Anarchy comes to FHSU Thursday February 1, 2007
Brandon Clark The University Leader (Fort Hays State)
When one thinks of anarchy, the literal interpretation may come to mind; a system without government. “Most people think anarchy is about savages eating each other, but I don’t think there’s any cannibalism involved,” said Andrew Duscher, sophomore. The concept of having no authority undoubtedly stirs up the aforementioned images of chaos. But students who would like more insight can find answers at the inaugural meeting of the Anarchy Club, which will take place tonight at 8 p.m. in Picken Hall room 110.
Diverse viewpoints are welcome and encouraged to participate in what host Bill Shanahan says will be a free exchange of ideas.
To set an itinerary for the meeting would go against anarchist philosophy. Instead, the group plans on picking up whatever topic comes to the table and everyone agrees upon. And that is anarchy in a nutshell; the group decides as each situation arises. Shanahan says anarchy is similar to direct democracy, where everyone’s input is respected, and consensus outweighs central power.
Shanahan says, “Anarchy is not an end state, but a process, an ethical way of being in the world that does not operate from fixed hierarchies and the tyranny of the majority, but rather attempts to fashion solutions, which are just and open to negotiation by all, not just the monied, propertied, and powerful.”
Few understand how anarchy works, but to get an idea, think about a system run by barter and trade. An individual’s contribution to society determines their worth. For example, jobs we may currently see as lowly or disgusting would receive the highest praise and compensation. Imagine being proud to say you are a sewer cleaner.
Historically, the image of anarchy has been shaped by isolated events. In 1901, President William McKinley was shot and killed by an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz. More recently, anarchists who broke store windows were blamed for instigating a riot during protests against the World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Seattle, Washington in 1999.
Shanahan admits the violent revolutionary roots of anarchy are there, but says his concept is much different. He says The Anarchy Club was formed to open up a forum for individuals who would like to do something about problems they see in the status quo.
Duscher, a founding member, says the meeting is also intended to “introduce people to a new school of thought. One they might not otherwise hear about.”
Some may ask what would a group of anarchists be doing on a state campus? “I think that’s the beauty of it,” said Shanahan, reveling in the use of state resources for anarchist discussion.
http://www.fhsu.edu/leader/2007/02/01/AnarchycomestoFHSU