A film screening series in two parts:
Part 1: Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)
“Want to know what the mother of all bubbles was? Came out of nowhere, by chance. They called it the Cambrian Explosion. It happened around 530 million years ago. And, over the next 70-80 million years, the rate of evolution accelerated so fast that we came along, the human race. They still can’t explain how that happened, except that it happened. Some people say it was by chance. Others, design. But who really knows?”
Dalhousie Grad House: TU 11.1.2011 | 6PM |1252 Lemarchant Street (across from SUB, map)
Please read the article “Finance capital: Why financial capitalism is no more ‘fictitious’ than any other kind” by the Platypus Historians Group (Platypus Review issue #7, October 2008)
Part 2: Battle in Seattle (2007)
“I don’t blame you. I mean, I do, but — sh**, you’re not the problem. You’re just doing your job, I guess. The people I’m really trying to fight are the ones who destroy so much, and they hurt so many lives. Not just one. Literally, millions. And no one ever points a gun at them. You know, they just seem so — unaccountable. Untouchable. Just seems kind of f***ed that you’re — you and me are the ones that have to fight each other.”
Dalhousie Grad House: TU 11.8.2011 | 6PM
Please read the article "Whither Marxism? Why the occupation movement recalls Seattle 1999" (October 15, 2011)
The recent #occupy protests protests depart significantly from the anti-war politics that has defined activism on the Left for the past decade. Slogans decrying corporate greed now dominate the picket signs that until recently were used to condemn U.S. imperialism. However, does this spreading protest movement signal a new era of activism in the U.S.? Or, are these recent demonstrations expressing old and familiar discontents? Perhaps, as the role of Adbusters suggests, something of the 1990s has come back into vogue, bringing back to the fore the age-old hatred of the bankers and impersonal financial institutions, and opposition to neoliberal globalization, now in crisis. The spirit of the 1999 Seattle protest against the World Trade Organization seems to have returned, with a vengeance.
Please join Platypus in considering the historical sources of the ongoing anti-Wall Street protests through the lens of two recent films that highlight the popular imagination of contemporary Capitalism and its discontents.
Contact: dalhousie@platypus1917.org
In the mid-19th century, Marx and Engels famously observed in the Communist Manifesto that a specter was haunting Europe: the specter of Communism. 160 years later, it is Marxism itself that haunts us.
In the 21st century, it seems that the Left abandoned Marxism as a path to freedom. But Marx critically intervened in his own moment and emboldened leftists to challenge society; is the Left not tasked with this today? Has the Left resolved the problems posed by Marx, and thus moved on?
With Platypus Affiliated Society member Andony Melathopoulos.
A Teach-In on the Communist Manifesto
Tuesday, September 27 · 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Dalhousie University, Council Chambers, SUB
Audio: Click to download mp3
In the mid-19th century, Marx and Engels famously observed in the Communist Manifesto that a ‘specter’ was haunting Europe—the specter of Communism. 160 years later, it is ‘Marxism’ itself that haunts us.
In the 21st century, it seems that the Left abandoned Marxism as a path to freedom. But Marx critically intervened in his own moment and emboldened leftists to challenge society; is the Left not tasked with this today? Has the Left resolved the problems posed by Marx, and thus moved on? Does Marxism even matter?
Interested in attending the reading group? Have a question about one of the events Platypus is hosting? Interested in learning more about Platypus?
We are always looking for writers, speakers, anyone interested, ideas, etc. If you’re interested in getting involved, let us know.
Halifax contact: Andony Melathopoulos, Dalhousie Chapter Head: dalhousie@platypus1917.org
Want to receive information about Platypus events in Halifax? Subscribe to the Halifax Event google list or check the Platypus Dalhousie Facebook page.
Tuesdays @ 5:00 pm | Atrium, Killiam Library (Second Cup)
Contact: dalhousie@platypus1917.org
Our weekly Coffee Breaks are a great way to meet Platypus members and fellow travelers, and to get to know the Platypus project. It’s an opportunity to discuss issues raised in the latest issue of the Platypus Review, consider the state of the Left, and just hang out with people who have similar political interests.
