Fighting For Our Lives.
This free 24-page pamphlet discusses, in simple language, what is anarchist in everyday
life, and how those spheres of cooperation can be expanded. It addresses
common questions that often deter people from exploring anarchist ideas and
approaches, and endeavors to help introduce new terms and possibilities into
the public consciousness -- as well as to celebrate the times when we've
realized those possibilities, for those who have been consciously
participating in the anarchist project for years or decades already.Mass-produced material like this is no substitute for individual expression,
decentralized activity, or cultivating community, but it can be used to
initiate and encourage those beautiful things. We're not trying to speak for
everyone, but to make it clear that everyone can speak; we're not trying to
define anarchy for everyone, but to undermine misunderstandings so everyone
can begin that conversation afresh.
To make this experiment work, of course, we need your participation. Please
order a crate of these for your town
(request), and put copies at every record
store, farmers' market, bookshop, and high school -- or anyplace your fancy
strikes. Put them out in the employee restroom, or at art openings, or in
public parks. Best of all: physically give them to friends, fellow workers
and students, and/or everybody else at the unemployment office. There is no
substitute for face-to-face interaction!
The fact that we've been able to build up such an extensive and effective
network for the free circulation of material like this is itself a testament
to how well anarchy works, even in times of capitalist occupation. With this
project, we hope to help expand that network, and the recognition of its
value, a little deeper into surrounding society.
As you might imagine, we rely on donations, benefit events, and other kinds
of assistance from you to make this possible, so do help out as much as
you're able.
An online version of the paper is available here
(sample), although -- with the exception
of those living outside the United States -- having the mass-produced copies
shipped to you will probably be more resource-efficient than printing out
your own. So please, do not fret about figuring out how to view PDF files or
anything like that because the simplest thing to do is ask us to send you a
box of free copies.
Of course, we welcome constructive criticism; however we also urge you to
follow up on your critique with action of your own. Rather than get bogged
down in mudslinging, wouldn't it be so much more inspiring and productive to
back up a decent, thoughtful, comradely critique with a booklet, pamphlet,
newsletter or magazine that puts ours to shame? We don't pretend to have all
the answers, nor do we fruitlessly present ourselves as "pure"
revolutionaries with the secret knowledge that will liberate the world, so we
certainly welcome principled engagement!
Enough introduction: tell us how we can send you a box of Fighting For Our
Lives right away! (request)
# Sample section titles: Overture: A true story
# Preface: A genealogy of force
# Does anarchy work?
# Is this what democracy looks like?
# Civic hedonism
# A fellowship of friends and lovers
# All gods, all masters
# Gross generalizations
# Anarchism is a paradox
# Create momentum!
Remember, the "we" used throughout this statement (and throughout the booklet
itself) is the anarchist "we" -- it refers to all who would associate
themselves with the statements in question, and to no others.
