More and more, the term “anarchist” is popping up in our political discourse as well as receiving coverage in the media. So what do anarchists want? Do they wish for the world to descend into chaos, or anarchy? Not quite, and this common misconception is due to the multiple definitions of anarchy in the English language.
Anarchy can mean chaos or disorder, but the political meaning is much different. Anarchy comes from a Greek word that means, “without a chief or ruler.” Anarchists believe that all forms of hierarchies should be abolished, so that they could live in a state of anarchy. They believe that institutions like the police, prisons, and the military are inherently oppressive. An anarchist promotes ideals like self-governance, community policing, and other more local options to “the state.”
The conflation of these two terms is intentional. Anarchists don’t want chaos in the streets, they just want to govern themselves. However, those who are in power want anarchists to be labeled as instigators, picking fights for no real reason. Anarchists are at protests, yes, and some of them are even violent. Often, anarchists believe that the only way to abolish the state is through force.
Anarchists don’t believe in a lawless, Purge-esque society; they don’t want that form of anarchy. Keep in mind these different definitions when topics like anarchism come up in conversation, and make sure everyone is on the same page about what these words mean, because words matter.
Written by Andrew Tyrell-Smith
Artwork by Zara Masood
Hozzászólások