Norms of beauty and fashion are inseparable from the class struggle

Vol. 88/No. 42 - November 11, 2024
Political offensive after World War II promoted the “feminine mystique.” Aimed at women being replaced in factory jobs by returning soldiers, it told them they were first of all “homemakers” not workers — a trend that was soon reversed as hiring again picked up. Above, 1950s ad for “upside-down refrigerator.” Right, “See Red” 1955 lipstick advertisement.

Below are the first two chapters of the new 2024 edition of Cosmetics, Fashion, and the Exploitation of Women by Mary-Alice Waters, Evelyn Reed and Joseph Hansen, available in December. Waters is a longtime leader of the Socialist Workers Party and…


BRICS meets in Russia, tries to cement anti-US bloc

Vol. 88/No. 42 - November 11, 2024

The BRICS alliance, led by Beijing and Moscow to counter Washington, held its annual summit Oct. 22-24, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Behind its veneer of unanimity, the conference highlighted the divergent interests within the bloc, tensions over Moscow’s…


Join last 3 weeks in ‘Militant,’ books and SWP fund drive!

Vol. 88/No. 42 - November 11, 2024

FORT WORTH, Texas — Marthen Goo, a member of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, met Socialist Workers Party members George Chalmers and myself in Enid, Oklahoma, Oct. 20. Goo recently moved there and was encouraged by other members…


‘Glad I stopped to talk,’ rail worker tells Richter

Vol. 88/No. 42 - November 11, 2024
‘Glad I stopped to talk,’ rail worker tells Richter

CINCINNATI — Dennis Richter, Socialist Workers Party candidate for  vice president, brought the party’s working-class program to rail workers at the CSX Queensgate yard here Oct. 28. Jennifer Noell was among those who stopped to talk. “I’ve seen your campaign…



Carlos Harris released from prison after 20-year frame-up

Vol. 88/No. 42 - November 11, 2024
Family and supporters of Carlos Harris at Santa Clara County courthouse Oct. 17 after judge ordered his release after serving 20 years for crime he never committed. In front row, third from left, is Harris’ cousin, Aisha Hampton. Harris’ mother, Rachel Hampton, is fifth from left.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Carlos Harris walked out of Santa Clara County Jail Oct. 22, after having spent 20 years in California state prisons for a crime he did not commit. “I can’t believe that I’m out!” Harris, 53, exulted…


Workers face scourge of high prices, bosses get rich

Vol. 88/No. 42 - November 11, 2024

While Joseph Biden administration officials and boosters of Kamala Harris’ campaign insist the battle against inflation has been won, working people know from real life experience it just isn’t true. High prices on food, energy, housing, health care and just…



Washington economic war fuels the blackouts in Cuba

Vol. 88/No. 41 - November 4, 2024

Millions of people across Cuba were without electricity over several days as the island was hit by a fourth nationwide blackout Oct. 20. The Cuban power grid repeatedly collapsed, choking the economy and making daily life a challenge. This energy…