Anarchism is quite a gray area at the moment. Over the centuries there have been many famous anarchists, all with differing philosophies and opinions (schools of thought). Anarchism also has many ‘denominations’ – anarcho-syndicalism, anarcho-communism, anarcho-socialism, green anarchism, anarcha-feminism, and the rather controversial anarcho-capitalism, to name just a few.
Personally, I feel that anarchism aims not just for abolition of the state, but abolition of hierarchy, authority, inequality, and injustice. It aims to be a socio-political ideology that will end the current class struggle.
At present, the working class are exploited under a capitalist system. They are used, and abused, to benefit the upper classes. While families are working away, struggling to feed their children, the upper classes are getting the fruit of their labor. Anarchist theory suggests that people should work together, to help each other, and to be overall, more self-sufficient.
People often attack anarchism, as I quote from a comment on my blog, ‘People [would be] running rampant and deciding whatever it is they please’. While it is true that people would do what they want, an anarchist society aims to be a community, rather then the current affair of the consumerist, workaholic nightmare we live in. I feel that in a place without ‘the state’, people would learn to live together peacefully; to make use of everyone’s abilities and strengths to build a better place.
In regards to being shot in the back of the head, because of there being, obviously, no laws (although there may be guidelines and/or loose rules in some anarchist societies), murder is often a fundamental bi-product of having to live in a capitalist society, and under coercion and oppression. Murders are often (if not always) crimes of passion, and the killers often do not think of the consequences, so having laws put in place does not stop murder at all. In fact, one will find, that in places with more liberal policies – libertarian states – there are often much fewer murders. This could be because the pressures of harsh capitalism are not there, or at least a lot less. With less stress and pressure, people often learn to deal with their anger, if they have still have their anger and frustration at all.
While all this may sound Utopian. As one of the comments below have stated, we must not lose sense of reality. For the time being, I do not believe it is necessary for us to live in an anarchist society, merely a libertarian society. Anarchy has not really been tried properly, but I would say a society without oppressive government coercion is a lot better then one with. I believe that without government, war would end; the class struggle would end, and exploitation would virtually cease.
Obviously, you should make up your own mind. This is just what I feel, but I encourage you to think about it, and question some of your own preconceptions.
Thanks a lot,
Joe. [liberty-erosion]
