what is anarchism?

Answer 1

Anarchism is like communism, except with much more emphasis on democracy and the protection of minority rights.

Anarchists see the value of democracy, but don't believe everyone should vote on everything. Instead, only those people most affected by a decsion should have a say in how the decision is made. In cases where a decision affects mainly one person, it becomes a democracy of one - thus anarchy.

Anarchists are opposed to the top-down management style of most modern corporations. They see that as a form of private dictatorship. Anarchists would like to replace that form of organization with democratically run companies. Many anarchists are wary of electing representatives that can be corrupted, so many prefer direct democracy.

Like other communists, anarchists don't believe the means of production (raw materials, equipment, office buildings, etc) should be controlled by the few. They want control over capital to be determined democratically. Anarchists prefer a more decentralized approach - instead of an elected government agency controlling it, they would prefer to divide control among various independent, democratic companies or communities.

Answer 2

As usual, Coryogryph got here first, with a superb answer.

I have strong anarchist leanings, so thought I'd weigh in.

Those who say "chaos" have bought the myth, that's not what it's about. (Even if you weren't in danger of being arrested, would YOU run around shooting people, stealing, and doing dangerous drugs? ... Neither would most people.)

Anarchists advocate no government.

In my case, although I understand we ain't getting there any time soon, I think government, as we currently understand it, is a huge mistake.

It's kind of like leaving rapid fire weaponry lying around -- only those who DO want to start shooting everyone are going to pick it up.

Government as we currently have it is similar in that it concentrates power; thus, it's mostly the power-mad control-freaks who are drawn to it. And look what they do -- a lot o' mayhem (as well as good things, but, still).

There are a lot of things that need to be done in a civilized society -- fire fighters, roads, keeping people who hurt others from continuing to do so, lots of very different kinds of things.

We now lump all of them together and put them in the same hands (well, there are branches and other kinds of sections of government, but to some extent, government is a single, big thing).

What I see (or hope) eventually is that we will find better ways of getting all these things done than we currently do.

It won't look at all like what we currently know as government.

Short story: anarchists believe humans are capable of being grown-ups and not needing Daddy to tell us what to do.

I have seen anarchy work innumerable times -- when a bunch of people are doing a thing, and simply work together and organize themselves. Sharing the same purpose, they are able to accomplish that purpose, without an absolute ruler or inflexible structure imposed on them.

Thank you for this opportunity to share.

[bows, steps off soap box]

Answer 3

Anarchism is a political model that directly opposes any form of organized government. Any government, whether democratic, republic, tyranny -- doesn't matter.

The concept behind anarchy is that no one should ever force anyone else, and that each person should be free to do whatever they want to do. No rules. No limitations.

The problem with anarchy is that it only works if everyone involved is enlightened, and willing to act in such a ways as to not harm others around them. And humans aren't there yet.

Answer 4

Anarchism is pure chaos. Just imagine that one day you decided to rob and bank, then shoot all the bank tellers, all this while running around in your underwear doing speed balls. You could do this everyday for the rest of your life, and no one would care or even stop you. Think of it like GTA without the Police.

Answer 5

Anarchy is disobedience of government or authority.

Answer 6

heaven on earth.