What does it mean to be an anarchist? Generally speaking, "anarchy" means the absence of government or its low dominance. His concept of society is based on an extreme form of libertarianism that could be implemented if everyone collaborated and there were no dictators or despotic groups that exploit the weak. Critics of anarchism describe this movement using numerous negative stereotypes. They portray crowds of angry and violent people who deface public goods, pickpocket people, loot shops, rob, rob apartments, attack and cause general havoc. Even if some violent groups claim to be anarchists, today most of the members of this current declare themselves peaceful and anti-government. Of course, it is necessary to apply the law to maintain equality between individuals.
Anarchy can arise as a result of an economic or political collapse accompanied by an absence of laws. In practice, you may find masses of rowdy people, led by strong, domineering men. People may try to hole up in their homes, defend their possessions, and stock up on supplies with the help of friends and family. It is likely that the "police" are made up of volunteers, that local gangs are born, makeshift prisons and the courts become overcrowded. Perhaps mass confusion would break out, one would live organized in criminal groups and organizations, in violence and in general chaos. Streets could be clogged as the government represses citizens through security decrees and curfews, seizing weapons and grabbing food or fuel. Anarchism is not an organic system of ideas nor is it based on the fall into total chaos, but is declined in various forms of thought.
Steps
Step 1. Try not to conform to system hierarchies (such as government
ecclesiastical structures and established public order). Some anarchist groups:
- They promote absolute individualism, survivalism (that is, a Robin Hood outlook on life, exalting actions that ennoble the violation of laws), the establishment of "minimal states" that avoid and reject the idea of a society based on organization collectivist in favor of a system of governmental management of an almost feudal or tribal character, in which power is held by groups. But what would the purpose be?
- At the other extreme, those who believe in the total collectivization of society would use anarchy as an opportunity to give up freedom, limit movement and economic individualism. Would it abolish property to try to establish a utopian government, therefore of unlimited power, in the name of security and survival, and to get what?
Method 1 of 3: Learn about Anarchism
Step 1. Decide whether to support anarchism, planned chaos and policies that call for a return to a less structured life, or control by an absolute "government" with blocs and unions in power (tribalism)
This means studying, conducting research and learning about anarchism. The first step is to read some introductory texts. Get familiar with the ideas of leading anarchist theorists and writers.
- Read the works of 19th century anarchist writers, such as Pierre Joseph Proudhon, Peter Kropotkin, Daniel De Leon, Michail Bakunin (God and the State), Alexander Berkman (The ABCs of Anarcho-Communism) and Benjamin Tucker.
- Read the writers of the twentieth century, such as Emma Goldman (Anarchy, feminism and other essays), Errico Malatesta (L'anarchchia), Alfredo Bonanno, Bob Black, (The abolition of work), Wolfi Landstreicher (Autonomous self-organization), John Zerzan, Murray Bookchin, the English publications of CrimethInc. Ex-Workers Collective (including Recipes for Disaster), Daniel Guerin (Anarchism: from doctrine to action, Neither God nor master. Anthology of anarchist thought), Rudolf Rocker (Nationalism and culture), Colin Ward (Anarchy), Noam Chomsky (Anarchism).
Step 2. Learn about the different schools of thought
There are dozens of anarchist movements, including: libertarian socialism, anarcho-communism, anarcho-individualism, anarcho-capitalism, minarchism (state power reduced to a minimum), syndicalism (organization of workers in unions), platformism (non-centralized form of communism), post-left anarchism, mutualism (banned income from interests, royalties, shares and bonds, etc.), indigenism (living off the earth's resources), anarcho-feminism, green anarchism and others.
Step 3. Read up on the history of anarchism
Learn about the anarchist movements that arose during the Spanish Revolution of 1936, the Makhnovist revolt in Ukraine, the events in Paris in 1968, today's Black Blocks and the demonstrations that arose during the World Trade Organization conference in Seattle.
Step 4. Understand and evaluate the negative connotations of anarchy
Look at what you have learned about anarchism and reflect on the negative characteristics. There are many stereotypes that put anarchism in a bad light. Many associate it with violence, arson and vandalism. As with other thought systems, you will need to consider how an anarchist thought system can be created and applied.
Step 5. Learn the anarchist symbols and emblems
Like all political movements and social organizations, anarchists use symbols in which they identify themselves and their principles. They vary by location and change over time.
The "anarchist black flag" spread in 1880. More than a hundred years later, the circled "A" symbol predominated. There are also others
Step 6. Deepen the study of capitalism, Marxism, fascism and other political ideologies
You have to know your "rivals". Learn about what characterizes other thought systems to be able to highlight how it would be desirable to share your point of view.
Analyze disputes over government control and public order. Keep in mind that statism is based on the idea that individuals, in order to organize themselves efficiently in an egalitarian way, need a centralized state that defends them against totalitarianism, watches over the population against violence and criminal organizations, and more generally, guarantees the law, honesty and a currency, commercial and economic system, in order to avoid wars at international, national, state and local levels, but also individual and group conflicts
Step 7. Don't rush
You are developing a world view. So, don't go headlong because it's an unusual topic or because you're bored. Consider carefully every philosopher and every principle. What makes the most sense to you?
Method 2 of 3: Live Like an Anarchist
Step 1. Start with yourself, living your way
Take control of your life as best you can. Nobody dominates you, but you live in a society. No authority exercises power over you, unless you violate the rights of others or willingly accept that others run a job, game or community, just as you shouldn't have any dominance over others if they don't allow it.
Think about your relationships. Do you have equal relationships with friends, family, partners, work colleagues? If you exercise some form of power over them without any consent, find a way to remedy the situation. Discuss your anarchist beliefs with them. Explain that you want to establish egalitarian relationships. It could be a utopian idea of community union
Step 2. Consider your relationship with the hierarchical authorities
Many anarchists find it difficult to accept forms of government, religious orders and large corporations subject to strict rules. Reflect on your relationships with each of these entities.
- Do you think state power is too powerful? Do you feel that the state intrudes excessively in your life? Think about the steps you can take to reduce its presence in your way of life. You may move to another country where the state is less intrusive and public order control is less of a hassle. You could disappear from circulation and evade the laws. Alternatively, you can protest. Read the following section.
- Many anarchists are atheists because they do not accept the existence of ecclesiastical hierarchies. Others choose not to abandon the faith, but reject these power structures by preferring small group or individual meetings to profess their religion.
- Some anarchists, especially communists and trade unionists, have serious difficulties in working in companies run by management structures of different levels. If you see yourself in this, consider giving up your job and starting your own business. Some even turn to collective farming.
Step 3. Promote equality, but realize that equality would be impossible without the subordination of individuals to the state
Reflect on gender equality, sexual equality, equality of races and religions, equal opportunities and equality in pay for work. The solidarity that is implemented through the utopia of an unintended or spontaneous equality is the fundamental principle of anarchism, which critics believe to be the basis of organized crime.
- Assist those who are unfairly treated by the "system". Encourage them to choose a job that falls within their professional field and to do it with dedication so that they can develop knowledge, experience and skills to get promoted. Women are still employed in underpaid jobs, for which great skills are not required. Help promote equal pay rights in employment. Ethnic minorities often face various prejudices. Help promote racial diversity. Take advantage of these opportunities and what they offer to society.
- Remember that the use of a large state to apply the political view of equality is part of socialist thought and Marxism. A central idea of anarchism is to earn what is due. Thus, establishing a state that draws on citizens' income goes against this belief.
Step 4. Find other people who share the same beliefs
Find a community of people who believe in what you believe and who live in a small, non-patterned group of friends (maybe a commune). You will still have to rely on people. It is inevitable. You will be able to learn from each other, teach each other and expand your network.
Method 3 of 3: Spread the Message
Step 1. Learn to be convincing
Spread your philosophy. Emphasize what you have in common with your interlocutors. You will be especially incisive if your questions manage to direct the answers towards your conclusions. Make sure the people you are dealing with know that anarchism does not correspond to chaos or destruction, but that it is a political and social ideology that supports self-organization and a non-hierarchical political and economic system, rooted in democracy. direct, in radical democracy or individualism, based on what kind of anarchism you are referring to.
Step 2. Prepare to respond to allegations
Answer the accusations of utopia with real examples of anarchy: throughout history most indigenous societies have been anarchists and still today there are many communities that operate consciously following anarchist models - even in the most unexpected places. The Amish, for example, are a great example of non-ideological, still functioning anarchism.
Step 3. Participate in protests, direct actions and grassroots association activities
However, remember that the protests do not change anything if there is no movement supporting them. This involves long hours of collective organizing, gathering and meeting, working with people you probably disagree with and who you may not even like. It's not easy, but it's necessary if you really want to get your message out.
You will likely have to make a lot of propaganda phone calls, put up flyers and set up kiosks at local events in order to get people's attention. If you truly believe in the disclosure of your philosophy, then all this will be indispensable
Step 4. Organize anarchist events
Lead by example. There are numerous local events led by anarchist groups around the world. They range from informal gatherings to book fairs and concerts.
Step 5. Use social networks to spread the message
Some anarchists do not agree on the use of social networks, as they consider them oriented towards supporting large media companies.
- In the age of social networks, you can easily find other people with similar interests to yours. Search your favorite platform (Facebook, YouTube, Google, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram etc.) for other like-minded individuals.
- You can also contribute in organizing protests and other anarchist activities through social networks. It's a great way for your movement to gain exposure for free.
