Revolutionary intellectuals remain the beacon of hope

To simplify Gramsci somewhat, we can say there are organic intellectuals of the ruling bloc and there are organic intellectuals of the dominated classes. They generate and articulate respective ideologies from the elements of existing ideologies according to the hegemonic logic or principle of the dominating or dominated bloc. Organic intellectuals of the oppressed and exploited social classes may be considered, proto-revolutionary intellectuals to the extent that they seek to make the ideology—by word and deed—of the oppressed hegemonic. By thus participating in ideological struggles, they contribute to the underlying class struggle, even though they may not participate directly in such struggles. Some of these organic intellectuals may become actual revolutionary intellectuals by directly participating in class struggles.

In fact, many public intellectuals give up their organic link with the oppressed masses so as not to tarnish their public image. I am not sure, though, of the first part of Said’s statement. I don’t think all organic intellectuals are public intellectuals. If I am right in my description of public intellectuals, then organic intellectuals are not, and cannot afford to be public intellectuals. Their loyalty is not to the amorphous public. Their loyalty is to the oppressed, the downtrodden, to the wretched of the earth. And more often than not that loyalty has to be hidden, has to be disguised and at times has even to go underground rather than exhibited in public. When Said made that statement, maybe, he was thinking of public intellectuals in the North, or public intellectuals of the South living in the North.

Revolutionary intellectuals remain the beacon of hope

Latest

US imposes sanctions on ICC hours after former judge wins Nobel Peace Prize

Samia mourns 32 killed in road accidents

Tanzania’s combined GDP reaches Sh243.3 trillion ($92 billion) after rebasing

Three miners rescued after 20 hours trapped in Mara mine

IPU resolution urges inclusive governance, stronger accountability

How girl-led advocacy is reshaping Tanzania’s gender equality roadmap

In the headlines

Tanzania’s combined GDP reaches Sh243.3 trillion ($92 billion) after rebasing

28 killed as bus bursts into flames after collision with lorry in Morogoro

Tanzania offloads five tonnes of gold following a price surge

If you notice these signs, seek help from a mental health expert

Born a woman? Welcome to the fight to prove you are human

Our drinking buddy with ‘babe’ in tow plays smart

US imposes sanctions on ICC hours after former judge wins Nobel Peace Prize

Samia mourns 32 killed in road accidents

Tanzania’s combined GDP reaches Sh243.3 trillion ($92 billion) after rebasing

Three miners rescued after 20 hours trapped in Mara mine

IPU resolution urges inclusive governance, stronger accountability

How girl-led advocacy is reshaping Tanzania’s gender equality roadmap

Tanzania’s combined GDP reaches Sh243.3 trillion ($92 billion) after rebasing

28 killed as bus bursts into flames after collision with lorry in Morogoro

Tanzania offloads five tonnes of gold following a price surge

If you notice these signs, seek help from a mental health expert