File spoon-archives/anarchy-list.archive/anarchy-list_2000/anarchy-list.0001, message 89


Date: Tue, 04 Jan 2000 19:33:57 +0000
From: Iain McKay <iain.mckay-AT-zetnet.co.uk>
Subject: Re: So What the Hell is "Left Anarchy"?


hello all

Chuck0 wrote:
> 
> I think the concept of "Anarchism after Leftism" is explained fairly
> well in the most recent issue of Anarchy magazine. 

I cannot help thinking that most anarchists already reject the idea
that they are part of the "left" -- while we do have some things in
common when it boils down to it the left desire state capitalism (in
some form or another) while anarchists are anti-capitalist. Perhaps
some are wary of the idea by rejecting "leftism" the implication
is that we are rejecting anti-capitalism? Or associating ourselves
with those who claim to be beyond left and right (such as the 
Greens, who were kidding themselves, and fascists, who were
trying to kidd everyone else, and right-libertarians, who are
idiots and trying to kid everyone else)?

Basically, I cannot help thinking that we say we are anarchists,
libertarians, anti-state and anti-capital. If others want to
label us a "Leftists" thats their problem. Its time we started
to define our ideas ourselves and not run round after others.

BTW, later today I
> will be starting a discussion thread on this subject at the Anarchist
> Table.

okay, admitting my own ignorance, whats that when its at home?
 
> Jamal, I think you should be more open-minded about this, and not just
> assume that it is a flame of those who throw the "lifestyle anarchist"
> label around. If I were to be critical of the special issue of Anarchy
> on this topic, I would complain that they needed more activists to
> contribute their thoughts.

I think we should all listen to each other a bit more and not jump
to conclusions -- after all, I get the impression that its all a
question of words and what we assume these words mean. I have no
problem with a "post-leftist" anarchism if by that it is meant 
an anarchism that rejects the state capitalism/liberal reformism/
elitist party organising/etc of the left we all know and love
so much (i.e. the social democrats, the SWP/ISO, trots, etc.).
 
> I think that there is a future for anarcho-syndicalism, but in order to
> have that future it needs to purge itself of its lingering Leftism.

Which is what, exactly, Chuck? I'm interested by what you mean by
this? i've read Black's letter to Black Flag about the article we
ran on Italian Syndicalism and fascism (if anyone wants to
read it, I can provide it, plus my reply). he makes a long list
of things "syndicalists" believe -- I've not came across a single
syndicalist who subscribes to any of them! 

So, I'm interested in what "lingering Leftism" actually means. This
is the kind of expression (like "lifestylism") which could mean
anything -- and probably *does* mean different things to different
people. 

Iain



   

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