Anarchism. Our common ground and thoughts on the future.

[Ciarán (A)]

Anarchism. Our common ground and thoughts on the future.


Ok. So I've read this forum on and off for a while.. I figured I should try posting something.

I feel that most of what I'm reading is that among anarchists more focus on our differences
than things we all have in common. Sure, there are different forms variations on anarchism,
but firstly I'm most interested in reading what parts you would mention as your core anarchist
ideological viewpoints, beliefs and philosophies that you think all anarchists have or SHOULD
have in common.

Secondly; please share your ideological viewpoints, beliefs and philosophies pertaining to
whatever tendency you follow within anarchism.

If you want, say something more about what your ideal way of living in anarchism to paint
a better picture.

* You guys don't need to make a big deal out of it or anything. Just put together a couple of
pointers if you'd like.
___________________________________________

Let's move on.
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What do you consider be the most realistic way to bring about an anarchist revolution or
if not revolution, another way of realizing anarchist way of life?

- Unarmed peaceful revolution through direct action and educating the people.

- Armed and possibly violent/peaceful through direct action and educating the people.

- Armed and violent revolution with or without grassroot support. no particular education
of the people.

- Peaceful group of anarchists somehow acquiring sufficient amount land to live on. Attempting to
gain support by educating the people afterward. Possibly armed. Only defensive use of
weapons against people.

- Violent group of anarchists forcibly acquiring a defendable amount of land to living in anarchism.
Hoping or attempting to gain support of outsiders afterward. Very defensive use of weapons
against those threatening you and the group. Possibly willing to kidnap, take hostages or even
use terror or other violent action in an attempt to defend the group.

- Group of anarchists avoiding the "system" by living in secret or in an extremely remote location
Most likely a primitive way of life.

- Wait for the... fall of the "system"/fall of civilization/social evolution of humanity/natural disaster
to attempt to bring about anarchism.

People are more likely to embrace anarchism if the society were on the brink of "boot in the face"
tyranny. Would you stick your neck out to educate people on anarchism?

* Also, feel free to add your contribution to what I've mentioned here.
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Lastly, do you feel strongly about being organized (as an anarchist, worker or general leftist)?

Are you organized in any way? If widespread anarchism broke out in an area (effectively making
living in anarchy possibly), would you put down whatever you have in your hands and go there?
What would the answers to these questions depend on?

* Sorry for the wall of text. Don't flame me. :-)

:blackA:

[Asoka89]

I would advise any self-described Anarchist to read: http://libcom.org/library/social-anarchism--lifestyle-anarchism-murray-bookchin

[Bad Grrrl Agro]

I support a diversity of tactics. I won't take anything off the table as far as tactics on the overall level. I do however judge situations individually to see what fits with the individual scenario or situation.

[Old Man Diogenes]

If we could educate enough people effectively, the revolution itself could be bloodless, and arms would only needed to be afterwards so the people could defend the revolution from reactionaries. Perhaps thats optimistic, I'm not a fan of violence but its unlikely, however attractive that the revolution will completely peaceful, and the ones in power, as well as supporters will try and defend State, first through propaganda and then by force.

[Asoka89]

If we could educate enough people effectively, the revolution itself could be bloodless, and arms would only needed to be afterwards so the people could defend the revolution from reactionaries. Perhaps thats optimistic, I'm not a fan of violence but its unlikely, however attractive that the revolution will completely peaceful, and the ones in power, as well as supporters will try and defend State, first through propaganda and then by force.

What people.. what revolution? I'm going to have to cite that quote in Jacob's signature.

"You have to be a KAUTSKYAN on the question of organizing in "Educate, Agitate, Organize!" as opposed to "Agitate, Agitate, Agitate!" to get to the point of having a mass workers' party which can possibly pose the question of power."

[yuon]

I would suggest having a look at a thread I started in the anarchist group. http://www.revleft.com/vb/group.php?do=discuss&group=&discussionid=2181 (You need to be a member of the group to see the thread.)

Anyway, I'm not sure about the "best" or most "realistic" method of bring about anarchism. I'm not entirely convinced that it won't take hundreds of years of slow social change. Heck, that's pessimistic, because it means that I won't be around to see it. But, consider society gradually becomes more progressive, maybe that's the way to bring it about.

However, I would like it to happen virtually overnight. That is, people get sick of the shit, and say to the capitalists, we aren't going to work for you any more. And, I hope, that as little violence as possible would happen, but I'm not adverse to violence. That's for sure.

[Old Man Diogenes]

What people.. what revolution? I'm going to have to cite that quote in Jacob's signature.

"You have to be a KAUTSKYAN on the question of organizing in "Educate, Agitate, Organize!" as opposed to "Agitate, Agitate, Agitate!" to get to the point of having a mass workers' party which can possibly pose the question of power."

The people, the masses, and the revolution the revolution we spend time talking about on here. Revolution does require a party, it requires resistance. Organization is key, people can't organize if they don't know what they're organizing for, thus the need for Education, the spreading of anarchist ideas until at least a majority have what Kropotkin called, "an Anarchist consciousness". I see this as much better than forcing the revolution on the people.