Introduction
The idea of anarchism, according to the current century, is the societal point of view in which an individual choice can make a range of viable desired choices. However, anarchism in political ideology is based upon values and ideas individuals stand for and believe in. On the other hand, anarchism is a political ideology because it is more coherently based on a set of varied ideas that form the foundation of an organized political society. Anarchism roots, ideas and historical arguments are essential to get a deeper understanding of the political aspect of anarchism. My critique analysis of anarchism would entail argumentative reactions from various anarchism scholars, including Goldman, Henry David Thoreau, Daniel. C Burton, Lorenzo Kom Boa and Robert Tucker.
Goldman Anarchism
According to Emma Goldman, anarchism was significantly based on feminine rule and advocacy against patriarchal societal norms. Emma Goldman is a self-proclaimed anarchist who believed that anarchism could benefit society. I find it very interesting that Goldman provides a working definition of anarchism in a context solemnly based on social liberty unrestricted by man-made laws (Goldman, 1917, pg 2). Nonetheless, Goldman is determined to stand and fight for women’s rights under oppressive government rules and regulations. On the other hand, I find it confusing that anarchism is also described as the teacher of unity and peace in life, contrary to the description that it is solely declared war against pernicious influences against the blending of the individual and society (Goldman, 1917, pg 5). I particularly like the reading, ‘Until you think and judge for yourself, will you get rid of the dominion of darkness, the greatest obstacle to success.’’ This literary context means that one can only achieve progress and success in life if he thinks and judges his life according to his own will and not what others say.
Civil disobedience Henry David Thoreau
According to Henry David Thoreau, civil disobedience significantly states that all men should recognize the right of a revolution and refuse any corporation with oppressive government rules. I find it interesting that civil disobedience powerfully describes a civilization in which man has the right to stand up against and resist the government if it is cruel and unjust (Thoreau, 1849, pg 2). On the other hand, it is confusing that Civil disobedience also illustrates that for as long as the established government cannot be resisted without public inconvenience, it is the will of man, contrary to his advocating against an unjust society. Moreover, I particularly liked his context of writing because it is simple and can be easily understood as anarchism, although many find it symbolic, which requires a deeper understanding. Anarchism in civil disobedience advocates that every individual should make known what kind of government would earn one’s respect and a step towards obtaining it (Thoreau, 1849, pg 7). I was particularly surprised when Henry mentioned that he who gives himself wholly to other men is considered useless. Still, he who gives himself partially to other men is considered a philanthropist and wise. In my opinion, Henry describes that most wise people speak little about themselves but act more, yet the foolish speak more and act less.
Libertarian Anarchism Daniel C. Burton
Libertarian anarchism best illustrates that direct action must be taken to achieve freedom, effective laws and fight for economic concerns. Daniel C. Burton believes that direct action libertarian anarchism is complete opposition to the state, and people should be allowed to live their own lives without any interference from the state laws, which I totally disagree with (Burton, 2001, pg 2). People embracing libertarian anarchism would bring forth generational warfare amongst different societies in which each believes to be superior to the others. I believe state laws and regulations help individuals maintain order and otherwise prevent unnecessary conflicts that endanger individual, state-owned properties and lives. On the other hand, I am outraged when Daniel C. Burton mentions that democracy is not freedom, contrary to the fact that both democracy and freedom are intertwined (Burton, 2001, pg 1). Democracy cannot exist without freedom because it is the will of the people, for the people and by the people. In addition, I find libertarian anarchism surprisingly interesting because it contradicts many societal norms, including its literary descriptions that law is not order, voting is not political reform, and democracy is not freedom.
Anarchism black revolution and Engels on authority
According to Lorenzo Com Boa, anarchism led to white supremacy and the onset of the black revolution. I find it utterly interesting that anarchism and the black revolution profoundly illustrate how white supremacy exploited the Africans-Americans for cheap labour and to gain social status. Free labour was the easiest and quick way for white capitalists to gain economic status by increasing industrial productivity. It is outrageous and boring that white supremacy is a form of domination against the black community in every aspect, including education, health insurance, job opportunities and political positions (Ervin, 1993, pg 4). I particularly liked the author’s writing style because it gives a comprehensive and straightforward analysis of how anarchism relates to the black revolution. On the other hand, Engels on authority gives an extensive illustration of how activists launched regular crusades against principles of authority (Tucker, 1874, pg 1). I agree with the reading Engels on authority because it is a mirror reflection of how activists strongly stand up against the imposition of oppressive societal wills and norms on others.
Conclusion
Anarchism is a societal perspective of individual will, however different scholars illustrate their views and concerns about to anarchism differently. Goldman provides a working definition of anarchism in a context that is solemnly based on social liberty unrestricted by man-made laws. On the other hand, Civil disobedience according to Henry David Thoreau significantly describes that all men should recognize the right of a revolution and refuse any corporation with oppressive government rules. Daniel C. Burton believes that direct action libertarian anarchism is complete opposition to the state and people should be allowed to live their own lives without any interference from the state laws which I totally disagree with. Engels on authority is a mirror reflection of how activists strongly stand up against the imposition of oppressive societal wills and norms on others.
References
Tucker, R. (1874). Engels, On authority (2nd ed.). Italian, Almanacco Republicano.
Burton, D. C. (2001). Libertarian Anarchism (2nd ed., Vol. 3, Ser. 168). Libertarian Alliance. ISSN 0267-7059 ISBN 1 85637 504 8
Ervin, L. (1993). Anarchism and the Black Revolution (1st ed.). The anarchist library.
Goldman, E. (1917). Anarchism; What it really stands for (3rd ed.). Mother earth publishing association.
Thoreau, H. D. (1849). Civil Disobedience (2nd ed.). Massachusetts, association.
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