Reply to M Ted
The song had a massive impact because it resonated with the black experience of lynching in America.Over 3000 black people were publicly murdered this way in a 70 year period.
As for perception that the communists have a starry eyed view of the working class I dont think that holds up to scrutiny in the light of day.Its the soert of taunt that the mainstream media used to throw to bait the reds...and occasionally still do.
First of all the left has always been aware that racism is an ugly divide to the potential of working class unity , both internationallay and within national borders. Marx did all he could to warn British workers about the oppression of Irish workers and supported the North in its fight against the slave staes in the American Civil War.
Secondly ,marxists are well aware that inside the working class are all kinds of beliefs some of which are progressive and some of which are reactionary or racist. Which ones gain the upper hand in any given period are determined by a host of factors including the balance of class forces and the victories and defeats suffered or gained .
Secondly the organised communist or revolutionary socialist parties see it as their job to oppose the racists whether they are wearing white hoods and hanging people from trees or taking part in elections like the BNP in Britain.
Abel did his job well on that song ,not because he followed a party line, but because its powerful emotional intensity spoke the truth to people of all colours...and this obviously put him at some risk .
Albert