The widespread misconception that the reverse has been the case partly explains radicals’ unscrupulously optimistic assumption that the existing social order can be overthrown without detriment to the social fabric and human wellbeing. In short, peace and prosperity are assumed to be the natural order of things; it’s the capitalist system that disequilibrates society. The anarchist authors of Contradictionary: A Bestiary of Words in Revolt thus describe capitalism as “[o]ne of the most advanced forms of disorder,” a “disruption” of the “anarchic harmony” that would otherwise characterize our world. [More]So no mass graves this time because they'll do it right?
As for "treat[ing radicals] as independent human beings capable of rational thought and action," if there are any proven techniques to persuade them to be receptive and allow that, let's hear them. I see the author generalizes his own anecdotal experience, but by the time some undefined "we" try to engage in an unwelcome one-on-one with people who are not only unwilling to listen but who dismiss us a "Nazis," all indications are it'll be too late.
[Via Michael G]
Eh, radicals ain't so bad. I would count anyone who dressed up as a native American, boarded a ship without permission, chopped open its cargo and threw it into the harbor under cover of darkness as pretty radical. (Boston Tea Party -- Dec 16, 1773)
ReplyDeleteThe idea of running for miles to open fire on troops of your own government seems pretty radical as well. (Battles of Lexington & Concord (April 19, 1775)
Yeah, you say, but those were a long time ago.
How about armed veterans holding their town's law enforcement folks at gunpoint until more reputable authorities showed up to arrest the entire police department. -- (Battle of Athens -- August 1 - 2, 1946)
Still too long ago?
One wonders what the founder of "The 100 Heads Life and Casualty Insurance Company" is up to these days.
A major shortcoming of this article is that it completely ignores what being radical means — to wit, for every flavor of radical, there is an equal and diametrically-opposed flavor of radical. And the author apparently has ero familiarity with this culture.
ReplyDelete