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Title: The Anti-Blueprint Author: Bobby London Date: January 8, 2017 Language: en Topics: anti-state, anti-capitalist, Praxis, black anarchism Source: Retrieved on June 19, 2017 from https://thisisbobbylondon.com/2017/01/08/the-anti-blueprint/
So much of political conversations are dominated by the ideas of dead
men whose theories are upheld and worshiped in the same manner as
religious scripture. We look to the past for answers on what to do in
the present, partly because of our internalized desire to be led, but
also because we yearn to find hope. Inspiration is crucial in
resistance, it is the thing that cannot be constructed or forced.
While looking to find answers we must make sure we do not create false
idols, further perpetuating hierarchical imbalances. By titling this
essay the Anti-Blueprint I am hoping for my words to be seen as a part
of an ongoing dialogue and not an instructional guide.
As we prepare for Trump to take office there will be many that will try
to co-opt the energy of dissent and manipulate it to benefit a
particular party. We are already seeing this with the announcement that
Bernie Sanders will be hosting rallies across the country. Sanders will
continue to attempt to energize the dissent for the benefit of
Democratic Party, while the non-profit industrial complex holds
permitted marches and cashes in on the anti-Trump tithe.
For anti-statists, anti-authoritarians, and horizontalists our only act
of resistance against the elections has been to not participate, which
in this case in-action is an act of political resistance. But too often
inaction is all that is done, and we find ourselves comfortably sitting
in theory while upset that the only presence we see in the streets are
liberals.
As we begin to talk about what it means to be anti-statist,
anti-authoritarians, and horizontalists (or for the sake of convenience
ASAAH’s) it is helpful to see these practices as layered and each
component necessary for achieving the other. Take for instance
anti-statism, it is key to acknowledge that “the State” can take various
forms, that the fall of nation-states does not mean the end of
statehood. We must deconstruct what we mean when we use radical jargon
so that we do not build a false sense of solidarity and perpetuate
exclusivity to those who may not be familiar with radical jargon but are
attuned with the practices of what these words mean.
Anti-statism can look differently for different people and different
cultures and does not imply horizontalism, but I do believe if the goal
is liberation, then horizontalism, or the existence without hierarchy is
required. If we look at various places both here in the US and around
the world, we can see examples of resistance for autonomy and the
obstacles they faced. In some instances the efforts were not
intentionally anti-statist but a necessary attempt to provide public
goods and safety after the failure of their State to do so. It is key
that we examine anti-statism as the way it exists now, in layers in
where people are creating alternatives while existing in a capitalist
state where most social and public goods are deprived.
Anti-authoritarianism challenges the hierarchical domination of an
individual or group. There are authoritarian identities that have
dominated political ideology and practices throughout the world. What
the “anti-identity politics” discourse fails to recognize is that all
politics are identity politics. To chose to ignore that class and
political ideology are identities themselves and instead to only focus
on the effects of identity politics in terms of race is revealing to the
silencing intentions of the “anti-identity politics” discourse.
There can be economic authority identities which are themselves class
identities. Capitalism requires authoritarian figures, whether it be a
boss, corporation, landlord, or organization. There is no consent under
Capitalism, and consent has to be at the foundation of any efforts of
autonomy or we are replicating the same hierarchical institutions that
exist within nation-states.
Whiteness is also an authority identity in the world, and even if we
were to destroy all the borders and governmental bodies, the lineage of
White Supremacy will still linger on through their monopoly of violence
and access to resources. I mention this because it is foolish to believe
that by just destroying borders we destroy the pillars of oppression as
well. The State is only one layer, and it is a layer that enables other
layers, but to ignore race, and anti-darkness as we discuss how to
resist and exist without states, is a continuance of the same structures
we claim that we want to eradicate.
Another authority identity is hetero-patriarchy, and in times of war,
gender violence from all sides increases. Black women, especially those
from a trans experience, already live in terror of street attacks and
rape, and for those who fear the police, the lack of alternatives has
meant either suffering in silence, or finding ways to protect oneself.
These alternative steps of self-protection have resulted in direct
criminalization, and further exposure to state violence. As we
transition from ideas and into tactics creating defensive protective
groups will be crucial, as political unrest will guarantee more
violence.
There are many other authoritative identities, and depending on context
and location the position of who is in power may change, this is why we
must be aware of how identities allow for political power while we work
towards deconstructing what these identities mean.
Horizontalism is a goal that depending on who is involved may never be
achieved. The idea of power with instead of power over becomes tricky
when you include those who have structural authority. I’ve experienced
this when I’ve attempted to practice horizontalism in meetings or
spaces, misogynoir will still be prevalent in those that I am
interacting with. This has made me rethink what horizontalism must mean
when intersecting the hierarchical pillars that exist. We can’t just say
that a space is horizontal and implement progressive stack and think
that is enough. Sometimes horizontalism means white voices, or cis-male
voices must not speak at all, sometimes horizontalism will be the
exclusion of authoritative identities in decision-making, and in key
positions.
I mentioned this briefly in “The Myth of The White Radical” but it is
worth discussing again. As individuals we have all internalized the
violence of our oppressors, we ourselves are and have the potential to
be each others oppressors. Being oppressed, as an identity, must have
fluidity that addresses the layers of hierarchy. These things must be
individually and collectively deconstructed both mentally and
physically. The deconstruction process never ends, and it is imperative
that we do not fall into a false sense of radical superiority or we will
remain/become ignorant of our confining behavior.
Who are the counter-revolutionaries? Well this depends on what your idea
of revolution is. If it is not about the destruction of all
non-consenting hierarchical structures (white human supremacy,
capitalism, hetero-patriarchy, ableism, etc. ) then it does not qualify
itself to be considered revolutionary, and is instead only about
assimilation and including more into the privileged class. With that
understanding, the counter-revolution includes any groups or individuals
who want to maintain those systems of power. Often times with language
we do not allow for fluidity to exist because of the internalized
hierarchical value we place onto the language of academia. We see this a
lot with the word fascism, which has been a source of debate for many in
the Left. While the Left is fighting over what words to label the
neo-nazis/white nationalists/fascists, they’re rebranding themselves as
the alt-right, because they know the negative effects associated with
being labeled as fascists.
One of the problems with statism is that it assumes that we all have the
same perspective on how we should be able to live. Yes, there are
overall principals that we would hope everyone on this planet or certain
land mass could agree on, but if you ever lived in a collective or tried
to reach consensus with 300 people you know how that is likely to end.
The counter-revolutionaries, the fascists, the people who wish to
maintain their dominance in these hierarchical structures will not stop
just because nation-states have been destroyed— this is just one layer.
Those who have money, land, weapons, and access to necessary living
resources will create their own statehood, one that does not have to
pretend to care or listen to the will of the people. While this layer
already exists under nation-states it will be exacerbated once a
nation-state has fallen.
Now that there’s an idea of what ASAAH’s look like, and whom I mean when
I talk about counter-revolutionaries, let’s examine how these elements
already exist in current movements and struggles. As stated before, it
is helpful to look at anti-statism in the layers that already exist, the
conflicts that will arise, and how those who live in failed states are
managing to create and build alternatives.
Palestinians have been fighting for their statehood from the occupied
forces since their state was delegitimize by White Western powers.
By examining the geopolitical standing of the Israeli occupation one can
better understand the necessity of its survival. Israel is a
nuclear-armed military base in the Middle East. This is why the BDS
campaign, although they have seen some victories, is limited in its
effectiveness. The United States as long as it exists will ensure
Israel’s economic and military survival.
If we want to talk about a free Palestine or liberation for any people,
it means the destruction of all states.
The only way to end the Occupation of Palestine is to destabilize the
occupying region and the supporting states of the occupation. We could
fantasize about global state efforts to put pressure on both Israel and
America, but unless those countries plan on going to war with the
superpower and its allies, that chance is very unlikely. As for
diplomatic efforts it is doubtful that they would produce anything
besides a more subtle occupation.
There is a reason why the U.S., specifically Hillary Clinton as head of
the State Department intervened and sabotaged the Egyptian revolution,
including other Middle Eastern countries that were revolting against
authoritarian governments. Through The Clinton Foundation Hillary
received payments from the Mubarak regime, by which she rewarded the
anti-democratic government with US chemical weapons that were then used
on the pro-democracy protesters.
President Obama, a president who was seen to have the most confrontation
when dealing with Israeli relations, left the occupation with a 3.1
billion dollar parting gift insuring aid to Israel until the year of
2027. Making it clear that the United States is invested in making sure
the Israeli occupation and Palestinian genocide continues.
Activism based on pleading to the hearts and minds of others depends on
a society where the people have power and influence over their
government. Americans do not have that, nor do most global citizens of
the world. This is why it is important that we look at the larger
picture no matter how overwhelming it might feel. We must understand
that although our liberation may not be connected, our struggles are
interlinked.
There cannot be a free Palestine while borders and states still exist. A
two-state solution would still leave Palestinians economically dependent
to foreign actors as well as living under constant Israeli aggravation.
The idea that there can be a solution provides a false idea that
oppression can be undone, or that peace can ever be achieved. The
Israeli government has no intention of coexisting with Palestinians.
They had made that evidently clear with their continuous escalation of
violence towards the Palestinian people and any sympathetic groups. So
to speak of peace talks as people are being murdered and are dying do to
Israeli forces is completely unacceptable.
A revolution turned civil war, Syria has become a proxy war for oil
corporations, nation-state superpowers, and other authoritarian forces.
This issue has highlighted the inevitable faults in leftism and why
temporary solidarity cannot be sought between ASAAH’s and the
authoritarian left. Does the US, Israel, and NATO have imperialist
interests in Syria? Yes. Does that mean that we should side with a
violent autocrat who has tortured, murdered, and jailed Syrians in the
same manner as his father? No. I find it interesting that those who
argued against the idea of lesser power of evil during the US elections
now are trying to justify their Assad and Russian apologism through old
anti-imperialist USSR fantasies.
What is happening in Syria is world state powers exploiting the Syrian
people’s revolution for each parties invested interests. There are many
pockets and various factions who seek to replace one authoritarian power
with another. A reminder to us here in the US that the State is not our
only obstacle for liberation and that hierarchy is just as much as a
threat to that as well.
In “Challenging The Nation State in Syria” by Leila Al Shami, she writes
about the struggles anti-authoritarians faced while attempting to create
horizontal alternatives to sustain neglected communities. In territories
that had become liberated, local councils were created to help
facilitate the needs of the people. Those who were involved in spawning
this were imprisoned and later murdered. While Russia, ally to Assad,
attacked and destroyed autonomous zones, ISIS and other authoritarian
factions have proven to be just as deadly and dangerous as the ruling
government. Again, Statism, and the authoritarian power that we seek to
destroy exist outside of nation states.
In Flint, Michigan the state has failed to provide its residents with
clean water for more than two years. The “social contract” which is
supposed to be the reason why we grant the State power over us, was
broken when Flint residents lost their water supply, as well as other
municipal facilitated goods, like trash and electricity. One of the
first questions brought up to challenge an anti-statist view is to ask
how we will obtain water, or how we will dispose of trash. Yet, if the
State is failing to provide these basic goods, and are only maintaining
the ability to fine and arrest, then what is the purpose of the State in
neighborhoods like Flint, other than to maintain power and control for
those that benefit from that very status quo?
With Flint, just like Katrina, we’ve seen that the State will neglect
impoverished communities, with the goal of gentrifying and redeveloping
them later once the residents have been killed or have their housing
destroyed. This shows the necessity for community control whether it be
over our water supply, or any other necessary public good like providing
natural disaster support.
When we look at Standing Rock and the violence that was inflicted by the
State during the protest on those defending the land and autonomy of
indigenous people, we must also acknowledge that the creation and
maintenance of the State is a continuation of that very violence. It is
clear by the State’s irreverence towards indigenous peoples sovereignty
that treaties with states cannot be trusted. So long as the State
exists, those who seek sovereignty and protection of the land will
always be vulnerable. This is why those who seek decolonization must
seek the destruction of any borders, privatization, and ownership of
land.
The fight must be for autonomy, for the end of all rulers no matter what
politics they claim. We along with other beings on this planet deserve
to be free, to live without cages, masters, and borders. This will take
a global effort, as it is not just one nation state we must destroy, but
all states and authoritarian regimes. For we must make sure we do not
find ourselves at the fall of one empire and the rise of another.
This will require finding a way to communicate with each other, and thus
supporting one another. As the Surveillance State continues to build,
making safe and private communication is increasingly harder to take
part in, that being said, there must still be entry points and lines of
communication to be opened up. As we focus on our own localized effort,
only then are we truly practicing solidarity, for as we’ve seen,
imperialist powers will always help aid in the suppression of other
revolutions.
As a new brand of Fascism rises, the time is now to build a movement for
autonomy, to create a challenge to both the State and all
counter-revolutionaries. As I wrote in “No Leaders, No Masters” I have
no playbook or blueprint to offer, but I do have analyses and
suggestions that we can explore.
It’s vital that when we speak about autonomy that we also discuss
consent. As people who seek ASAAH alternatives, figuring out how to
facilitate coexistence based on consent is a fundamental part of
challenging the current dominant autocratic system we currently live in.
So while autonomy is about liberation and freedom, it is also about
mutual respect for the autonomy of other beings as well. Autonomy cannot
simply mean, “doing whatever you want” if that “whatever” threatens
someone else’s autonomy and is non-consensual. So this can mean as much
as an individual polluting the water supply, or dominating physical
space.
In the grand scheme of things this is a more in depth topic and goes
into how to create structures and a culture based on consent while also
being weary of infringing too much on individual liberty. This is a very
delicate line, which is why constant reevaluation is needed.
Though I do agree with the critique of others that assemblies if
unchecked can become state-like, or can attempt to replicate the body
and power of the state. I do believe they provide an entry point for
those interested in alternative forms of existing. When assemblies are
formed they should be fluid and evolving. Those who are involved in that
particular assembly should decide what the role and purpose of that said
assembly should be in efforts to avoid creating an authoritarian body.
While community assemblies are a natural assumption, assemblies based
off of needs and affinity may be better suited for some.
While many focus on direct action, it is direct intervention that will
also be necessary as we move away from just resisting state violence,
and begin directly confronting the state before they can wield their
violence against us.
In some communities they have already successfully started shutting down
police checkpoints that are used as incarceration and deportations
tools, for those who are undocumented or who may have a warrant. This
would also be useful at Metro stations, where sheriffs in riot gear have
been seen checking people for fare payment.
As people take various approaches towards fighting the State, arrests
will be made. It is important that we begin to exercise non-judicial
means towards freeing prisoners and detainees. Whether that is
interrupting prison/jail/ICE buses, or taking a more literal approach to
the phrase “free all prisoners”, we must escalate our de-arresting
tactics if we want to fight for liberation and autonomy.
The white nationalists who now feel relieved that they have gotten their
country back are feeling more empowered to exude their state provided
dominance. It’s funny but while we who want liberation have been
confined only to permitted marches by our liberal “allies” these white
nationalists have been amping up on their target shooting, guns
purchase, and violent rhetoric virtually with silence from those same
liberals.
In the scope of things, white nationalists, like the State, outnumber us
in resources. In many ways they are the State, literally and informally.
This is why those who protest or engage in street battles with them must
know that the police will defend and side with them because the police
are them.
Lately on social media these groups have been gathering intel in the
same manner the Feds are, creating fake profiles trying to find out who
are worthy people to target and attack. It’s terrifying how little
attention Darren Seals murder has gotten, someone who was a known figure
in the Ferguson uprising and soon after was found shot in a burned car.
Reminiscent to the thousands of black people who were found in burned
houses or vehicles with bullet wounds during the civil rights era.
These white nationalist groups have been around since the first ship
landed here, this is nothing new. We have always had a white supremacist
in the White House. Even though president Obama is a black man he still
has internalized white supremacy and has shown that with his policies.
So while it might feel like the stakes are higher, black people have
been dealing with these types since our existence on this continent.
What is a refugee? Who is given that title and who is not? When white
Americans proclaim that they will move to a foreign country now that
Trump is elected president of the United States they would not be
considered refugees, they will not be forced to live in camps and tent
cities. No, they would be called expats or worldly.
Refugee is a word used to control the input of non-white people into a
country. Refugee is an extension of the white man’s burden. A burden
created by white entitlement, white supremacy, Capitalism, and by
hierarchy. No human is illegal and no human is a refugee.
Who gets to draw the maps? Who gets to decide where people live and walk
on this earth that we all share? It is unfair to say we’ve allowed the
powerful to rule over us, the “allow” implies consent. There is no
consent to lines that have already been drawn and laws that have already
been created.
As rulers around the world speak of borders, new territories, and
threaten to create larger walls and fences. We must remind them that it
is much quicker for us to destroy a wall than it will be for them to
rebuild it.
Attrition must be the condition on which resistance lives in.
Street uprisings of all levels are crucial, we need to create the
element of chaos. We must remember that when we talk about the State
that they are a bureaucracy, one that depends on funding, hierarchy, and
control. We must exploit their weaknesses by creating so much conflict
that they will not have enough resources to dedicate towards predatory
proposals against marginalized communities. This also means, however,
that white nationalists, liberals, and other fascist state defenders,
will take a vigilante approach to attacking the resistance with the
support of the State.
provide a front, and distraction while other activities can be
attempted.
Establishing defensive protection groups made up of trans and cis women,
non-binaries, and queers that can easily be called upon, or are around
pedestrian populated areas, are measures needed to ensure safety from
trans-misogyny and hetero-patriarchy.
We will also need DPG’s to protect those who are participating with
direct intervention, as well as ones who are on call for those who are
most threatened by the State and other fascists.
Creating DPG’s for those who lack community that aren’t ran by a bunch
of cis-agro men, is paramount when we talk about creating alternatives,
and maintaining individual autonomy.
While we are creating DPG’s accountability is just as important as
defense. Figuring out how we deal with sexual assault, abusers,
unchecked oppressive dynamics, or unspoken hierarchies is key, and
failure to do so has led to the destruction of many movements. Figuring
out how to hold people accountable outside of just banishment is still
something that needs to be focused on as we are sure to see these
elements produce themselves as we move forward.
Encryption is the word. If you’re not already taking protective
precautions on your devices then you are putting yourself and those in
communication with you at risk.
As well as taking defensive measures against the Surveillance State, the
sabotage and exploitation of the tools used against us are important
skills to learn and develop.
Reclaiming the internet from corporate and state control is crucial as
it is sure that our accessibility of it will continue to be threatened
and weaponized as we head further into Fascism.
Many of us have found each other through social media. We must now take
those relations off of Facebook, and other corporate sites willing to
work with the state to other more secure online venues to maintain those
connections.
Similarly, cellphone use at actions should stop, we know that with
recent reports that police used cell phone tracking devices to target
and arrest protesters of the Baltimore uprising. A ban of all camera
usage at protests should begin to be enforced as well.
We are not robots, these are terrifying times, and as we are
accumulating trauma it is important that we provide support for each
other. Burnout is real, and breaks from being active will be necessary.
We are all going to have different degrees in how we feel safe resisting
and that’s ok.
If tactics are going to be escalated then we must support those who are
willing and able to participate in those more risky and dangerous
actions. We will need to go against the current culture where only
celebrity activists are supported after arrests and make sure that
others with less resources and social capital are not forgotten.
At the same time we must also realize that there can be lots of stress
involved when laboring in a supportive role for someone else’s trauma.
We must all be mindful of whose emotional support we feel entitled too,
as well as who we deny emotional support to.
We often hear about growing our own food, and as it is vital it is also
not something everyone has the luxury to do. We need real community
gardens that aren’t surrounded by fences and locked by chains. As well
as pop-up food banks where collected food from various acts and efforts
can help distribute goods being withheld by Capitalism.
As most of our water is already poisoned and owned by the heirs of the
Nestle fortune, our efforts must be in reclaiming our water. Learning
how to create effective filtration systems and how to operate the
current water infrastructure that is already in place, as well as
locating local water sources are necessary skills. In instances of war,
where the domestic front is being bombed and attacked, infrastructure of
various capacities is often the first to go. Here in the US, we do not
fear foreign invasion, but instead the corporate inflicted destruction
of our own infrastructure. This has forced brown and black communities
to create their own alternatives for power and water. Whether it is
figuring out how to turn a utility back on after being unable to pay the
bill, using rocks or plant based materials to filter drinking water, or
running a generator because the power is out, impoverished communities
of color have been developing the skills of anti-state survival.
What is happening in Flint, Michigan is unacceptable and the fact that
the only thing that people can think to do is give the residents bottle
water, shows us that we must figure out these things ourselves.
Now more than ever gentrification needs to be fought ferociously. Black
and brown people are being pushed into neo-Nazi dominated communities
because they can no longer afford to live in cities like Los Angeles.
Sanctuary cities must be something that are enforced by the people, with
understanding that we should not trust the word of the police and local
municipalities when they say they will not work with ICE. We must make
the phrase “safe space” to mean more than just a gesture. We must
enforce anti-fascist zones by building strong DPG’s and direct
interventions.
All of this will require collective organizing, much of the efforts are
already being practiced in communities across the country.
While coordination must continue to be done by those protecting their
housing, strides must also be made to provide shelter and housing for
those who have been deprived of such. This is why having conversations
around land ownership and our relationship to land is important to
discuss while acknowledging the anti-blackness and anti-indigenous
violence that has allowed for this current state to exist.
opportunities, a space that can be held for those who need it.
Pharmaceutical companies inflate the prices of needed medicine, we need
global efforts to open source the knowledge of both prescription pills
as well as natural alternatives. How do we provide basic care for
ourselves if going to the hospital is not an option? Skill-shares
facilitated by nurses and doctors on how to treat common and basic
ailments, as well as public schooling on more in depth medical
procedures are necessary if we are to create communities who are not
dependent on capitalist health industries, nor state resources.
Most of us are dealing with the effects of living in constant trauma, we
must find ways to address mental health that doesn’t lead to further
isolation and alienation. What can we do other than telling people to
practice self-care? How can we create space where those who do not have
supportive networks can find care? We must do better by each other,
while at the same time recognizing our own limitations as we also try to
cope and deal.
We must confront and destroy the idea that any “role” or act of
resistance is greater or more important than another. This hierarchy of
“activism” is one that promotes ableism and dismisses the labor of those
who are participating in ways that they feel they are able too. Not
everyone will be willing to do DPG’s or participate in direct
intervention, but those who want to no matter their physical abilities
should be able to as we shatter the idea of what type of person belongs
in the front lines.
We will all have to challenge ourselves. We will all have to do things
that are out of our comfort zone. Nothing about resistance is
comfortable. It is the comfortability of so many that has led us to the
place we are now, especially from those who have benefited from the
oppression of others. This must be done while also being aware of
ableism, checking for it in real time.
The fight for autonomy has existed since the first crown was worn, and
although there is a lot to be done, and we may feel overwhelmed, it does
not mean it is impossible.
The danger of only looking at revolution through the lens of revolting
against a particular state, rather than the destruction of the State
overall means we are only challenging a certain rulership instead of the
idea of being ruled.
The revolution must be a constant, we must continue to always question
structures and ourselves.
Utopia does not exist.