Herein is the first of many arguments advocating both theoretically and practically for the global abolition of both state and currency - that is, in favor of anarchist communism.
Any great cultural, structural or societal upheaval has been either reactionary - whether in response to the forces of nature or other external influence - or the consequence of a shift in consensus within a certain group. Although a chain of events can often be traced back to an individual originator, the social structures and institutions which govern our lives (though most often a consequence of coercion, manipulation and oppression) must be consented to by a majority of both the affected and affective parties. In a society increasingly devoid of meaning, as we are continually reduced to our ability to produce capital for the ruling class, we witness a resignation of the masses, acquiescence to wage-slavery and exploitation, frequently even an appalling, almost defeated sense of gratitude towards bourgeois tyrants. I for one dream of a world where all people are entitled to the pursuit of their dreams, and can no longer be complicit in systematic oppression.
We order ourselves along the lines of a question posed by Kropotkin: "Can a person, by their labor, produce the bread they need? And if they cannot, what is hindering them?" The penultimate goal of anarchy is to satisfy the needs of humanity. For us to succeed in reorganizing society, however, we must convince the general populace not only of the ethical justness of our movement, but of its potential for practical application as well.
The most effective method of spreading class consciousness is a subject of much debate. In an era of "information overload," most people are either not inclined or unable to read massive, dated volumes of political science. Suffice it to say that our revolution will not be brought about by handing out pamphlets. Surreal as it may seem, a great many people started moving left thanks to memes. The combination of succinct information and humor often communicates ideas more effectively than egotistical and lengthy essays or articles. Although effective in initiating change, however, memes can hardly translate the foundations of an entire political ideology.
It is more vital than ever that we bridge the gap between theory and practice. A general lack of political knowledge beyond the two-party dictatorship of capital, in conjunction with an uninformed acceptance of the institutions that govern our lives is the greatest hindrance to revolution. That children must be starved, families left without shelter, whole populations subjected to slavery in order to maintain the grotesque opulence of the ruling class is well understood by a great number of people; that such a system can and must be overthrown is understood by far fewer. Our continued inaction renders us little more than accessories in oppression.
Let it be known from the outset, however, as post-leftists are remarkably quick to explain, that the odds against us are indescribably tremendous. One need only have a basic understanding of the combined military might at the disposal of the 1% to comprehend our situation. I maintain adamantly, however, that it is better to die in the name of liberty and equality than to live in the shadow of tyranny and oppression; and furthermore that those of us with privilege of any nature have a proportionately increased obligation to destroy the institutions of inequity. It is the oppression of the marginalized to which we owe our privilege. Such is the very nature of injustice; one cannot leverage power of any sort without stripping agency from another.
It is from this wellspring of thoughts regarding tyranny that we proclaim "Equality!!" It is, indeed, from a utopian vision of the future that we demand immediate action. Could anything besides universal liberty be worth an insurrection that may spell the end of humanity? For should the ruling class succeed in exterminating the majority, they will soon after realize that they can't eat money. That there will be a great cost in saving the planet is inarguable. I am not suggesting, however, that we set out immediately in consuming the rich, a disorganized, suicidal blaze of glory that, although appealing, would quickly end our insurrection. We may outnumber them, but we are far from outgunning them. A revolution with no thought of the subsequent society is no revolution at all.
Bearing this in mind, we must each, to the full extent of our abilities, take measures every day to organize revolution, beginning with the dissemination of information. As previously mentioned, we lack the resources and organization at present to overthrow the dictatorship of capital. Certain people are likely more responsive to physical interaction than anything else; talk to a friend about anarchy today. Others will respond better to literature or digital media; share that meme, buy spare copies of anarchist writings if you can!
Particularly in today's society, in which the emotionally crushing atmosphere has created an historically unprecedented sense of isolation, a bit of genuine community will do more good than we can imagine. Your fellow insurrectionists will become your family. Devote yourself to this community, put it above yourself and our collective strength cannot fail. Still, some would not resort to revolution were it to knock at their door. Don't waste your breath trying to convert the complacent. Every minute spent trying to remedy willful ignorance is one that could have been spent undermining the patriarchy. If your arguments fall continually upon deaf ears, move on. If someone doesn't care when presented with the fact that profit is theft, that starvation is easily preventable, or that wealth depends on institutional racism, prison slave-labor and slavery abroad, then they aren't worth communicating with in the first place. If they would sit idly through revolution, so be it. Should the people succeed, they will come to see the error of their ways.
It is our duty merely to spread anarchy like wildfire. Our actions will exponentially multiply the number of insurrectionists. Tales and legends of the modern Robin Hoods, Lucy Parsons, John Browns and Malcolm Xs will do more for revolution than any writing. Take action. Let no Starbucks window, toothbrush or bourgeois pig be safe. No pasaran!
You know what you should post about next? Fluffy kittens
Wow very impressed with your post and all the ideas you share. We really do need to work on the divide that has been put in place to keep us from reaching our strengths, keeping us isolated. Community is key and there is quiet a good one on here. Things are changing and awareness is spreading. Nice work @anarchyandbread look forward to reading more.
Information sharing is truly key. There will be a point when we reach the 100th monkey, and the ruling class will know they are beat. They will not admit it, of course, but they will know. And we will know they know. And that's when it's over. You know I'm still rooting for not a drop of blood, but time will tell.
Also, I have been thinking about how the cards are so ridiculously stacked against the poor. Of course as poor people we know this, but I think helping people just beyond poor understand would be beneficial. Was it Howard Zinn that said it would be over when the middle class realized they should have allied themselves with the poor long, long ago. Prepaid phone services, renting, leasing, buying in bulk, interest, loan sharks, payday loans, title loans, pawn shops. All this shit takes the opportunity of grabbing you at your most vulnerable and totally fucking you over even harder.
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