Working Class History

The final episode of our three-part series about migrant worker poetry in China. We speak to Maghiel van Crevel, Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at Leiden University. Maghiel has travelled extensively in China, meeting with and writing about the work of Chinese migrant worker poets.In this episode, we look at questions of censorship in China and the importance of unofficial publications for the spread of migrant worker poetry (not to mention the wider Chinese poetry scene as well). We also discuss how some working-class writers come to be left out of what is considered 'working-class writing' with a specific look at the work of gay migrant worker poet, Mu Cao.Full show notes including sources, further reading, photos, films and eventually a transcript are here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/wcl-7-9-chinese-migrant-worker-poetry/AcknowledgementsAs always, huge thanks to our patreon supporters who make this podcast possible. A special thanks to Jamison D. Saltsman, Jazz Hands, Fernando Lopez Ojeda and Jeremy Cusimano.Our theme tune for these episodes is ‘A Young Man from the Village’ by the New Labour Art Troupe, from the Migrant Worker Home. Stream it here.This episode was produced by Jack Franco and edited by Jesse French.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Part 2 of our three-part series about migrant worker poetry in China. We speak to Maghiel van Crevel, Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at Leiden University. Maghiel has travelled extensively in China, meeting with and writing about the work of Chinese migrant worker poets.In this episode, we look at the work of the Migrant Worker Home, a self-organised space run by and for migrant workers on the outskirts of Beijing, which taught migrant workers about their rights, hosted a museum, and ran literary and cultural groups, until they were evicted last year. We also look at two more migrant worker poets, including Xu Lizhi, whose suicide in 2014 propelled him to global fame.Full show notes including sources, further reading, photos, films and eventually a transcript are here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/wcl-7-9-chinese-migrant-worker-poetry/AcknowledgementsAs always, huge thanks to our patreon supporters who make this podcast possible. A special thanks to Jamison D. Saltsman, Jazz Hands, Fernando Lopez Ojeda and Jeremy Cusimano.Our theme tune for these episodes is ‘A Young Man from the Village’ by the New Labour Art Troupe, from the Migrant Worker Home. Stream it here.This episode was produced by Jack Franco and edited by Jesse French.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

First of the three-part series on migrant worker poetry in China. In these episodes, we speak to Maghiel van Crevel, Professor of Chinese Language and Literature at Leiden University. Maghiel has travelled extensively in China meeting with and writing about the work of Chinese migrant worker poets.In this episode, we discuss the concept of the 'migrant worker' in China, and how it relates to the internal hukou system and China's relationship to global capitalism. We also discuss what we mean by 'migrant worker/migrant worker poetry' in relation to the Chinese words dagong and dagong shige. We also look at two migrant worker poets, Wu Xia and Zheng Xiaoqiong.Full show notes including sources, further reading, photos, films and eventually a transcript are here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/wcl-7-9-chinese-migrant-worker-poetry/AcknowledgementsAs always, huge thanks to our patreon supporters who make this podcast possible. A special thanks to Jamison D. Saltsman, Jazz Hands, Fernando Lopez Ojeda and Jeremy Cusimano.Our theme tune for these episodes is ‘A Young Man from the Village’ by the New Labour Art Troupe, from the Migrant Worker Home. Stream it here.This episode was produced by Jack Franco and edited by Jesse French.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Concluding part of our double-episode in conversation with author, DD Johnston, about his new novel, Disnaeland.In this part, Darren discusses the novel’s relationship to the Scots language, the apocalyptic prophecies of radical, pre-Enlightenment Christianity, and his focus on mutual aid as a response to disaster. Darren also performs two further readings from the novel.Full information, sources, further reading, acknowledgements and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/wcl-5-6-dd-johnstons-proletarian-apocalypse/Get books mentioned in this episodePeace, Love and Petrol Bombs: https://bookshop.org/a/80203/9781849350617Disnaeland: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/disnaeland/9781909954533AcknowledgmentsOur theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can purchase it here: http://www.alabianca.it/en/store/bravo-records-en/le-canzoni-di-bella-ciao-aa-vv/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

The first of a two-part episode, Working Class Literature speak to DD Johnston about his new novel, Disnaeland, about a working-class Scottish community's response to societal collapse. We also discuss his previous novels and his participation in McDonald's Workers' Resistance, a radical collective of angry employees at the world's biggest fast food chain.Darren also reads passages from Disnaeland and his first novel, Peace, Love and Petrol Bombs.Full information, sources, further reading, acknowledgements and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/wcl-5-6-dd-johnstons-proletarian-apocalypse/Get books mentioned in this episodePeace, Love and Petrol Bombs: https://bookshop.org/a/80203/9781849350617Disnaeland: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/disnaeland/9781909954533AcknowledgmentsOur theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can purchase it here: http://www.alabianca.it/en/store/bravo-records-en/le-canzoni-di-bella-ciao-aa-vv/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Part 2 of our double-episode in which we talk to acclaimed author, poet and Professor of Children’s Literature, Michael Rosen, about his anthology, Workers’ Tales: Socialist Fairy Tales, Fables, and Allegories from Great Britain, which gathers together short stories from the labour and socialist press between 1880 and 1920.In this episode, Michael shows how popular children’s stories (like Wind in the Willows and Alice in Wonderland) are shot through with the political content of their adult authors. He also reads a story from his anthology by William Morris and explains how all culture, including children’s writing, contains within it elements of social contest.You can buy a copy of Michael's anthology here: https://bookshop.org/books/workers-tales-socialist-fairy-tales-fables-and-allegories-from-great-britain/9780691175348More info on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/blog/wcl-e3-4-michael-rosens-socialist-fairy-tales/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

A Working Class Literature podcast double-episode in which we talk to acclaimed author, poet and Professor of Children's Literature, Michael Rosen, about his anthology, Workers' Tales: Socialist Fairy Tales, Fables, and Allegories from Great Britain, which gathers together short stories from the labour and socialist press between 1880 and 1920.You can buy a copy of Michael's anthology here: https://bookshop.org/books/workers-tales-socialist-fairy-tales-fables-and-allegories-from-great-britain/9780691175348More info on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/blog/wcl-e3-4-michael-rosens-socialist-fairy-tales/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Second of a double podcast episode about the League of Revolutionary Black Workers in Detroit in the late 60s/early 70s, in conversation with Herb Boyd, author of Black Detroit and former member of the group, and Dan Georgakas, author of Detroit I Do Mind Dying.This podcast is only possible because of support from our listeners on patreon. Join us and get access to exclusive content at https://patreon.com/workingclasshistoryThis is an improved, extended and partially re-recorded version of our podcast episode 12. We have added more audio clips from other members of the League, including General Baker, Mitch and Darryl “Waistline” Mitchell. We have also added narrative for additional detail, context and to tell the story in a more cohesive manner. Whether you listened to the original episode or not, we hope you enjoy it!Get hold of Dan and Herb's books on these links:– Dan Georgakas and Marvin Surkin, Detroit: I Do Mind Dying: A Study in Urban Revolution – https://bookshop.org/a/80203/9781608462216– Herb Boyd, Black Detroit: A People’s History of Self-Determination – https://bookshop.org/a/80203/9780062346636More information, sources, acknowledgements and more on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e61-the-league-of-revolutionary-black-workers-in-detroit/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Concluding part of our double podcast episode on the 1977 Bread Intifada in Egypt. We speak with journalist and revolutionary socialist, Hossam el-Hamalawy, about the uprising and its significance today.Our podcast is brought to you by our patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. For example you can listen to part 2 of this double episode now. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryMusic used in this episode under fair use was “Build Your Palaces” by Sheikh Imam. Available to stream here. We attempted to find copyright holders but were unsuccessful; if anyone has any information about this, please email info@workingclasshistory.com.For more information on the Bread Intifada, reading Hossam’s 2001 Master’s thesis on the subject: https://arabawy.org/111742/1977/See also Lafif Lakhdar’s ‘The development of class struggle in Egypt’ in Khamsin: Journal of revolutionary socialists of the Middle-East, issue #5: https://libcom.org/library/development-class-struggle-egyptFull show notes, acknowledgements, sources, more information and eventually a transcript on the webpage for this episode: https://workingclasshistory.com/blog/e59-60-the-bread-intifada/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Concluding part of a double podcast episode on the West Virginia mine wars 1902-1922. We speak with Catherine Moore and others from the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, as well as some West Virginia teachers who had just been on strike about the conflicts, and how they are remembered today.Our podcast is brought to you by our patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. For example you can listen to part 2 of this double episode now. Join us or find out more at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryMusic used in these episodes is Which Side Are You On, by Florence Rees, performed by Tom Morello: The Night Watchman. Buy/stream it here: https://tommorellothenightwatchman.bandcamp.com/track/which-side-are-you-onAnd Solidarity Forever by Ralph Chaplin, performed by David Rovics.Learn more about the mine wars in these great books: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/all/west-virginia-mine-warsFull acknowledgements, show notes, photos, sources and more information on the webpage for this episode here: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e57-west-virginia-mine-wars-1902-1922/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

The final part of our four-part podcast miniseries about the May 18 uprising in Gwangju, South Korea, in 1980 against the US-backed military dictatorship of Chun Doo Hwan. We speak with Kim Yong Ho, David Dolinger and Jeon Yong Ho, who took part in the events, as well as researcher and lead translator of the excellent book, Gwangju Diary, Kap Su Seol.Our podcast is brought to you by our patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. For example patrons can listen to a new episode of the podcast as well as an exclusive bonus episode. Join us or find out more at https://patreon.com/workingclasshistoryThis week, we speak with our guests about the aftermath of the uprising, and its legacy in terms of later struggles, the restoration of democracy in 1987 and its repercussions today.See full information, acknowledgements, sources and a transcript here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/2021/06/29/e53-the-gwangju-uprising-1980/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Episode two of the Working Class Literature podcast about Joseph Skipsey, a poet and coal miner from the North East of England. After entering the mines as a child, he would grow up to become a nationally-renowned poet, respected by some of the most famous artists of the nineteenth century. In this episode, we speak to researcher Dr Gordon Tait and musician Chris Harrison, both of whom have been doing lots of work around Skipsey’s life and poetry.Our podcast is brought to you by our patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Like for example a bonus episode about Joseph Skipsey.Join us or find out more at https://patreon.com/workingclasshistoryFull show notes and acknowledgements on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/2021/05/27/wcl-e2-joseph-skipsey-poet-and-pitman/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Concluding part of our double podcast episode about green bans by building workers in Australia from 1970 to 1975 which held up billions of dollars of development which would have been harmful to the environment, or working class and Aboriginal communities.Our podcast is brought to you by our patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at https://patreon.com/workingclasshistory In these episodes we speak with Dave Kerin, a former builders labourer and member of the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) and current member of the Earthworker Collective, and Dr Meredith Burgmann, who was an active supporter of the green bans, co-authored Green Bans, Red Union: the Saving of a City with her sister Verity Burgmann, and was later a Labor member of parliament.We have produced merch commemorating the BLF and the green bans here to help fund our work: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/all/green-bansListen to both parts of this podcast now, as well as an exclusive bonus episode, by supporting us on patreon: https://patreon.com/workingclasshistoryMore information, transcripts and full show notes here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/2020/10/30/e47-48-green-bans/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Third of our four-part miniseries on opposition to the Vietnam war in the US, in conversation with five former participants in the movement. This week we look at anti-war organising with US prisoners of war, labour organising, increasing militancy of the movement, the end of the war and lessons for today.Our podcast is brought to you by our patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Our patrons can listen to all 4 parts of this podcast now, as well as 3 exclusive bonus episodes. Learn more and sign up at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryFull show notes, acknowledgements, sources, more information, photos, transcripts and more here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/2020/09/23/e43-46-the-movement-against-the-vietnam-war-in-the-us/Books and merch about the anti-war movement here in our online store: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/vietnam-gi-resistanceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Third of our four-part miniseries on opposition to the Vietnam war in the US, in conversation with five former participants in the movement. This week we look at the intersection between the Black liberation movement and the anti-war movement, hear the experiences of a draft resistor, and learn more about the increasing state repression. Our podcast is brought to you by our patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Our patrons can listen to all 4 parts of this podcast now, as well as 3 exclusive bonus episodes. Learn more and sign up at patreon.com/workingclasshistoryFull show notes, acknowledgements, sources, more information, photos, transcripts and more here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/2020/09/23/e43-46-the-movement-against-the-vietnam-war-in-the-us/Books and merch about the anti-war movement here in our online store: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/vietnam-gi-resistanceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Second of our four-part miniseries on opposition to the Vietnam war in the US, in conversation with five former participants in the movement. This week we examine their tactics, tax resistance, draft resistance, and organising with Vietnamese women.Our podcast is brought to you by our patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Our patrons can listen to all 4 parts of this podcast now, as well as 3 exclusive bonus episodes. Learn more and sign up patreon.com/workingclasshistoryFull show notes, acknowledgements, sources, more information, photos, transcripts and more here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/2020/09/23/e43-46-the-movement-against-the-vietnam-war-in-the-us/Books and merch about the anti-war movement here in our online store: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/vietnam-gi-resistanceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Concluding part of our double podcast episode about the Portuguese revolution of 1974-5 which followed anti-colonial uprisings in Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau. Also known as the Carnation Revolution, it overthrew the Portuguese empire and the right-wing Estado Novo regime.Our podcast is brought to you by our patreon supporters. Our supporters fund our work, and in return get exclusive early access to podcast episodes, bonus episodes, free and discounted merchandise and other content. Join us or find out more at https://patreon.com/workingclasshistoryMore information, glossary, sources, full show notes, transcripts, acknowledgements and more available here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/2020/08/13/e41-42-the-portuguese-revolution/Books and merch about the Carnation Revolution available here in our online store: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/portuguese-revolutionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Final part of our podcast miniseries about the 43 Group of mostly Jewish ex-servicemen and women who battled Oswald Mosley’s fascists in Britain’s streets after World War II.We speak with Daniel Sonabend, author of We Fight Fascists: The 43 Group and Their Forgotten Battle for Post-War Britain, as well as Jules Konopinski, who was a member of the group.You can support this podcast, and listen to 2 exclusive bonus episodes on patreon here: https://patreon.com/workingclasshistoryYou can get Daniel's book here in our online store: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/books/products/we-fight-fascists-the-43-group-and-their-forgotten-battle-for-post-war-britain-daniel-sonabendMore information, photos, references and full show notes here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/2020/02/17/e35-37-the-43-group/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

Second of a three-part podcast miniseries about the 43 Group of mostly Jewish ex-servicemen and women who battled Oswald Mosley’s fascists in Britain’s streets after World War II.We speak with Daniel Sonabend, author of We Fight Fascists: The 43 Group and Their Forgotten Battle for Post-War Britain, as well as Jules Konopinski, who was a member of the group.You can support this podcast, listen to all 3 parts +2 exclusive bonus episodes on patreon here: https://patreon.com/workingclasshistoryYou can get Daniel's book here: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/books/products/we-fight-fascists-the-43-group-and-their-forgotten-battle-for-post-war-britain-daniel-sonabendFull information, acknowledgements, photos and show notes about this series here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/2020/02/17/e35-37-the-43-group/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.

First part of a podcast miniseries about the 43 Group of mostly Jewish ex-servicemen and women who battled Oswald Mosley’s fascists in Britain’s streets after World War II.We speak with Daniel Sonabend, author of We Fight Fascists: The 43 Group and Their Forgotten Battle for Post-War Britain, as well as Jules Konopinski, who was a member of the group.You can support this podcast and listen to all 3 parts plus 2 bonus episodes on patreon: https://patreon.com/workingclasshistoryThe bonus episode attached to part 1 is available here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/e35b-jules-early-34109934You can get a copy of Daniel's book here from our online store: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/books/products/we-fight-fascists-the-43-group-and-their-forgotten-battle-for-post-war-britain-daniel-sonabendOur anti-fascist merch is available here: https://shop.workingclasshistory.com/collections/anti-fascistFull information, photos, links and show notes are available here on our website: https://workingclasshistory.com/podcast/e35-37-the-43-group/AcknowledgementsAs always, huge thanks to our patreon supporters who make this podcast possible.Our theme tune is Bella Ciao, thanks for permission to use it from Dischi del Sole. You can purchase it here: http://www.alabianca.it/en/store/bravo-records-en/le-canzoni-di-bella-ciao-aa-vv/. Or stream it here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7xD0JiZZ16DfN4RKGvlYYT.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/working-class-history--5711490/support.