Ray’s Rays
Number 18
Everyday Anarchy
by
Radiance Angelina Petro
There are many forms of anarchy, and many ways
to be an anarchist. While the origins of the word
date back to around 400 BC, and mean, “Without
leader, or ruler-less,” it can be difficult in today’s
capitalist-terror regime to be “without a ruler.”
Most have to work, and many under oppressive conditions
where the amount of money made is barely enough
to live on, and very often it isn’t enough for that.
Many are forced to work abusive hours with hardly
a moment to breathe. Many people are “ruled,”
by asinine government policies, lack of medical insurance,
the barbaric costs of health care, the hassles to get on
food stamps, social security, and housing programs.
How can one rebel against such terrible, oppressive, racist,
classist, and cruel systems? How can one be an anarchist
in today’s world? It’s difficult and risky for most of us
to live outside the system–to fight against it. So what can we do?
Sometimes we need to turn to small, but mighty ways
to be an anarchist. Subversive ways. Sometimes
not even noticeable ways. But there are ways—everyday ways
to be an anarchist. For example, you can be an anarchist in your relationships–
and practice non-hierarchical ways to partner. You can
embrace sexual pleasure as a form of anarchy. You can
practice mutual aid and find ways to thwart capitalist-terror
and trade or exchange services and things with others in the community.
You can challenge gender roles, gender expressions,
and the cis-hetero normative trappings in society.
You can utilize local libraries as another way to bypass capitalism.
Perhaps you have the means to financially support mutual aid organizations
and other such community causes. You can volunteer to work
in community gardens, harm-reduction efforts, queer
community centers, and homeless shelters.
Some of these may not seem like anarchist activities,
but they are—they all challenge oppressive systems of government.
And there are many other ways to do so–inventive, unique, subversive ways.
So, go ahead, break some rules, get people upset,
and help change the world.