Decky wrote:Anarchism is like radical Islam but without the excuse of the religious brainwashing.
Then we might as well say Communism is nothing but totalitarianism of the power elite with the ideology of "workers state." The major history of anarchist revolutionary action has been protest and direct action. Some have reverted to violence like throwing bombs--which most anarchists reject. If we look at communist states...well, we see a history of coercion, mass incarceration, and brutal killings of millions. This does not mean there are no positives to such states (Russian industrial advances and China which established national healthcare). At any rate, I think you would agree it is not entirely fair to judge a movement solely by its failings.
Decky wrote:If you want to effect any actual change you need to look at socialism.
Many would argue--and I think correctly--that Anarchism is socialism
Errico Malatesta wrote:Anarchy is synonymous with Socialism. Because both signify the abolition of exploitations and of the domination of man over man, whether maintained by the force of arms or by the monopolization of the means of life. Anarchy, like Socialism, has for its basis and necessary point of departure equality of conditions. Its aim is solidarity, and its method is liberty
Pants of a Dog wrote:I do not think that many anarchists above the age of sixteen or so have any illusions about the continued existence of our current liberal-capitalist/neo-liberal imperialist society.
Personally, I do not think of some things as impossible, just far less likely in the current day and age. And I tend to focus my energies on things that can make a difference today. So, while I have the goal of indigenous sovereignty as part of my policies, I am realistic that I will probably not see it in my lifetime, however, at the same time, I can continue my work to make indigenous communities less dependent on the gov't, and thereby make my "unrealistic" idea of sovereignty more realistic.
I think this is fairly accurate. For instance, somebody like Noam Chomsky, an ardent anarchist. He nevertheless has spent much time invested in social change within current society. Anarchism is the long term aim, but not always realizable in immediate social contexts. There can be anarchist type movements and political agendas that align with anarchist ideas that are worth fighting for even if the immediate end result is not anarchism.
Truth lives, in fact, for the most part on a credit system. Our thoughts and beliefs 'pass,' so long as nothing challenges them, just as banknotes pass so long as nobody refuses them.
--William James