I mean like this: “Realized that most of these programs are not meant to help anyone, merely to control people and make them dependent. I was forced to reconsider everything I’d once believed. I developed a profound distrust of government regardless of the philosophy of the people in power. I remained a liberal on civil-rights issues, became a conservative on defense, and a semi-libertarian on all other matters.” - Dean Koontz. Am I wrong?
Honestly it’s the fact that I started off just a general anarchist, then I joined a union which was immensely valuable to my understanding of the role of organized labor in revolutionary action as well as the fact that I don’t think trade is bad, certain things can have different values, but I want fairness and I want everyone to have the freedom to have their needs met before we start distributing excess value. Taking part in small communities that share as needed has helped form that.
It’s not really theory that drove me to all of it, just life
Wow, you already implementing the anarchist way to the highest point imo. What I must focused first if I want to take a step like you? Unfortunately, I’m worker with WFH style. So the organization vibe touched me when I’m still colleague last time. Can you explain what I need to do in order to create small communities? Your answer really give me insight and push to take anarchist life very seriously. Thank you very much…
I’m not yet where I want to be with it. I just have developed a habit of saying “yes” to opportunities to engage in good praxis. Some things I’ve done include keeping the letterkenny line “if if someone needs help you help them” in mind. But I have a huge advantage here that I’m polyamorous and so that’s come with a built in network. Getting to know the people in your life and becoming someone people know is dependable and happy to trade favors without keeping score is something that may work.
That said, my wife has done a lot of anarchist activism and you may find benefits in looking into groups like those providing books to prisoners, prison abolition groups, and food not bombs. You probably have some form of anarchic activism going on in the city nearest to you. But keep in mind that boundaries are important. More always needs done, do what you can and don’t feel guilty when you can’t do more.
And as for unionization, unfortunately I left that union. It was very good for me and heavily impacted my politics despite being a major liberal union because I saw how much better work was in it. But I’m an engineer and in order to advance my career I had to leave jobs that included established unions. I know if you ask your local IWW to teach a class on establishing a union they likely will gladly help even if you’re looking to join something more liberal like the teamsters or UAW.
This is complete answer! And what a bless to have partner that shares same vision and goal in anarchist activism. Thank you so much @[email protected] really appreciate your time and knowledge to give me insight!
Glad to help! And if you’re looking for modern mutualist writings David Graeber, who’s most famous book is Bullshit Jobs, is apparently well respected by mutualists.