anarchist_nomad (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
anarchist_nomad) wrote2010-04-05 08:43 pm
anarchist_nomad) wrote2010-04-05 08:43 pm
Entry tags:
Recent Recurring Thought
I miss being an activist...
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Hee hee! *grins*
Now..... can you tell me where this quote[*] came from? I've been searching for years to no avail! All over the place, you can find it incorrectly attributed to that awesometacular Anarchist Emma Goldman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Goldman). But its true origin seems shrouded in mystery!
[*] Well, the original. ;-D
Now..... can you tell me where this quote[*] came from? I've been searching for years to no avail! All over the place, you can find it incorrectly attributed to that awesometacular Anarchist Emma Goldman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Goldman). But its true origin seems shrouded in mystery!
[*] Well, the original. ;-D
I'm the branch LGBT officer. I was going to organise an event for LGBT History Month in Feb, but I wasn't well enough :-(
I used to be shop steward and assistant regional coordinator, but I had to give up the other roles when I started doing the degree.
I may get involved in Green Party politics when I have more time, since I don't need political clearance or anything. I suppose I could also volunteer at Planning Aid for London, which is a charity giving free planning advice.
I used to be shop steward and assistant regional coordinator, but I had to give up the other roles when I started doing the degree.
I may get involved in Green Party politics when I have more time, since I don't need political clearance or anything. I suppose I could also volunteer at Planning Aid for London, which is a charity giving free planning advice.
I'm not discounting mass demo stuff. They definitely have their place - our housemate has organised 2 in the last 2 weeks! Re: the Digital Economy Bill.
If, with the literate, I am
Impelled to try an epigram,
I never seek to take the credit;
We all assume that Oscar said it.
Impelled to try an epigram,
I never seek to take the credit;
We all assume that Oscar said it.
*nods vigorously* I completely agree with you that organising social events is worthwhile work! That's why I did it for Oxford BiFest and why I am doing it again for a particular Pagan festival in October. I like giving something back to the communities that have been important to me!
Also, if I am going to putting in my precious time and energy, I want things to go well and be meaningful to people, of course! So I was thrilled to see so many new people at Oxford BiFest... and I am utterly delighted to learn that there was at least one coming-out there, too!
I absolutely value these sorts of events... which is why we are already discussing ideas for Oxford BiFest 2011! *grin* I just don't particularly count them as activism. Probably because they are attended overwhelmingly by such a privileged set of people.
When I say that I miss activism, what I am really saying is that I feel I am not doing my share right now to make the world a better place. One and a half billion people do not have easy access to clean water. Forty thousand people die daily of poverty (i.e., hunger and curable diseases). The children of Jerusalem are persecuted and slaughtered and have their houses bulldozed. Sweatshop workers toil in obscene conditions for inhumanly long hours to earn a pittance. Union leaders are assassinated for attempting to organise collective bargaining. Back home, millions of my fellow US citizens rot in jail -- many for victimless crimes -- in the service of the prison-industrial complex. Without fear of consequence, police savagely beat or shoot people for the crime of being non-white. Around the world, bombs fall regularly on civilian populations; old landmines lay uncleared until the moment that they destroy the life of a hapless child.
These stories -- and many more like them -- bring tears to my eyes and passion into my heart. And it is working to bring about a better world -- a world without these horrors -- that truly fuels my desire to be an activist. Does that make sense?
I have been an activist in times past. I have worked to bring about significant change. Right now, however, I am not. And as wonderful and spectacular as Oxford BiFest was, I do not think that organising it gives me the right to call myself one.
P.S. Please excuse if this is less than eloquent. It is just about bedtime... so I may not be at my best when it comes to words right now. Many apologies if that is the case!
Also, if I am going to putting in my precious time and energy, I want things to go well and be meaningful to people, of course! So I was thrilled to see so many new people at Oxford BiFest... and I am utterly delighted to learn that there was at least one coming-out there, too!
I absolutely value these sorts of events... which is why we are already discussing ideas for Oxford BiFest 2011! *grin* I just don't particularly count them as activism. Probably because they are attended overwhelmingly by such a privileged set of people.
When I say that I miss activism, what I am really saying is that I feel I am not doing my share right now to make the world a better place. One and a half billion people do not have easy access to clean water. Forty thousand people die daily of poverty (i.e., hunger and curable diseases). The children of Jerusalem are persecuted and slaughtered and have their houses bulldozed. Sweatshop workers toil in obscene conditions for inhumanly long hours to earn a pittance. Union leaders are assassinated for attempting to organise collective bargaining. Back home, millions of my fellow US citizens rot in jail -- many for victimless crimes -- in the service of the prison-industrial complex. Without fear of consequence, police savagely beat or shoot people for the crime of being non-white. Around the world, bombs fall regularly on civilian populations; old landmines lay uncleared until the moment that they destroy the life of a hapless child.
These stories -- and many more like them -- bring tears to my eyes and passion into my heart. And it is working to bring about a better world -- a world without these horrors -- that truly fuels my desire to be an activist. Does that make sense?
I have been an activist in times past. I have worked to bring about significant change. Right now, however, I am not. And as wonderful and spectacular as Oxford BiFest was, I do not think that organising it gives me the right to call myself one.
P.S. Please excuse if this is less than eloquent. It is just about bedtime... so I may not be at my best when it comes to words right now. Many apologies if that is the case!
Edited 2010-04-06 00:40 (UTC)
Very cool! More power to him -- solidarity forever!
Could resuming your activism put your visa at risk? i know how fond you are of your current station.
There is something about the thought of Wobblies in Oxford that delights me ;-D
(I was never really political enough to be an "activist", although I participated in a few anti-war rallies when I was a hippie. And my feminism was always more personal than ideological, i.e., "What do you mean, I can't do that because I'm a 'girl'?")
(I was never really political enough to be an "activist", although I participated in a few anti-war rallies when I was a hippie. And my feminism was always more personal than ideological, i.e., "What do you mean, I can't do that because I'm a 'girl'?")
sadly this is the biggest boulder along the path :-(
knitting is an important part of any revolution as far as I can tell!
We'll try and find you a spot to knit that isn't right next to the guillotine though ;-)
We'll try and find you a spot to knit that isn't right next to the guillotine though ;-)
As my darling ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
bunnypip has already mentioned[*], you are quite right. Resuming my activism to the level it was at in the States could indeed put me at risk for being deported. Especially if I got arrested. This would also result in cheshcat being removed from the United Kingdom, as her visa is explicitly dependent on mine.
I feel a bit embarrassed that this is even a consideration. After all, the threat of deportation didn't silence Alexander Berkman or Emma Goldman, did it? Nor did the threat of prison keep them from doing their work. For that matter, did the threat of death keep Albert Parsons, August Spies, Adolph Fischer, George Engel, and Louis Lingg from the streets? Did the threat of being bulldozed to death cause Rachel Corrie to stand aside? Closer to home, home many of our comrades have we worked with who are now in prison?
Despite the fact that, in the past, I have risked arrest and serious injury to do the right ring, I am highly ashamed to admit that the threat to my visa is indeed a current consideration. Apologies for that to you and all the Anarchists I have ever worked with. For now, the thing to do is probably to start looking at low-risk activity that I could get involved with to make some level of difference, rather than continuing on entirely as a lifestylist.
By the way, and in case it is not obvious: You, my old friend, are also quite an inspiration! In many ways, I see you as the backbone, heart, and soul of the Phoenix Anarchist Coalition. Many people, myself included, have come and gone over the [almost] decade that PAC has been around... but you are steadfastly there and reliably active. My metaphorical hat is off to you, comrade!
[*] What can I say? She's quick!
bunnypip has already mentioned[*], you are quite right. Resuming my activism to the level it was at in the States could indeed put me at risk for being deported. Especially if I got arrested. This would also result in cheshcat being removed from the United Kingdom, as her visa is explicitly dependent on mine.I feel a bit embarrassed that this is even a consideration. After all, the threat of deportation didn't silence Alexander Berkman or Emma Goldman, did it? Nor did the threat of prison keep them from doing their work. For that matter, did the threat of death keep Albert Parsons, August Spies, Adolph Fischer, George Engel, and Louis Lingg from the streets? Did the threat of being bulldozed to death cause Rachel Corrie to stand aside? Closer to home, home many of our comrades have we worked with who are now in prison?
Despite the fact that, in the past, I have risked arrest and serious injury to do the right ring, I am highly ashamed to admit that the threat to my visa is indeed a current consideration. Apologies for that to you and all the Anarchists I have ever worked with. For now, the thing to do is probably to start looking at low-risk activity that I could get involved with to make some level of difference, rather than continuing on entirely as a lifestylist.
By the way, and in case it is not obvious: You, my old friend, are also quite an inspiration! In many ways, I see you as the backbone, heart, and soul of the Phoenix Anarchist Coalition. Many people, myself included, have come and gone over the [almost] decade that PAC has been around... but you are steadfastly there and reliably active. My metaphorical hat is off to you, comrade!
[*] What can I say? She's quick!
*grin* I love you! You know that, don't you? ;-D
*grin* Always happy to bring some delight into your life, my dear Ace! :-D
Many apologies! It was quite late and I was sleepy. Otherwise, I would have used a default gender-neutral pronoun.
And, yes, I most certainly know the lovelyxugglybug! I think I just managed to miss that she was now living with you and A! Whoops!
And, yes, I most certainly know the lovely
xugglybug! I think I just managed to miss that she was now living with you and A! Whoops!Heh, no need to apologise, I just thought I should mention it.
No need to feel shame for obeying the prime biological imperative, IMO! i no longer risk arrest because it can take a week in Sheriff Joe's jail to get the prescription medication i need.
Your kind words leave me feeling quite remiss; i was in San Francisco for three PAC meetings and ill (flu?) for the next three; age and poor health have conspired to render me more of an onlooker than a participant. Perhaps the feeble attempt at health insurance reform will help me resume my former level of activity? But for now "...'tis our fast intent to shake all cares and business from our age, conferring them on younger strengths while we unburdened crawl to death."
Your kind words leave me feeling quite remiss; i was in San Francisco for three PAC meetings and ill (flu?) for the next three; age and poor health have conspired to render me more of an onlooker than a participant. Perhaps the feeble attempt at health insurance reform will help me resume my former level of activity? But for now "...'tis our fast intent to shake all cares and business from our age, conferring them on younger strengths while we unburdened crawl to death."
I think you're far too modest, you organised an event/space which enabled people to come togther to discuss or ever question their sense of self (which may be viewed as a form of conciousness raising), for some people either this questioning and/or the very concept of bisexaulity is revolutionary in and of itself. Wether you on the baricades or making the sarnies for those at the baricades, it all amounts to the same thing.
Laurence
Laurence
why not run a session on anarchism and activism at this yeasr bicon, or even run a social for bi anarchists to meet up, you'd be surprised to find that not everyone that goes to Bicon ius a paid up memeber of the Liberal Democrat party.
I think you might be underestimating the positive impact that something like Oxford Bifest can have. Sure, its not directly confrontational, but I'm less clear than I used to be about the value of direct confrontation. I've spent years doing eco-activism of a confrontational nature, and although I don't regret it for a moment, I think engaging in any kind of conflict is a double-edged sword. Means are just as important as ends, and there is a tendency for people to become like the thing they fight against. Its a huge question, and deeply complicated. Stare too long into the abyss, and the abyss will stare into you... One for a fireside chat, I think!
I don't know that a session on Anarchism and activism would be a good use of the limited BiCon workshop space... but an Anarchist social sounds like it could be a great idea! I presume that this is Laurence, yes? Thank you for the suggestion!
I think that the reason I feel shame is twofold: First, there are many people who do not have the luxury of simply choosing to stay safely at home. Secondly, there are others who -- like me -- do have this choice... and yet they put themselves on the line regularly (like I used to do) to stand up for what they believe in.
My dear old friend and comrade, it is now my turn to tell you that you have no need to feel remiss. Between the Phoenix Anarchist Coalition, the Industrial Workers of the World Phoenix GMB, and other projects, I have seen -- both directly and indirectly -- you contribute so much in the nine years that I have known you.
Solidarity forever, KB! *raises fist*
My dear old friend and comrade, it is now my turn to tell you that you have no need to feel remiss. Between the Phoenix Anarchist Coalition, the Industrial Workers of the World Phoenix GMB, and other projects, I have seen -- both directly and indirectly -- you contribute so much in the nine years that I have known you.
Solidarity forever, KB! *raises fist*
*soft smile* Thank you for the kind words, good sir!
I think that, for me, it is less about confrontation-versus-nonconfrontational and more about the groups that are being served.
Working on Oxford BiFest took a lot of time and effort, so I certainly hope that it had a positive impact! Still, at the end of the day, the UK bi community is -- by and large -- a very privileged group. The work that I did as an activist was geared towards helping those far more disempowered... and it is that which I truly miss. See my comment below (http://anarchist-nomad.livejournal.com/313198.html?thread=3221102#t3221102), toartremis, for more detail, my friend.
I am, of course, always happy to discuss further with you... particularly if you can provide the fireplace or firepit for the fireside chat you suggest! That sounds like a particularly pleasant idea! :-D
I think that, for me, it is less about confrontation-versus-nonconfrontational and more about the groups that are being served.
Working on Oxford BiFest took a lot of time and effort, so I certainly hope that it had a positive impact! Still, at the end of the day, the UK bi community is -- by and large -- a very privileged group. The work that I did as an activist was geared towards helping those far more disempowered... and it is that which I truly miss. See my comment below (http://anarchist-nomad.livejournal.com/313198.html?thread=3221102#t3221102), to
artremis, for more detail, my friend.I am, of course, always happy to discuss further with you... particularly if you can provide the fireplace or firepit for the fireside chat you suggest! That sounds like a particularly pleasant idea! :-D
Your eclectic approach to life often provides me with delights and other reasons to smile. You are not only the only astrophysicist I know, you're also the only change-ringer - and very nearly the only Wobbly, at least as far as I know (I can't really count Leslie Fish, because we only exchanged email a few times). And you're smarter than I am, which I find refreshing.
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