tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32250954.post5937836771638874753..comments2024-03-12T02:18:53.121-07:00Comments on Molly'sBlog: mollymewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10608757779720671118noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32250954.post-15618433534558031252008-05-02T22:54:00.000-07:002008-05-02T22:54:00.000-07:00Well, This subject seems to evoke some rather ...Well,<BR/> This subject seems to evoke some rather strong feelings on all parts. As somebody sitting up here in the frozen north I am hardly qualified to address specifics about the situation in New Zealand. What I will say, however, is the following:<BR/>1)As anarchism spreads across the world it often begins as a countercultural (mostly "punk") movement in countries in which it doesn't have an historical base. Speaking of Canada here, and as an anarchist who predated the "punks", all that my generation did was keep the idea alive. It was a latter generation who truly made the idea popular. <BR/> NOW, adolescent subcultures are exactly THAT, with emphasis on the adjective "adolescent". Yet, no matter how much some might want to deny it, ALL biological organisms age (or "mature" in a more positive light). That applies to those organisms who style themselves "anarchist" as well. In years to come you can expect "graduates" of the lifestylist "scene" who will come to a more mature anarchism. THAT is the hope for the future. No doubt there are those who want to arrest this inevitable development and keep people in immaturity for their own purposes, financial, egotistical or otherwise. North America, especially the USA, is full of such dreck. But they have failed here, and I doubt they will succeed elsewhere where their ideology is part and parcel of the industrial waste that the USA exports. So, yes, I have a lot of hope. It may be misplaced. It is, after all, emotionally influenced, but it is still possible that a mature anarchism will emerge worldwide. Maybe I won't live to see its final triumph, but I've lived long enough to see its beginnings.<BR/>2) "How many anarchists?" is very much a matter of opinion and definition. From the "Omar" definition there are more "anarchists" here in Winnipeg, Manitoba (hardly a hotbed of anarchism in Canada)than there are in the whole country of New Zealand. From an Asher definition we maybe equal half of the number. Activists and "supporters" ! I don't exactly know how to do this head-count, but I can say that the 'supporters" are in the end more important than the activists because they are the channel to many other people who don't want to be "active" for various reasons. I leave the head-count with an agnostic perspective.<BR/>3)As to the second from last of the posters: In regards to "treason", one makes this accusation when there is sufficient proof!!! of deliberate!! treacherous actions. I've been around more than long enough to know just how much so-called radical movements are infiltrated by police agents, and it is pretty obvious that the first question one should ask about anybody who promotes play-acting at terrorism is "is he a cop?". The trouble is that he usually isn't. Stupidity and personality defects are infinitly more common than paid agents. Here in North america it continues to amaze me that the FBI bothers to spend money infiltrating radical groups when they have groups such as Green Anarchist, ELF and others who will happily do their work for free. It seems like a great and grevious waste of public money to me-ESPECIALLY as when the kindergarden terrorists are caught they rat out on each other at a rate NEVER seen before in human history in any case of radical opposition to a government.I guess it shows just how shallow their ideology is. <BR/> I seriously doubt that "Omar" is a police agent, and therefore actually "treacherous". It is that<BR/> too many anarchists entertain silly childish fantasies of short-circuiting history by play-acting at terrorism(fantasies that were hardly even close to reality according to what I have read) He might indeed be accused of "stupidity"-amongst other insults- but "treachery"; no I don't think so. As to whether somebody is an "asshole" in various ways, well that is another matter, and one that I am unable to comment on in this case. <BR/>4)Regarding the comments of 'Class War': I would generally agree with you, but I would express myself in more polite/politic ways. I also see the matter in terms of historical development rather than as a snapshot in time. No doubt you are frustrated with the development of anarchism in your country- at this time. Yet take the ideas that this is a work in progess, and that you can "honey" many of those who you presently disagree with over to your views. Save the attacks for those who benefit from the mistakes. I don't know if they exist in your country like they do in our neighbour to the south, but if they do, or if they develop in the future, they can be isolated and countered. The followers are NOT the same as the ideologues. The followers grow up. the ideologues do as well, but only in terms of gaining more knowledge about manipulation.<BR/> I emphasized THIS- our job is to win over the best people who presently have ideas that differ from ours. EVENTUALLY we hope to win over a majority. Winning over those who have opther ideas of anarchism other than "social anarchism" is very good practice for the more important task, and we shouldn't waste this opportunity out of an emotional reaction of disgust.<BR/>Mollymollymewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10608757779720671118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32250954.post-62258491225484568912008-04-29T05:14:00.000-07:002008-04-29T05:14:00.000-07:00The next time I hear a middle-class activist promo...The next time I hear a middle-class activist promote their views on working class struggle I swear I will violently throw up.<BR/><BR/>Working class struggle is not a "primarily activist project" where you turn up, pump your fist in the air, pose for a few photos with striking workers and go back to your parents' cushy house. It's a reality for many people including myself. Omar, you do not know what it's like and you should not speak for us.<BR/><BR/>Pretty much the most accurate part of the interview was that "here is very little production of theory and analysis". The movement suffers from an excess of middle class cut-and-paste philosophers and internet warriors. Omar himself said that he thinks his role in the movement should be that of an intellectual.<BR/><BR/>The union movement deserves more than a single mention in passing without any explanation of our role. Anarchists have played much more of a role organising workers than school students.<BR/><BR/>The vast majority of anarchists do not believe in parliamentary elections as a means. The couple of ex-anarchist Green Party members are not considered as such by most of the movement. There is also very little cooperation with Leninist and Trot groups.<BR/><BR/>There is a focus on typical protest actions or propaganda and virtually nothing on anarchists working in their communities. The unions, mutual aid and community projects have been barely mentioned. Indymedia, which is mentioned as the most important organisation, serves as little more as a noticeboard for upcoming events and a virtual parade-ground where professional activists look at themselves at actions.<BR/><BR/>The future of the movement is not tied up with the victims of the so-called "anti-terror" raids and certainly not with introspective cliques or protest movements.<BR/><BR/>It is with the people who are often much less prominent but who are doing tireless work for their communities. It is unfortunate this is the interview that represents our nation and movement to the rest of the world.Class War Aotearoahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14715481008494669836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32250954.post-44092811888594472912008-04-29T03:37:00.000-07:002008-04-29T03:37:00.000-07:00While Omar comes across as knowledgeable in the in...While Omar comes across as knowledgeable in the interview, he is in fact a traitorous backstabber who has succeeded in betraying those who trusted him and is responsible for the closure of a space that was used by activists as a meeting place, home & venue. His version of anarchy is very different from my own.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32250954.post-78443847737553445612008-04-29T03:31:00.000-07:002008-04-29T03:31:00.000-07:00Interesting interview for someone who as far as I ...Interesting interview for someone who as far as I am aware has not visited many anarchists in the south island of New<BR/> Zealand.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32250954.post-24221070950117746122008-04-29T00:33:00.000-07:002008-04-29T00:33:00.000-07:00Hey Molly,I wouldn't share your optimism about ana...Hey Molly,<BR/><BR/>I wouldn't share your optimism about anarchism over this side of the world unfortunately - while it is true there has been a turn by a small number towards more of a social anarchist (ie - syndicalist, communist etc) bent, there has also been a turn towards post-left and the eco-anarchist theories, and the latter is certainly more common than the former, unfortunately.<BR/><BR/>Also, Omar's estimate of 200 - 300 anarchists is way over the top - active anarchists in Aotearoa / New Zealand would be closer to 100, maybe 150 at absolute most.<BR/><BR/>Still, I thought Omar's interview was a relatively good one.<BR/><BR/>In solidarity,<BR/>Asher (from Anarchia blog)Asherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01782227406470450089noreply@blogger.com