A delightful collection of memories, first person accounts, interviews, contemporary handouts and album booklets, as well as original art all focused A delightful collection of memories, first person accounts, interviews, contemporary handouts and album booklets, as well as original art all focused on anarcho-punk from the 1970s and 80s. A tighter collection than Tales From the Punkside, I appreciate the chance to revisit the era with those who participated.
A hodgepodge of remembrances, essays, poems, art, and stories about anarcho-punk in the UK, mostly in the 70s and 80s. Hit or miss, but enjoyable for A hodgepodge of remembrances, essays, poems, art, and stories about anarcho-punk in the UK, mostly in the 70s and 80s. Hit or miss, but enjoyable for those of us interested in the time and place. I appreciate that it is an attempt to include the voices of participants instead of an outsider's report or analysis....more
Hell yeah! The story of punk rock and rebellion during the late seventies and eaDestroy what destroys you!
Don't die in the waiting room of the future!
Hell yeah! The story of punk rock and rebellion during the late seventies and early eighties in the East German dictatorship. In a society where conformity and obeying the state were dominant, punks by their very dress and behavior violated societal norms--and in the Republic at that time, they weren't viewed as wayward kids but threats to the State.
Through narrative storytelling based on interviews and research, Mohr recreates the scary and thrilling atmosphere of punk rock and activism under a dictatorship. This is a great book and highly recommended.
It was nice to read a book that was told from the point of view of punk rockers with positivity and partisanship....more
A showcase for some of the best albums from the UK in the eighties, this was a delight to read as the tunes ran through my head whilst reading. Band mA showcase for some of the best albums from the UK in the eighties, this was a delight to read as the tunes ran through my head whilst reading. Band members reflect back on the times and the music, and it is so cool how many punks retain their fire and politics all these years later....more
Beholding the bloated behemoths that line the fantasy shelves these days, it is refreshing to pick up a slim volume with an exciting, straight-forwardBeholding the bloated behemoths that line the fantasy shelves these days, it is refreshing to pick up a slim volume with an exciting, straight-forward adventure. With interesting characters and bonus lessons on practicing one's ethics and anarchy in the real world*, this series is awesome!
*By real, I mean this fictional one with demons and magic and stuff....more
A promising collection marred by opaque or too academic writing. Some twist the title question while others argue against it or attempt to answer. It A promising collection marred by opaque or too academic writing. Some twist the title question while others argue against it or attempt to answer. It is refreshing to hear voices from around the globe--especially the Caribbean--in this type of collection. Too scattershot to create a mosaic of revolutionary thought/example....more
Who knew the type of genre book I'd been waiting for was published 15 years ago? A great primer on anarchism hidden within a riveting first person sciWho knew the type of genre book I'd been waiting for was published 15 years ago? A great primer on anarchism hidden within a riveting first person science fiction tale. Loved it and can't recommend it enough!...more
This is a well-done overview of the concept of "revolution"--what it meant historically in anarchism, where we're at today, and how we should think abThis is a well-done overview of the concept of "revolution"--what it meant historically in anarchism, where we're at today, and how we should think about it for the future. The authors argue for having the concept of revolution central to anarchist organizing efforts, but leave space for disagreement and discussion about it.
Whatever you think, this is a worthwhile read that will spur thought....more
"The point isn't to be right, but to be dangerous."
Probably the most accessible Crimethinc. book I've read, this is a solid explanation of how capital"The point isn't to be right, but to be dangerous."
Probably the most accessible Crimethinc. book I've read, this is a solid explanation of how capitalism works and affects our daily lives while offering a counter-narrative to its pervasiveness. You don't have to agree with everything in here, but if you know a budding activist, this might be a great primer for developing their anticapitalist stance....more
Few people are aware of what is happening in this region, which is a shame. Who would have thought we could look to war-ravaged Syria for an example oFew people are aware of what is happening in this region, which is a shame. Who would have thought we could look to war-ravaged Syria for an example of people organizing a society based on citizen participation, gender equality, and anti-state principles?
This is a thorough, outstanding look at the region, its history and current struggles, and the people attempting to build a just society in the face of the Syrian regime, Islamic State, Turkey's anti-Kurdish attitudes and actions, and an economic embargo. Well worth your time....more
A cogent and in depth exploration of the current state of nonviolent resistance. Looks at the history of nonviolent direct action, unarmed insurrectioA cogent and in depth exploration of the current state of nonviolent resistance. Looks at the history of nonviolent direct action, unarmed insurrection, and the philosophy and practicalities of violence and nonviolence.
Shading toward the academic, this is still a readable text that attempts to locate our definitions of violence and nonviolence and illuminate different ways to think about the concepts and utilize them.
If you're involved with political movements of any kind, you should read this. If you like to get out int he streets, then you have to read this....more
Back in the early days of the internet, I was involved in an online argument with another anarchist about the use of the word "imperialism" which a peBack in the early days of the internet, I was involved in an online argument with another anarchist about the use of the word "imperialism" which a person had used in the discussion to describe US actions in the world. This anarchist--let's call him Mr. Pedantic--castigated her for using a Leninist/Stalinist/Marxist term and said you can't use that word and be an anarchist. I took the position that while there was a specific meaning in the past, it has transformed into a generic term for nosing into other country's affairs, invading, or expropriating. We went back and forth for some time--Mr. Pedantic not budging and me arguing that language is fluid, changing, and we can figure out what people mean by context (or just by asking them instead of telling them what they mean [Mr. Pedantic was typical of mansplaining anarchists]).
This anthology aims to track those fluid changes and pin down possible definitions of certain words in order to facilitate communication amongst radicals and others and illuminate the way concepts can inform or shape our actions. Does it succeed? Yes, and no, and maybe.
Like words and concepts, the entries here are open to interpretation: if you agree with how the words is framed and defined, then you'll like that entry. it may be more useful if you have some disagreement, because then you have to think about why you do. As fascinating as many of the entries are--covering history, current usage, concepts, philosophies, and more--I found myself thinking that, you know, sometimes it just doesn't matter what words you use, only what actions you take. The push and pull between academic concepts and day to day reality was little explored in most entries. I kept wanting to tell the writer to look up the word practical.
At any rate, most of the entries read like academic papers. As such, this anthology may not be useful to those without an educational background or experience in this specialized format.
I would give this to a budding radical who is also a bookworm. That may be a narrow audience, but those who are interested will love it.
Ask me what one book you should read to get a handle on contemporary activism in the US and Canada and I'll tell you to get Undoing Border ImperialismAsk me what one book you should read to get a handle on contemporary activism in the US and Canada and I'll tell you to get Undoing Border Imperialism by Harsha Walia, and others. Ask me for two, and I'll include this extensive volume. I wish I had both of these 15 years ago because the both detail campaigns, groups, and ideas that can propel anarchist and other groups forward into doing good work that can change the world.
Dixon spent months and months visiting and interviewing people engaged in various things around the US and Canada and the premise of Another Politics is that--no matter the campaign--three ideas are the bedrock for the way these group operate and think: 1) anarchism or anti-authoritarianism 2)woman of color feminism and 3) prison abolition.
Starting with a brief history of activism from the Civil Rights era to the 90's, Dixon then uses each chapter to explore the ways people are organizing and the challenges facing them.
All of this is really, really good and important. The writing, however, is dead boring. In Undoing Border Imperialism, in addition to exposition and philosophy and quotes, Harsh Walia uses fiction stories from contributors; uses narrative personal stories; and generally makes the book into a series of stories. Another Politics would have been a better book if it told stories.
One of the first books on anarchy and science--not just for me as a teenager but in history, too. What I didn't know when I first read this was a statOne of the first books on anarchy and science--not just for me as a teenager but in history, too. What I didn't know when I first read this was a state of ignorance that began to be informed starting with this book. I re-read that and it totally makes sense....more
As I read this in small snatches of time before work most mornings, it did take months to finish. I think taking it in small bites was a good thing--iAs I read this in small snatches of time before work most mornings, it did take months to finish. I think taking it in small bites was a good thing--if I had attempted a sit down and read through, I would have gotten frustrated and probably bored.
To say its academic might indicate certain things to you--not all of them bad or good or true--but what I mean by that is this: the writing style favors constant quotes from other works and footnotes on nearly every page that disrupt the narrative flow. There's actually almost no flow and it is hard to read if one isn't already schooled in the "style." A lot of these quotes or citations may not have been necessary. For example, he quotes a woman's dissertation for the phrase "DIY, cut and paste." Dude, she didn't come up with that one! You can use it freely!
Which is too bad, because the breadth of scholarship here is remarkable as he covers anarchist art and what anarchists have thought about art over a 150 year span--and from around the globe. Brazil, North America, Spain, Europe, Russia, Japan and Korea--many areas and eras are covered at least briefly.
What mainly emerges is a collection of historical literary criticism focusing on anarchists and their artistic outputs and, importantly, how this all connects to their struggles and movements. Fascinating, really, and I recommend this....more
"We also must never underestimate the power of narrative storytelling, which is at the heart of our movements. We are not moved by dry statistics but "We also must never underestimate the power of narrative storytelling, which is at the heart of our movements. We are not moved by dry statistics but rather by the stories that touch us and compel us to act."
A brilliant, inclusive, expansive, necessary book that will introduce you to or reawaken alternative thought patterns. It is easy for some of us to glide along in our culture with day to day living and forget that our hierarchical, consumerist society is predicated on violence against people and the earth; on dispossessing people home and abroad, driving migration; on cheap, expendable labor and goods; on a foundation of exploitation and colonialism.
Undoing Border Imperialism not only challenges but provides alternative ways to organize, interact, and live based on non-hierarchical, realistic ways of being. This isn't just one person's academic book either, but a conglomeration of her analysis and experience, the many authors and activists she cites, the contributions from dozens of others, and a history of the No One is Illegal movement in Canada. She even begins the book with fictional vignettes from various people (after the introduction).
I especially liked the places where she brings up contentious issues that often drive movements apart and presents ways to side-step the no-win confrontation and instead move forward without covering up oppression or ignoring realities.
Highly recommended. As in, go read it now. ...more
A wide-ranging, compelling, and intelligent exploration that will not only provide the reader with much to ponder, agree with, see in a new light, butA wide-ranging, compelling, and intelligent exploration that will not only provide the reader with much to ponder, agree with, see in a new light, but also raise many questions to think further on.
The introduction informs us that our society doesn't talk about bureaucracy much anymore and offers thoughts on why that is.
The first essay discusses the structural violence that is hidden/not talked about in our society, relying on feminist theories of power.
The second essay explains how we've abandoned the kind of grand plans for the future that we used to have during the Space Race and the idea of a more livable future.
The third attempts to lay out why we actually desire bureaucracy while trying to escape it, at least in out imaginations.
The last is about Batman. Enough said.
Within all these sections, the ideas and arguments are put forth with seriousness, a little humor, earnestness, and simplicity, even as the concepts can be complex. Ranging from sociology, anthropology, personal experience, history, anarchist theory, activist work, and more, the bedrock of these essays is varied.
Although everything about Home and its people could have been rendered in 40 pages or less, Wadland drags it out with first person musings about his fAlthough everything about Home and its people could have been rendered in 40 pages or less, Wadland drags it out with first person musings about his firstborn, descriptions of his pilgrimages to the place, and speculation.
Still worth the read, however, because few are the anarchist communities that are written about, the time period is fascinating*, and reading a sympathetic contemporary take on historical anarchism is rare enough.
I disliked the structure of the book. Themes like work, education, etc. that could have been integrated into the narrative history are separated into their own chapters. I could have done without the first-person trips out there as well.
My biggest problem, though, was Wadland speculating about how people were feeling without any sources. A lot of "may have" and "might have" in a history means the sources are minimal--for personal information in this case.
Anyway, still a lot to enjoy here. Did you know that Emma Goldman not only visited Home, but stayed a night in Scio, OR? I didn't and there were plenty more tidbits like that.
*The concentration of wealth at the turn of the century is almost exactly as it is now: 1% of the people owning nearly 50% of the wealth....more
Eagerly awaiting the appearance of explicitly anarchist genre fiction has been a long wait for a train that hasn't arrived and, while I've filled my oEagerly awaiting the appearance of explicitly anarchist genre fiction has been a long wait for a train that hasn't arrived and, while I've filled my own notebooks with outlines for mysteries, fantasies, and YA while sitting at the station, Killjoy has published an excellent novel.
By appearances and approach this is a fantasy novel but magic and dragons are wisely eschewed for grittier realism as we tag along with the foreign correspondent. This device allows the reader to experience the discovery of different ways of thinking and living as our narrator navigates them and allows the explanation of anarchist principles and ways of operating to be presented and relayed without didactic oratory or dreary exposition (mostly). The attention to world building isn't sacrificed to the mission here and the characters are also developed enough that I started to care about them.
I could quibble with a few things in the writing but they don't amount to much against the pull of the story, the organic presentation of anarchist principles, and the appealing world of Hron.
Some might be put off by a novel having a political agenda but don't be: this is a straight up good story reminiscent of Le Guin's work and can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. Besides, all novels have a politics and ethics--didn't you read Shaped By Stories?...more
Lord of the Rings can eff off--this is the trilogy for our times.
We look to fiction for out-sized stories that intensively reflect the world we live Lord of the Rings can eff off--this is the trilogy for our times.
We look to fiction for out-sized stories that intensively reflect the world we live in (trying to figure out how to live in the world) and these three books brutally capture the decisions we have to make in a fucked up world where there are no truly ethical choices. We have to make them anyways, live with the consequences, and make more decisions based off the results. And based off our notions of love, of right and wrong, and our darker impulses, our pain.
Absolutely brilliant, harsh, beautiful, painful, and an amazing finish, extricating hope from an impossible situation.
You should probably go read this trilogy. Yes, now....more
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