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what anarchism is not

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Does the Anarchist Cookbook really have anything to do with anarchism? Is there such a thing as anarcho-capitalism? Fortunately for anarchists, there is no central committee or theory coordinator to decide what the correct anarchist line is on any given topic. Anarchism is very much defined and given form by its supporters. But there comes a time when the concept must be defended against those who would lie about it, misrepresent it, profit from it, or just plain not understand it. That is the purpose of this page. The anarchist movement is a big tent with a great many sideshows, but there are just some folks who are not circus performers.

National Anarchists and Third Positionists

Be aware that there are efforts underway to fuse nationalist, white supremacist, and neo-nazi ideology with anarchism. While anarchists are fundamentally against fascism, nationalism, racism, and white supremacy, we can't control those who associate anarchism with these ideologies. The following websites represent attempts by neo-nazis to pass themselves and their ideas off as compatible with anarchism:

Destructive "anarchism"

While many schools of anarchist thought promote the destruction of oppressive institutions, many people and organizations take part in violent and destructive activities without political or ethical motives. Unfortunately for the movement, many of these people claim to be anarchists. Anarchism is more about creating alternative instutions, communities, and lifestyles rather than blindly destroying those already in place.

The Anarchist Cookbook

The Anarchist Cookbook is an example of this kind of anger-motivated destruction. Here are some links to articles about what the anarchist community has to say about the Cookbook:

Those who believe violent destruction and anarchy are synonymous

Links to sites that promote this kind of "anarchy":

Fake Anarchists

There are some who occasionally commit outright fraud while using the label, 'Anarchist'. Even though they may appear to be legitimate initially, these individuals or organisations fail to meet Anarchist criteria upon closer inspection. Below is a reference of fake Anarchist sites/organisations and evidence against them.

The Anarchist International (AI), who attempt to change history with much of the material found in their website. Apparently the goal of members operating under the names in the warnings seems to be to disrupt actual discussion on internet forums, by inciting hostile encounters.

Anarchy and Social Attitudes

Often Anarchy is misappropriated as merely a label by various individuals, who are usually fairly young, believing that they are somehow cool for being an anarchist. They believe it lends them an aura of coolness, stemming from the danger or radical connotations the term carries.

See also: Anarchism is Not Cool

Black hat hacking

Breaking into computers, collecting private information, and destroying data are actions that some people claim to do in the name of anarchism. These actions do not necessarily represent the ideals of those of us in the anarchist movement and generally do more harm than good. There is, however, a small minority of crackers that use their knowledge of computer security to break into computers and carry out actions against corporations and governments that engage in objectionable practices. These people are refered to as "grey hat hackers." However, most "hackers" (who are refered to as "black hat hackers") do not have ethical or political motives. Some of these black hat hackers claim to be anarchists, while they usually are not.

Commerical Sites

  • Anarchy Entertainment - Anarchy Entertainment is a company that designs games and trade off their hip "anarchist" image.
  • Anarchy-Online.com - While Anarchy-Online is not as bad as fake anarchy websites, it is still misleading. Anarchy-Online is a website for hackers and not Anarchists.

Big "L" Libertarians

The word "libertarian" denotes two definitions, which are often separated by the geographical regions of North America and Europe. In Europe the term libertarian (little "l") usually means one who is of an Anarchist persuasion, whereas in North America the term generally refers to a member of the Libertarian party or minarchists(Big "L" libertarians). Though this movement values liberty and freedom, they advocate the minarchist idea of "the smallest possible state" as the ideal state, claiming their view is far more realistic. Most Anarchists (including Anarcho-Capitalists and free-market Anarchists) dismiss this notion on the grounds that the smallest possible state means no state, effectively making Big "L" libertarians 'cowardly' Anarchists. Though being advocates of liberty and freedom, Big "L" libertarians are not Anarchists, they are statists.

Libertarian Websites for further reading.

Disputes Among Anarchists

Though Anarcho-capitalism has been totally written off by some Anarchists, it's legitimacy is still in dispute.

Anarcho-capitalism

Anarcho-capitalism is a proposed Anarchist theory by Murray Rothbard that runs contrary to traditional Anarchist theories. There is often dispute among Anarchists of the Anarcho-capitalist camp and more traditional Anarchist traditions regarding the legitimacy of Anarcho-capitalism. The classical Anarchist criticism of Anarcho-capitalism mainly applies to advocacy of capitalism, as traditionally classical Anarchists have been opposed to capitalism. Anarcho-capitalists often respond to these statements by asserting that they are not for "State Capitalism", as we see today, but rather a free market. Many Anarcho-socialists find the term Anarcho-capitalism to be a mere contradiction.

It should be stated that even while the two camps disagree, there are extremists on both sides that are far more concerned with casting stones than discussing issues. These individuals are those who approach the other with a closed mind, and would rather dismiss and belittle the other faction than debate.

The usual critique from classical Anarchists is that unequal distribution of capitals means unequal distribution of power and freedom (hierarchy), a condition incompatible with Anarchy.

Criticism of Anarcho-capitalism

Anarcho-capitalist websites

External links

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