Anarchy
AnarchyAnarchy: noun. 1. Absence of any form of political authority. 2. Political disorder and confusion. 3. Absence of any cohering principle, as a common standard or purpose. [Greek anarkhia, without a ruler] (American Heritage Dictionary). Anarchy is a political philosophy shrouded in misconception. This misconception is caused by the diversity of the subject of anarchism itself, which cannot be characterized by simple slogans or television plugs. In theory, anarchy provides the most personal freedom for the individual. Anarchy is more than just politics; it is a way of life encompassing political, pragmatic and personal ways of life.
Anarchy, however, remains but a theory to the human race. In fact, human nature undermines the ultimate utopian idea of freedom i.e. there will always be one person wanting power over another. In an ideal anarchist's commune, every single person must use his or her freedom responsibly. The power-hungry human will ultimately destroy peace. "Anarchism strives to reach peace, but there will always be those in opposition to peace, either to obtain power or to ultimately corrupt utopia," states Dave Roediger in the Haymarket Scrapbook.
Even though anarchy remains a theory, the idea itself has existed for over two hundred years, not only outlasting civilizations, but thriving throughout time. The French Revolution,
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begun in 1789, had a strong pro-anarchist element. Anarchists also played a substantial role in the revolutionary movements in Russia in 1905 and 1917 (Pleck 69), but were suppressed, often ruthlessly, once the Bolsheviks consolidated power. " The Spanish Revolution of 1936-1939 held close anarchy ties between 'Benedict Arnolds,' " says Patrick Brenner in Black Rose. The Spanish Revolution set the stage for the most widely known large-scale manifestation of anarchism, the theory of anarchy itself. Prominent anarchists such as Emma Goldman and Alexander Berkman participated in a variety of radical causes throughout the early 1900's. Goldman held rallies and protests for women's rights and "free Love." She was imprisoned several times and had sex to raise money for protests. Suffragettes in the 1920's had a chant that stated: "Emma said it 1910, now we're gonna say it again!" (Brenner) There was also a strong anarchist current in "many of the social change and alternative lifestyle movements of the 1960's," reports David Farber in Chicago '68. "This includes parts of the feminist movement, the gay liberation movement and the anti-war and free speech movements. Even today, anarchism is flourishing."
As well as thriving throughout time, anarchy does promote the most freedom for all aspects of life. To better understand other choices of political philosophy, it is helpful to examine all major points of view. Communism, libertarianism, liberalism and nihilism are often confused with anarchy. But these political philosophies are predominantly too structured for the typical anarchist's viewpoints (Heretics' Hall 4 April 1997). Many anarchists value communalism and collectivism, whereas anarchists reject the totalitarianism of the existing communist states. Libertarians are anti-state but are not opposed to domination and hierarchy in all its forms as
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