How do I explain "Anarchism" to someone?

[ContrarianLemming]

I'd like help and tips on ho to explain what anarchism is to a conservative. I keep saying to myself whenever I chat with this conservative (on a board) "he should have been an anarchist socialist/in another life, he'd have been a communist" his views, for the most part, and damn near identicle to social anarchism (I am bewildered as to why he calls himself conservative). His vision of a free society and a market seems identicle to a communist society.

So he has expressed curiousity as to what Anarchism is exactly.

I have explained what anarchism is to many people, but usually on conversations, chat, argument, never in a detailed PM, I don't want to quote the FAQ (it's to long) and even after over a decade of being an anarchist and convincing several people to become anarchists, I don't feel confidant! especially considering this fellow is right wing, but I think he could be convinced.

edit: you know I just feel like I could convince this receptive guy to be an anarchist and I'd hate to frak it up! haha

[Tablo]

Sometimes it is best to tell them all the things they would find agreeable about it, while at the same time presenting the things they like about Capitalism as a part of the same authority they oppose. Like most conservatives complain about big government. Tell them you hate the government and also explain how Capitalism is an authoritative economic system. I have debated a lot of people with this stuff and in the end it is a combination of knowledge and practice that makes you good at making the argument. I'm sure that if you have a good understanding of Anarchism and have had experience with debating it before then you should be able to turn him, as long as he is patient enough to listen.

[ContrarianLemming]

before then you should be able to turn him

We're not a cult.

:lol:

[griffjam]

http://dwardmac.pitzer.edu/anarchist_archives/malatesta/anarchy.html

What is "anarchy"? Apologists for the status quo in hierarchical societies pretend that it means confusion, disorder, chaos. But anarchists use the original Greek meaning: "the absence of government or authority". It is the destruction of all political order based on authority, and the creation of a society of free and equal members based on a harmony of interests and the voluntary participation of all in carrying out social responsibilities. The attitude of many people towards authority is like that of a man whose legs have been bound from birth, but who, just able to walk, assumes that this is the natural order of things. Fooled by politicians, bosses and religion into accepting bondage as essential, even beneficial, he naturally attributes what little mobility he has to the very bonds restraining him. Soon, never having known freedom, he not only fears breaking his bonds, but vigorously defends them against anyone else who tries to.

[Tablo]

We're not a cult.

:lol:

Haha, I guess that does sound a bit cultish. But in all seriousness he must first recognize one of our various glorious leaders before he can be one of us. :cool:

[Ol' Dirty]

Be sure not to be didactic about it, but don't e patronizing. Explain it in a concise way that makes sense. The way I explain socialism to people is with the beer example. If you're at a bar or pub, and I have a full pint, and you're running on empty, I give you some of my beer. Likewise, if I'm running on empty, you give me some of yours. If they don't drink, use food. You can do the same thing with candy, if you're explaining it to a kid. Keep it practical. That's probably the best way to explain any political viewpoint.