Well if meant to in the context of the occasional big tent movements. I don’t think most socdems think much about anarchists at all except when it comes time to scold us for not voting.
Yes, and I think that when together in a big tent, socdems would associate more easily with anarchists than with leninists. Especially with syndicalists, for example.
Was under the impression that most anarchists are aware that voting is still important. like it or not, we are still citizens of some state for the time being, but we can use that to promote useful change or to exercise damage control, as part of the overall praxis arsenal. especially with some organization within your local groups, it can be a good tool.
How does one then answer the question “If you think elections don’t work, then why do you participate?” by a non-anarchist?
You’ve made plenty of good points throughout the article about the problems with the system. I don’t see why that can’t be your answer. There’s no contradiction in acknowledging major problems and still exerting what little influence you do have.
But if they “work a little” for an anarchist, certainly they would work a lot for a non-anarchist.
How does that logic follow? Assuming you both have the same values and are trying to achieve the same thing, then a solution that works for one person will work just as well for another. The difference in opinions is on which solution will work, not on what you’re trying to achieve.
There’s no contradiction in acknowledging major problems and still exerting what little influence you do have.
I just disagree this is any sort of influence instead of a palliative.
How does that logic follow? Assuming you both have the same values and are trying to achieve the same thing, then a solution that works for one person will work just as well for another.
You are quoting a rhetorical question. The point I’m making here is that if someone isn’t an anarchist and therefore doesn’t do direct action, then seeing even anarchists take part in elections, reinforces to them the idea that elections work well enough.
Anarchists aren’t the ones voting centrist, mate. That’s tankies. They’re the ones who are saying hey, if we let Trump bomb the west bank it would really piss off Biden. The anarchists aren’t concerned with symbolic actions, we’re concerned with actual actions. Which choice causes the greatest reduction in harm? That choice is voting as left as the system permits, and doing direct action on the streets for the other 1460 days of the cycle.
You do you, but not all anarchists agree with that approach, including this one. Not gonna scold you for wasting your time voting though. Voting just doesn’t cause any reduction in harm.
Well if meant to in the context of the occasional big tent movements. I don’t think most socdems think much about anarchists at all except when it comes time to scold us for not voting.
Yes, and I think that when together in a big tent, socdems would associate more easily with anarchists than with leninists. Especially with syndicalists, for example.
Was under the impression that most anarchists are aware that voting is still important. like it or not, we are still citizens of some state for the time being, but we can use that to promote useful change or to exercise damage control, as part of the overall praxis arsenal. especially with some organization within your local groups, it can be a good tool.
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I disagree. Voting is a waste of time at best, and actively reinforcing the system at worst..
You’ve made plenty of good points throughout the article about the problems with the system. I don’t see why that can’t be your answer. There’s no contradiction in acknowledging major problems and still exerting what little influence you do have.
How does that logic follow? Assuming you both have the same values and are trying to achieve the same thing, then a solution that works for one person will work just as well for another. The difference in opinions is on which solution will work, not on what you’re trying to achieve.
I just disagree this is any sort of influence instead of a palliative.
You are quoting a rhetorical question. The point I’m making here is that if someone isn’t an anarchist and therefore doesn’t do direct action, then seeing even anarchists take part in elections, reinforces to them the idea that elections work well enough.
This post borders on sovcit levels of delusion.
well what’s important is that you get to feel smugly superior.
Anarchists aren’t the ones voting centrist, mate. That’s tankies. They’re the ones who are saying hey, if we let Trump bomb the west bank it would really piss off Biden. The anarchists aren’t concerned with symbolic actions, we’re concerned with actual actions. Which choice causes the greatest reduction in harm? That choice is voting as left as the system permits, and doing direct action on the streets for the other 1460 days of the cycle.
You do you, but not all anarchists agree with that approach, including this one. Not gonna scold you for wasting your time voting though. Voting just doesn’t cause any reduction in harm.