic independence, and racial pride. On the other hand, Marxism, developed by German philosopher Karl Marx, is a socio-political theory that focuses on the struggle between the working class (proletariat) and the ruling class (bourgeoisie). Marxism seeks to establish a classless society where the means of production are owned collectively.

Philosophical Foundations

Garveyism is rooted in the belief that people of African descent have been historically oppressed and marginalized, and that unity and self-determination are essential for overcoming this oppression. Garveyism promotes the idea of a strong, independent African identity and rejects assimilation into dominant cultures. Marxism, on the other hand, is based on the idea of historical materialism, which posits that economic factors drive social change. Marxism sees class struggle as the primary driver of history and advocates for the overthrow of capitalist systems.

Goals and Objectives

Garveyism aims to uplift people of African descent by promoting economic self-sufficiency, cultural pride, and political independence. The movement seeks to create a global community of African people who support each other and work towards common goals. Marxism, on the other hand, seeks to abolish capitalism and establish a socialist society where the means of production are owned collectively. Marxism aims to create a classless society where wealth and power are distributed equitably.

Approaches to Social Change

Garveyism advocates for grassroots organizing, community building, and economic empowerment as tools for social change. The movement emphasizes the importance of self-help and self-reliance within the African diaspora. Marxism, on the other hand, focuses on class struggle and revolution as the primary means of achieving social change. Marxism calls for the working class to rise up against the ruling class and seize control of the means of production.

Views on Race and Class

Garveyism places a strong emphasis on racial identity and solidarity among people of African descent. The movement sees race as a central factor in shaping individuals' experiences and advocates for the empowerment of marginalized racial groups. Marxism, on the other hand, prioritizes class struggle over racial identity. Marxism argues that class divisions, rather than racial differences, are the primary source of inequality and oppression in society.

Impact and Legacy

Garveyism had a significant impact on the civil rights movement in the United States and inspired later movements for Black empowerment and liberation. The principles of Garveyism continue to influence African diaspora communities around the world. Marxism, on the other hand, has had a global impact on political thought and has inspired revolutions and social movements across the world. Marxist ideas have shaped the development of socialist and communist governments in various countries.