52. Bryan D. Palmer, 'New Left Liberations' - Canada's 1960s

Exploration of the New Left in Canada during the 1960s.
The era has often been dismissed as the 'most forgettable generation.'
Notably, Peter Desbarats' view reflects a broader skepticism about youth radicalism during this time.
Key events were characterized by disillusionment and a decline in radical fervor by late 1969.

Desbarats, a journalist, criticized the apathy of the youth at McGill University, depicting them as exhausted and uninspired.
He saw their cultural symbols (long hair, loose behavior) as mere parodies of deeper revolutionary ideals.
He anticipated that the 'silent shapes' of the 1960s era would fade into obscurity.

By late 1969, many former centers of youthful resistance, like Yorkville, appeared diminished.
Notable works, like Kerouac's On the Road and Ginsberg's Howl, capture this cultural despair and revolutionary spirit of the prior decade.
There was a growing sense that radicalism and revolutionary fervor were being replaced by a return to older leftist perspectives, based in the working class.

The New Left faced a decline in radical youth engagement, as many youth began to 'burn out.'
Movement figures, such as Irwin Silber, emphasized a return to traditional class-based revolutionary ideals.
Media narratives depicted youth culture as a mere semblance of rebellion, lacking substantial political will.

Myrna Kostash, a notable figure from the New Left, offers a nuanced reflection on her experiences.
She rejected narratives of failure and instead embraced the successes and impactful moments of activism from the decade.
Kostash acknowledged the harsh realities faced by activists, including police harassment and internal disillusionment, but valued the transformative potential of their activism.

The New Left in Canada was influenced strongly by American ideologies, but sought to carve out its unique identity.
Integrating various intellectual traditions, including British socialism and existentialism, new radicals aimed to create a distinctly Canadian New Left.
Key influences noted included peace marches, student organizations, and anti-colonial thought.

The Guardian and Ramparts were pivotal in shaping radical thought, offering news and perspectives that informed Canadian leftists.
Marxist theory, particularly the younger Marx’s concepts, gained traction among activists even as it was often critiqued.

Herbert Marcuse's vision of revolutionary change emphasized a blend of theoretical understanding and active engagement in social problems.
The New Left aimed to engage meaningfully with existing structures while advocating for expansive social change.
Mario Savio and others highlighted the importance of voice and dissent in the face of bureaucratic constraints on freedom.

Organizations like the Student Union for Peace Action (SUPA) emerged, focusing on participatory democracy and student syndicalism.
Their initiatives reflected struggles at the grassroots level, emphasizing decolonization and anti-imperialist efforts.

The decline of SUPA and New Left organizations was marked by ongoing debates regarding identity, direction, and the validity of radical ideas.
Influences of anti-Vietnam war sentiment and coalition-building characterized the activism of the time, but many in the New Left struggled to find a coherent identity amidst changes.
In the later years, struggles for women’s rights and engagement with indigenous issues began to redefine political landscapes.

The radical spirit of the 1960s transformed attitudes towards identity and activism in Canada.
Reflecting on the legacies of the New Left reveals both successes and failures, while suggesting areas for future activism.
Canada’s youth during the 1960s helped to redefine notions of Canadian identity, marking a significant societal shift.
The 1960s ultimately betokened a moment of profound change, setting the stage for subsequent movements, including women's liberation and indigenous rights.