A Meditation on Anarchism

Since I have been delving deeper and deeper into punk ideology and the formerly discussed "jam econo" philosophy, I have begun to take a great interest in alternative forms of "DIY" culture. This has grown and grown until it crossed over into an interest in Anarchism, but approached from a different perspective than ever before. I have considered Anarchism many times before, combed it over, and both dismissed and praised it. At the mention of Anarchism, most people either sneer or laugh. I have been guilty of both of these sentiments, and understand how the idea can be understood as foolish and lofty. However, when considering it in a novel way (at least novel to me), I have found something less absurd and romantic, and more pragmatic. This came from the assumption that we are already living in an Anarchistic state, most people either are not aware of it, or do not understand Anarchism as such.

Let me first explain my definition of Anarchism before delving any deeper. What I mean by it is a reality where people are free to live as they desire, with freedom of choice and the autonomy to do so. This also implies that there is no justification for authority, only that which we allow others to hold over us. Now, I may be missing something, but this sounds a lot like how we live now, and how human beings have always lived. I must also add that my affinity and understanding of existentialism has played a role in coming to this conclusion. I think Sartre's proclaimation that we are "condemned to be free" will help to better understand where I am coming from. If you accept this premise, that we are condemned to freedom, that this is the human conundrum, and the reality of our existence than Anarchism as described above may make a bit more sense. If we are condemned to be free, restricted by nothing but out own will and consequences of its actions, than we are living as Anarchists.

We are all, as individuals, making choices that dictate the outcome of our lives. When we wake up, we make the choice to eat, get dressed, go to work/school, pay attention, etc. These are not imposed on us. Yes, there are consequences if we do not do any of these things, but that is not a mandate. It is a choice. Furthermore, our acceptance of authority follows suit. We choose to listen to our boss because we value our job (or paycheck) and risk loosing this if we do not follow his command. We have the freedom to find another job, steal money, not pay bills, etc, however we choose to accept the common means of livelihood. The same goes for school. We consent to sitting quietly while this human being dictates facts to us. We accept their authority because of their demeanor, knowledge, personality, state certification, or simply so we may receive our grade and move on. In short, we abide by roles, rules, and command by choice alone.

Now, one may claim that consequence is the main reason for following laws and social norms. This is coupled with fear and insecurity to create an obedience and stagnation that keep us in line with the rabble, with the common state of affairs, and gives us some pride in the end. However, I more so agree with the idea that we follow them because we have placed our value somewhere within these confines and must follow them to achieve it. For example, if one values social acceptance, then they would do well to keep in line with what most consider "normal" and abide by the social norms that dictate this. However, if one values autonomy and individualism, than following social norms means dick and new avenues are thus opened. Both are Anarchist, both choosing their path, both probably achieving their desired goals.

I find it more important what one values as a motivating factor over consequentialism. Value can overcome consequences if one feels their personal goals or values are maintained. I can still be an individual in jail regardless of the consequences of my actions. The actions I took may be wretched in the eyes of society, but that does not negate them.

Also, I also do not agree with Anarchism as a mode of violent or chaotic upheaval of government. Most people associate Anarchism with nihilism and chaos. Although some may choose to be violent and chaotic, this does not cover the totality of Anarchist action. In my view, we are already living in a chaotic universe, devoid of care or purpose for humanity. We are placing our own order within, thus negating the misconception of Anarchism propagating chaos. I do not believe Anarchism has to be anything grandiose or revolutionary, it already exists and playing out as we speak. We are governed only by our will and obvious physical and cognitive limitations. However, what I do feel is important to point out, to emphasize is the awareness of this freedom as a transformative effect on one's will. By this I mean, understanding chaos, understanding the nihilism of the universe opens up doors to one's will and offers more alternatives to live by. When one understands their freedom and their state of Anarchism more novel ways of living become available.

This is what I see occurring in punk rock culture. People beginning to understand their autonomy, and realizing there are more choices of lifestyle than formerly known. Punk also has an inherent detest toward authority, a questioning of authority that is essential when understanding Anarchism. This opens a floodgate for creative living, valuing, learning, and understand. Out of this comes "Jam Econo" and "DIY", it brings power back into the hands of individuals. One can simply begin to dismiss normal authority, laws, social norms, and mores and begin to create their own set of ideas, their own society. For instance, the group The Minutemen found their current state of rockdom to be unachievable for the working man, and began to reassess what was important about rock music and make it work so one may still hold down a job, pay rent, etc rather than living in the dream world of sex, drugs, and excess. Minor Threat found the state of their peers and their preoccupation with drinking to be detestable so they began to make their own set of values. The created "coolness" out of the "uncool". These two took former limitations and made them into commendable goals. They made choices based on personal values to create a novel way to make music and to make it even more relevant.

In addition, the simplified, frugal, and well reasoned lifestyles some punk bands began to adopt allowed them to become more autonomous, and to create a new way of viewing success and life in general. By acknowledging their freedom of of choice and denying arbitrary social limitations and expectations, by simply realizing their condemnation to Anarchism, they built a more meaningful and original mainframe for their lives. They also did so without stepping on anyone, killing anyone, bringing down any government, or causing any social upheaval. They simply made different choices, individual choices that led them down a new path. Small choices amounted to larger ones, and worked to break down more and more mental hinderances and control structures. They used the physical reality and structure (housing, roads, food) of the established order but accepted none of their mental constructs. Again, all that they did was make different choices.

This is what I find most significant about Anarchism, or rather the realization of it. That as individuals we can begin to recreate ourselves and our world. We are condemned to choice, but many of us do not see it. We keep making them, but rarely evaluate if they are even the choices we want to make. It is simply an expansion of consciousness and a willing of our own will. A meta-cognitive understanding of our existential predicament and assessment of what were we want to be within it. We must question all. Question authority, validate authority, validate who we are, what we value, who we look up to, what our lives mean to us.

I must also add that nowhere in this do I find justification for equality or egalitarianism. We are equal so far that we are free and squishy things on a revolving rock. There are no rights nor anything that demands we all deserve equal treatment. However, I do believe in he benefits of cooperation, respect, and loyalty but only when earned. One can follow or trust whomever they wish, but what is wise or who deserves this is a whole other issue. Don't let anyone tell you Anarchism should be associated with equality, or socialism, or any sort of leveling down of society. We are very diverse and all have vasty different outlooks, skills, aptitudes, physical capabilities and so on. To deny or try and get rid of this would be a shame and counterproductive to achieving anything most collectivists would view as "good" or productive. Herd mentality is a lack of understanding or realization of one's autonomy. I will also not be one to say what is better or worse for human beings to possess or do. I will only comment on what I personally view as commendable, positive, and worth praise.

Jam Econo, Stay True