Anarchism and the effect on the punk subculture

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Honestly many people do not understand what anarchism actually is as a political philosophy. The gist of it is similar to what Marxism was supposed to be. I mean I did not know until recently that Henry David Thoreau was condidered an anarchist. Really interesting actually. He had an essay called "Civil Disobedience"basically talking about resisting civil government on the basis that the state is unfair.

Basically anarchism professes that the government is unnecessary or even harmful. There are many types and subtypes so this is just a vague description. Honestly I am more interested in the idea of complete collectivism.

Anarchism is a very complex political philosophy and not really an actual form of government. It also is generally seen as extreme left wing and shares many of the ideas of communism.

Anarchists generally reject society based on the idea that it is intolerable. Although many anarchists are considered peaceful there were some that were violent and generally fall under the idea of using violence as propaganda called Propaganda of the Deed. Plainly this is basically the idea of outright revolt. So basically anarchism can be seen as a type of civil disobedience.

Anarchism was something that was an idea that is extremely popular among punk rockers in the early 80s up until now. Basically an idea that was put out by a band called Crass a new type of punk music was born. Coined Anarcho-punk and went on to include such bands as Conflict, Flux of Pink Indians, D.I.R.T., Icons of Filth and others. Later still the idea was merged into another form of punk music coined "Crust Punk". Both these types of punk could fall under the umbrella of "peace punk".

I find it interesting the impact of a political philosophy on a counter-culture like punk.

Also I am actually into this kind of music and basically wanted to learn more about Anarchism because of the music I grew up on.

I would say that I do agree with some of the ideas as more than just a rebellion. Many people in punk use the popular "A" logo which is the symbol for Anarchism. But many of them only use this because it signifies anarchy as chaos. Punks definitely have been known to take part in civil disobedience and rioting. The Anarcho-punks were known for taking part in rallies where many of the Anarcho-punk bands would perform as well. I think the British band Conflict were considered a thorn in the governments side just as much as the original band Crass. But I believe they were mostly just extremely outspoken and spread their message through their music. Their band was politically motivated. Many punk bands were preaching anarchy but really were not all that serious about. It was just another way to rebel for the sake of rebelling.

I mean most people generally dismiss the idea that the government is evil because there is very little facts to back it up. Maybe there is no evidence because honestly why would they keep the evidence of the things that they are doing that are wrong. But anti-government types are generally lumped into the category of crazy people mainly because some are extremely violent and actually do attack the government outright. They are basically in the same category as terrorists.

I honestly am interested in Anarchism and tend to agree with its ideas. Although I am actually a realist so I do not believe that anarchism could really work in practice. It just sounds good on paper. I mean basically the idea of complete collectivism and cooperation is the same as the idea of a utopia which is an idea that is actually impossible to achieve.

Let us assume you live in an anarchist society. Now someone steals your car or your home is invaded. What do you do next?

See this, please: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUqytjlHNIM

ruveyn

You discuss your problem at the assembly.

exactly my point this is why anarchistic society is not possible. It implies complete cooperation if you did this you would be cast out because you are not taking part in cooperation. Which is why this type society would turn out exactly communism a dictatorship that will cast you to the wolves if you do not follow the ways of the society.

This is why anarchism has remained a political philosophy and maybe just a lifestyle choice. There were people, environmental anarchists who lived out in the woods and lived off the land. There are anarchists that refuse to use technology because of a personal choice.

I would say just cast them out. They have no place in a society such as this. Exile is the only option. It is like a gated community, it only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch. You risk it all and the downfall of the society once you allow this. It could be seen as a sign of weakness. It is the exact reason why america will never give into the demands of terrorists because pretty soon every terrorist will see this as an opportunity to get what they want.

But then how is a society that removes people any better than a communist nation where the law is the law and if you challenge it they execute you. I mean I guess removing them is a more humanitarian civilized approach than outright execution.

It would be dangerous to take matters in your own hands, especially if you are outnumbered. I would advise you to notify your local assembly, and your community may decide to attempt to talk them out or take violent action if necessary. Anarchism isn't utopian, it is a practical way to solve problems. Bad apples kill millions in systems that allow them to become rulers.

The war in Iraq is not protecting us, it's breading terrorism. Iraqis don't like it when their family members get killed by drone strikes. You might want to reconsider who the real terrorists are.

Anarchism does not mean complete cooperation, you are free to do your own thing as long as it's not breaking the laws that were collectively decided upon. Anarchists care about the individual, this is why we also advocate consensus.

I really cannot wrap my head around how some people will base their philosophies and political agendas based solely on their taste in music.

I'm glad you can see it for more than what it is and put the effort into reading up about it, though. From someone who's ignorant to the culture such as myself, anarchism just seems more like a bunch of mis-guided teenagers who are all YEA MAN, DA GOVERMIT SUXXORZ, but it's refreshing to know some people actually look into the idea of it. More modern musicians center their music around anti-corporatocracy, which I guess is a bit more of a cause to respect, since it's more centered around changing the flawed system of which our government is run by instead of just abolishing government all together.