Post by madteaparty on Nov 27, 2007 16:51:04 GMT 10
A Brief Understanding of Anarchism and it’s Role in a Post-modern Society
Anarchism is a belief system in which no government or legal structures exist. It allows individuals to work together, rather than for or against each other, to fulfil each persons needs. Anarchy is essentially a state of lawlessness, and therefore many people equate this to be chaos. Anarchism however, is a political philosophy with a paradigm based upon the rejection of government. It is about the class struggle that exists in capitalist societies and breaking down these barriers as well as the complete liberation of individuals. Anarchism addresses a number of issues which are the result of a capitalist society such as globalisation and the economy.
It is a global concept that has a long history in many countries, particularly Africa, China, France, Mexico, Russia and Spain. Each region has particular events and key persons which have helped to influence the development of anarchism in that area, and on a global scale. Pierre Joseph Proudhon was a philosophical anarchist and also the first self proclaimed anarchist. He adopted the label in his book What is Property? It is thought by some that he is the founder of modern anarchist theory. Proudhon developed the spontaneous theory. That is, order can come from chaos and there are no authorities so individuals are free to live their lives the way they choose.
The key beliefs of anarchism are a vital part of the role that it plays in society and influence the actions made by anarchists. Anarchists are opposed to hierarchal structure, as well as any philosophy, action or ideology that strengthens the class systems to which they are opposed and removes natural liberties. The strongest belief within any sect of anarchism is freedom. This is the reason why anarchists are opposed to fascism and any kind of oppression. “Fascism is the rule of the bourgeoisie in times of crises. It's the brute rule of capital cloaked in the appeal of 'middle class' values.”1 Every person has a right to liberation and for no other people to interfere with this. All anarchist groups believe strongly in their rights especially right to protest and right to free speech. There is a strong emphasis on equality of all people. Any form of inequality based upon race, gender, sexual orientation or any other defining characteristics are part of the war against class which anarchists are fighting. The community as an organised group is seen as vital in the anarchist revolution and the state cannot be overthrown without it. Although the individuals are important, it is a key belief that anarchists work together and for the community rather than for the state.
The vast majority of anarchists are atheists, or sometimes agnostic aside from the Christian anarchists who believe there is no higher power than God and so oppose any form of government. There is a belief that religion is man made and that even if a higher power exists, each individual is free and need not worship any other. Religions are seen as hierarchal and perceived as a parallel to the power systems of contemporary states. It is also seen by many to be the core of all conflict within society – “Many of us saw religion as harmless nonsense. Beliefs might lack all supporting evidence but, we thought, if people needed a crutch for consolation, where's the harm? September 11th changed all that.”2 In fighting the class war, it may appear surprising to the general public based on anarchist stereotypes they have developed, that most anarchists are quite peaceful and many are pacifists. They are strongly opposed to many structures and institutions within society but have developed ways in which to create positive change with minimal harm to others. Direct action, a form of political action, is seen as the most effective way to create change in society.
This the term ‘anarchism’ can be seen as one that has evolved in meaning over time. Changes in social and cultural constructs have developed the beliefs of and explanations for anarchism giving it cross cultural connotations. To understand the role which anarchism plays in society, it is vital to view the context in which it exists. Anarchist organisations and events are a fundamental expression of anarchist belief in reaction to a postmodernist society.
Postmodernism is essentially a rejection of the modernist movement and the principles and practices that were established with it. In effect, anarchism has evolved into a somewhat postmodernist belief system. In this sense, anarchism has gone beyond its basic understanding of society and further developed the core beliefs and goals anarchy aspires to accomplish. Postmodernism questions the theories modernism had previously established. These paradigms, particularly those of society, have been considered invalid and subjective as they appear to be the result of misguided belief. The reason this has become apparently true is the realisation of society’s subjective nature and how it perceives the world. John Warren stated in his book The Past and Its Presenters: an Introduction to Issues in Historiography that “…this is delusion as what we claim as objective knowledge is a way to get power over other people. We decide what is ‘true’ and then control access over it.”3 This quote is specifically targeting the core factor in the role of anarchism in a contemporary society as it is the foremost reason behind anarchist belief. The questioning of existing institutions, paradigms and social values is what in essence defines anarchism as a postmodernist theory. John Warren is pinpointing the idea that the government and society uses persuasion to hold control and power. An example that Warren has used in the exercise of control due to subjective and misguided belief is the thought that non-western societies need assistance to become ‘civilised’ which therefore means governments can exercise control over those societies. Wherever there is power, rebellion will exist.
Anarchism is not a post-modern concept – anarchy has always existed, although its role has changed over time. With its beginnings as a revolutionary group in some countries, it has evolved in the post-modern world as an organised movement which challenges existing institutions and paradigms. Regardless of whether or not anarchism or postmodernism had ever existed, some form of rebellion will always occur. Without any form of rebellion, society would cease to have any power and there would no longer be freedom of thought or action. In contemporary society there are already restrictions on our lives and if that were to become more extreme, the power source (that is, the government) would gain more control.
The anarchist value for a world revolution has developed from a mass overthrowing of a capitalist state to one on a more personal level. The original revolution that was ideal was a removal of governments and worldwide equality. Although this is still what anarchy seeks to accomplish, it has been demonstrated through communist societies that there will always be individuals who seek power. In order to accommodate for this, the ideal revolution for a postmodernist society is that of a micro world level – that is, a fulfilment of individual needs on a smaller community scale with a focus on unity and cohesion among all people within that group. It is a realistic approach that allows for the acceptance of all, but also the bringing together of those who wish to create their own utopian society. In an earlier case of revolution, specifically the Russian Revolution of 1917, society predominantly shunned anarchist behaviour and was only able to distinguish the negative behind the actions. Through such examples, it has been established that as few can adapt to immediate and major change, a more subtle, reasonable and gradual approach must be implemented.
In order for anarchism to be a successful belief system, it needs to have rationale behind its actions and values. As anarchism seeks to break down the capitalist society in which it exists, it must establish an alternative to replace capitalism with. As a common anarchist goal is the removal of governments, it may seem rather impossible for society to function without structure or control. Although chaos seems to be the better known definition of anarchism, anarchists seek to organise rather than live in a state of chaos.
Wherever there is power there will be anarchy. This is the basis of the idea that without the existence of rebellion, there is stagnation. Anarchy is in fact an essential characteristic of society in its ongoing development as a response to social norms. Regardless whether or not people label themselves ‘anarchists’; society will always be comprised of such individuals. Often the stereotypes and pre-misconceptions people may hold are negative. This has lead to the conditioning of society to become homogenous. The few individuals who dare to push the boundaries placed on society are instrumental in preventing complete control of individuals by higher powers. These people allow others to broaden their understanding of the world, and their role within it.
Written by MadTeaParty
Footnoting:
1. Anonymous. Internet Questionnaire. March 5, 2007.
2. Richard Dawkins
3. Warren, J. (1998) The Past and Its Presenters: an Introduction to Issues in Historiography. Hodder & Stoughton.
Anarchism is a belief system in which no government or legal structures exist. It allows individuals to work together, rather than for or against each other, to fulfil each persons needs. Anarchy is essentially a state of lawlessness, and therefore many people equate this to be chaos. Anarchism however, is a political philosophy with a paradigm based upon the rejection of government. It is about the class struggle that exists in capitalist societies and breaking down these barriers as well as the complete liberation of individuals. Anarchism addresses a number of issues which are the result of a capitalist society such as globalisation and the economy.
It is a global concept that has a long history in many countries, particularly Africa, China, France, Mexico, Russia and Spain. Each region has particular events and key persons which have helped to influence the development of anarchism in that area, and on a global scale. Pierre Joseph Proudhon was a philosophical anarchist and also the first self proclaimed anarchist. He adopted the label in his book What is Property? It is thought by some that he is the founder of modern anarchist theory. Proudhon developed the spontaneous theory. That is, order can come from chaos and there are no authorities so individuals are free to live their lives the way they choose.
The key beliefs of anarchism are a vital part of the role that it plays in society and influence the actions made by anarchists. Anarchists are opposed to hierarchal structure, as well as any philosophy, action or ideology that strengthens the class systems to which they are opposed and removes natural liberties. The strongest belief within any sect of anarchism is freedom. This is the reason why anarchists are opposed to fascism and any kind of oppression. “Fascism is the rule of the bourgeoisie in times of crises. It's the brute rule of capital cloaked in the appeal of 'middle class' values.”1 Every person has a right to liberation and for no other people to interfere with this. All anarchist groups believe strongly in their rights especially right to protest and right to free speech. There is a strong emphasis on equality of all people. Any form of inequality based upon race, gender, sexual orientation or any other defining characteristics are part of the war against class which anarchists are fighting. The community as an organised group is seen as vital in the anarchist revolution and the state cannot be overthrown without it. Although the individuals are important, it is a key belief that anarchists work together and for the community rather than for the state.
The vast majority of anarchists are atheists, or sometimes agnostic aside from the Christian anarchists who believe there is no higher power than God and so oppose any form of government. There is a belief that religion is man made and that even if a higher power exists, each individual is free and need not worship any other. Religions are seen as hierarchal and perceived as a parallel to the power systems of contemporary states. It is also seen by many to be the core of all conflict within society – “Many of us saw religion as harmless nonsense. Beliefs might lack all supporting evidence but, we thought, if people needed a crutch for consolation, where's the harm? September 11th changed all that.”2 In fighting the class war, it may appear surprising to the general public based on anarchist stereotypes they have developed, that most anarchists are quite peaceful and many are pacifists. They are strongly opposed to many structures and institutions within society but have developed ways in which to create positive change with minimal harm to others. Direct action, a form of political action, is seen as the most effective way to create change in society.
This the term ‘anarchism’ can be seen as one that has evolved in meaning over time. Changes in social and cultural constructs have developed the beliefs of and explanations for anarchism giving it cross cultural connotations. To understand the role which anarchism plays in society, it is vital to view the context in which it exists. Anarchist organisations and events are a fundamental expression of anarchist belief in reaction to a postmodernist society.
Postmodernism is essentially a rejection of the modernist movement and the principles and practices that were established with it. In effect, anarchism has evolved into a somewhat postmodernist belief system. In this sense, anarchism has gone beyond its basic understanding of society and further developed the core beliefs and goals anarchy aspires to accomplish. Postmodernism questions the theories modernism had previously established. These paradigms, particularly those of society, have been considered invalid and subjective as they appear to be the result of misguided belief. The reason this has become apparently true is the realisation of society’s subjective nature and how it perceives the world. John Warren stated in his book The Past and Its Presenters: an Introduction to Issues in Historiography that “…this is delusion as what we claim as objective knowledge is a way to get power over other people. We decide what is ‘true’ and then control access over it.”3 This quote is specifically targeting the core factor in the role of anarchism in a contemporary society as it is the foremost reason behind anarchist belief. The questioning of existing institutions, paradigms and social values is what in essence defines anarchism as a postmodernist theory. John Warren is pinpointing the idea that the government and society uses persuasion to hold control and power. An example that Warren has used in the exercise of control due to subjective and misguided belief is the thought that non-western societies need assistance to become ‘civilised’ which therefore means governments can exercise control over those societies. Wherever there is power, rebellion will exist.
Anarchism is not a post-modern concept – anarchy has always existed, although its role has changed over time. With its beginnings as a revolutionary group in some countries, it has evolved in the post-modern world as an organised movement which challenges existing institutions and paradigms. Regardless of whether or not anarchism or postmodernism had ever existed, some form of rebellion will always occur. Without any form of rebellion, society would cease to have any power and there would no longer be freedom of thought or action. In contemporary society there are already restrictions on our lives and if that were to become more extreme, the power source (that is, the government) would gain more control.
The anarchist value for a world revolution has developed from a mass overthrowing of a capitalist state to one on a more personal level. The original revolution that was ideal was a removal of governments and worldwide equality. Although this is still what anarchy seeks to accomplish, it has been demonstrated through communist societies that there will always be individuals who seek power. In order to accommodate for this, the ideal revolution for a postmodernist society is that of a micro world level – that is, a fulfilment of individual needs on a smaller community scale with a focus on unity and cohesion among all people within that group. It is a realistic approach that allows for the acceptance of all, but also the bringing together of those who wish to create their own utopian society. In an earlier case of revolution, specifically the Russian Revolution of 1917, society predominantly shunned anarchist behaviour and was only able to distinguish the negative behind the actions. Through such examples, it has been established that as few can adapt to immediate and major change, a more subtle, reasonable and gradual approach must be implemented.
In order for anarchism to be a successful belief system, it needs to have rationale behind its actions and values. As anarchism seeks to break down the capitalist society in which it exists, it must establish an alternative to replace capitalism with. As a common anarchist goal is the removal of governments, it may seem rather impossible for society to function without structure or control. Although chaos seems to be the better known definition of anarchism, anarchists seek to organise rather than live in a state of chaos.
Wherever there is power there will be anarchy. This is the basis of the idea that without the existence of rebellion, there is stagnation. Anarchy is in fact an essential characteristic of society in its ongoing development as a response to social norms. Regardless whether or not people label themselves ‘anarchists’; society will always be comprised of such individuals. Often the stereotypes and pre-misconceptions people may hold are negative. This has lead to the conditioning of society to become homogenous. The few individuals who dare to push the boundaries placed on society are instrumental in preventing complete control of individuals by higher powers. These people allow others to broaden their understanding of the world, and their role within it.
Written by MadTeaParty
Footnoting:
1. Anonymous. Internet Questionnaire. March 5, 2007.
2. Richard Dawkins
3. Warren, J. (1998) The Past and Its Presenters: an Introduction to Issues in Historiography. Hodder & Stoughton.