One of my favorite television shows is the Sons of Anarchy. Apart from the incredible good looking actors, and the fact that they are very talented, I just genuinely like the story line.
I have probably watched the whole season at least three times, if not more.
Recently, I decided to look into the author behind a quote that we see painted on a rock in one of the episodes. In Season 1 Episode 4 "Patch Over", Jax Teller (played by Charlie Hunnam) finds a rock that his dad mentioned in a manuscript. On the rock, painted in red is a quote from Emma Goldman.
"Anarchism, then, really stands for the liberation of the human mind from the dominion of religion; the liberation of the human body from the dominion of property; liberation from the shackles and restraint of government. Anarchism stands for a social order based on the free grouping of individuals for the purpose of producing real social wealth; an order that will guarantee to every human being free access to the earth and full enjoyment of the necessities of life, according to individual desires, tastes, and inclinations." (Goldman, Emma. "Anarchism and Other Essays". 2014, 35.) [The red is what is on the rock]
This quote gives me tingles every time I hear or read it. Every. Damn. Time.
Growing up, the idea that I had of anarchy or anarchism is not a positive one. It seems that so many people paint it in a negative light. Of course, the more that I learn about anarchism, the more I understand why most people might not want individuals to learn about it.
In my heart of heart, I truly believe that this would be the answer to societies problems. In it's uncorrupted form it is "for the people, by the people" more so than our current system of government. A way of living where everyone had to work together to help one another. I do admit that it almost seems like an old fashioned way of thinking; way of living. Similar to the system one would see in the Old West and such.
With the advancements in technologies we have become more individualistic instead of group oriented. And truthfully, part of that I am okay with as I am an introvert. However, I do not think that is the way for a community to survive and thrive. This "everyone for themself" mentality is probably what has gotten us to the point we are at now. As much as I like to be by myself and avoid people (especially in large groups), we can't do things alone.
Another one of my favorite shows The Walking Dead, shares that sentiment too. In Season 3 Episode 16 "Welcome to the Tombs", Daryl and Andrea (played by Norman Reedus and Laurie Holden) share a conversation and she says to him "No one can make it alone now." Daryl replies "Never could."
And yes, it is just a television show, however, the sentiment is truly real. We can't do life without people. We can't be successful human beings without other people. We can't make life worth anything without others. And we can't leave behind a World worth anything for our children if we think that the only way to do things for everyone to think and act like us. We NEED diversity, understanding, and love. We need less government and more people doing things for people.
We have to figure something out and do it soon. At this point in time we are leaving behind a legacy that speaks of division and hatred. Our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and on down the line deserve so much better than that.
There will be other posts about Anarchism down the line. But these are just some of my opening thoughts. What are your opinions on the subject? Join in the conversation in the comments and let me know!!
Gonna go edit the book some more, so until next time: Remember to be kind, smile often and dance lots!!
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