anarchy is optimistic

Things have gotten pretty pessimistic out here, and that pessimism is intentional. Any scream into the void these days, is wrapped up in a product and sold back to us faster than we can scream.

That's the system, that's capitalism, that's democracy. Hyper-optimised, but what it doesn't optimise for is that feeling inside you. That indescribable something where all meaning spills from. Right now, it's shrivelled up and it feels bad.

The systems around us disempower us, and eat away at our motivation. "Hey that thing I was going to write or paint or shout out", a million others have done it in different better ways. Oh and you won't be successful in the way we (and as a result you) define success. So go get a fucking job and grind out your existence.

It's a subtle, shitty power that's all around us and boxes us in. Often we don't even see the walls. We accepted systems we never agreed to and do not understand. We assume this is the 'one true way', we can't even think outside of that. It's claimed they're needed for order and hey maybe you're doing okay. The order works for you.

That's not true for a lot of people, who are not okay. And that number of poeple that are not okay only increases. You might even feel okay, but there's something inside you, something you can't pin down saying 'this is not okay'. Admit it. At least to yourself.

Look around you and ask "do I feel like things are getting better or am I in a period managed decline"? Managed decline of wealth is obvious, but what about culture, what about connection? The systems around us have taken things we barely realise are gone, but that feeling in your gut is still there.

But what's in your power to even change things? Capitalism and democracy neatly funnel your dissent. "Vote with wallet" or fucking "vote with your vote between a dickhead or an asshole" and that's your power, be happy with it. This is what your told is your leverage in the world. Maybe they'll throw you a pity "click a button and maybe we'll briefly talk about and dismiss this in parliament".

Well fuck that.

I've had some modicum of faith in that power for years and yet I feel more disempowed and more frustrated as time goes on.

So, I turn to another way of doing things. What power can I reclaim? This is everyday anarchism.

And to be clear this isn't some destructive act, that's what those in power want us to believe anarchy is. Demonise it, images of masked fighters throwing molotov cocktails. That is not what I am talking about.

It's about creating not consuming. It's about volunteering, not engaging. It's about local community and avoiding "systems" that infantalise us.

Let those acts of creativity, community, sharing define you. Not your fucking social media profile, or who you vote for, or what brand your wearing. Think about it, really think about it, being with good people doing good things just feels right. Or go back and scroll on Instagram. I'm sure the dickhead techbro billionaires will appreciate the datapoints.

If you feel like you might consider bringing a little more anarchy into your life, take a look at this little quiz. https://theanarchistlibrary.org/library/david-graeber-are-you-an-anarchist-the-answer-may-surprise-you