Back to Basics volume four: WhatWhat IsIs GreenGreen ?Anarchy? An Introduction to Anti- Anarchist Thought and Practice by the Collective This primer is not meant to be the “defining principles” for a “movement”, nor an anti-civilization manifesto. It is a look at some of the basic ideas and concepts which collective members share with each other, and with others who identify as green anarchists. We understand and celebrate the need to keep our visions and strategies open, and always welcome discussion. We feel that every aspect of what we think and who we are constantly needs to be challenged and remain flexible if we are to grow. We are not interested in developing a new ideology, nor perpetuating a singular world-view. We also understand that not all green anarchists are specifically anti-civilization (but we do have a hard time understanding how one can be against all domination without getting to its roots: civilization itself). At this point, however, most who use the term “green anarchist” do indict civilization and all that comes along with it (domestication, patriarchy, division of labor, technology, production, representation, alienation, objectification, control, the destruction of life, etc.). While some would like to speak in terms of and urban gardening, we feel it is impossible and undesirable to “green up” civilization and/or make it more “fair”. We feel that it is important to move towards a radically decentralized world, to challenge the logic and mindset of the death-culture, to end all mediation in our lives, and to destroy all the institutions and physical manifestations of this nightmare. We want to become uncivilized. In more general terms, this is the trajectory of green anarchy in thought and practice.

(Proudhon, Bakunin, Berkman, Goldman, for organizing the working class. This is obvi- Anarchy vs. Malatesta, and the like) were responding to ously an absurd extreme, but such tendencies One qualifier that we feel is important to begin their specific contexts, with their own specific can be seen in the ideas and projects of many with is the distinction between “anarchy” and motivations and desires. Too often, contemporary contemporary anarcho-leftists (anarcho- “anarchism”. Some will write this off as anarchists see these individuals as representing sydicalists, anarcho-communists, platformists, merely semantics or trivial, but for most the boundaries of anarchy, and create a federationists). “Anarchism”, as it stands today, post-left and anti-civilization anarchists, this W.W.B.D. [What Would Bakunin Do (or more is a far-left ideology, one which we need to get differentiation is important. While anarchism correctly–Think)] attitude towards anarchy, beyond. In contrast, “anarchy” is a formless, can serve as an important historical reference which is tragic and potentially dangerous. fluid, organic experience embracing multi- point from which to draw inspiration and Today, some who identify as “classical” faceted visions of liberation, both personal and lessons, it has become too systematic, fixed, anarchists refuse to accept any effort in collective, and always open. As anarchists, we and ideological…everything anarchy is not. previously uncharted territory within anarchism are not interested in forming a new framework Admittedly, this has less to do with (ie. Primitivism, Post-Leftism, etc.) or trends or structure to live under or within, however anarchism’s social/political/philosophical which have often been at odds with the rudi- “unobtrusive” or “ethical” it claims to be. orientation, and more to do with those who mentary workers’ mass movement approach Anarchists cannot provide another world for identify as anarchists. No doubt, many from our (ie. , Nihilism, etc.). These rigid, others, but we can raise questions and ideas, anarchist lineage would also be disappointed by dogmatic, and extremely uncreative anarchists try to destroy all domination and that which this trend to solidify what should always be in have gone so far as to declare that anarchism is a impedes our lives and our dreams, and live flux. The early self-identified anarchists very specific social and economic methodology directly connected with our desires. What Is Green Anarchy? manifestations of patriarchy, and insurrectionary What Is Primitivism? anarchists mainly focus on the destruction of Biocentrism vs. While not all green anarchists specifically contemporary institutions of control), most identify as “Primitivists”, most acknowledge green anarchists agree that it is the underlying Anthropocentrism the significance that the primitivist critique has problem or root of oppression, and it needs to One way of analyzing the extreme discord had on anti-civilization perspectives. Primitivism be dismantled. The rise of civilization can between the world-views of primitive and is simply an anthropological, intellectual, and roughly be described as the shift over the past earth-based societies and of civilization, is that experiential examination of the origins of biocentric vs. anthropocentric outlooks. of civilization and the circumstances Biocentrism is a perspective that centers that led to this nightmare we currently and connects us to the earth and the inhabit. Primitivism recognizes that for complex web of life, while anthro- most of , we lived in pocentrism, the dominant world view of face-to-face communities in balance western culture, places our primary with each other and our surroundings, focus on human society, to the exclusion without formal hierarchies and insti- of the rest of life. A biocentric view does tutions to mediate and control our not reject human society, but does move lives. Primitivists wish to learn from it out of the status of superiority and puts the dynamics at play in the past and in it into balance with all other life forces. contemporary gatherer-hunter/primitive It places a priority on a bioregional societies (those that have existed and outlook, one that is deeply connected currently exist outside of civilization). to the plants, animals, insects, climate, While some primitivists wish for an geographic features, and spirit of the place immediate and complete return to we inhabit. There is no split between gatherer-hunter band societies, most ourselves and our environment, so there primitivists understand that an can be no objectification or otherness acknowledgement of what has been to life. Where separation and objecti- successful in the past does not uncon- fication are at the base of our ability to ditionally determine what will work in the 10,000 years from an existence within and dominate and control, interconnectedness is future. The term “Future Primitive,” coined by deeply connected to the web of life, to one a prerequisite for deep nurturing, care, and anarcho-primitivist author , hints that separated from and in control of the rest of life. understanding. Green anarchy strives to a synthesis of primitive techniques and ideas can Prior to civilization there generally existed ample move beyond human-centered ideas and be joined with contemporary anarchist concepts leisure time, considerable gender autonomy decisions into a humble respect for all life and motivations to create healthy, sustainable, and and equality, a non-destructive approach to the and the dynamics of the ecosystems that egalitarian decentralized situations. Applied natural world, the absence of organized violence, sustain us. non-ideologically, anarcho-primitivism can no mediating or formal institutions, and strong be an important tool in the de-civilizing project. health and robusticity. Civilization inaugurated warfare, the subjugation of women, population A Critique of Symbolic Culture What is Civilization? growth, drudge work, concepts of property, Another aspect of how we view and relate to entrenched hierarchies, and virtually every the world that can be problematic, in the sense Green anarchists tend to view civilization as known disease, to name a few of its devastating that it separates us from a direct interaction, is the logic, institutions, and physical apparatus derivatives. Civilization begins with and relies our shift towards an almost exclusively symbolic of domestication, control, and domination. on an enforced renunciation of instinctual culture. Often the response to this questioning While different individuals and groups prioritize freedom. It cannot be reformed and is thus is, “So, you just want to grunt?” Which might distinct aspects of civilization (i.e. primitivists our enemy. be the desire of a few, but typically the typically focus on the question of origins, (For a more in-depth look at civilization, check out: critique is a look at the problems inherent with feminists primarily focus on the roots and “Back to Basics Volume One: The Origins of Civilization”) a form of communication and comprehension that relies primarily on symbolic thought at The “success” of Civilization can be measured in the the expense (and even exclusion) of other degree of control over life (domestication), and in sensual and unmediated means. The emphasis the piles of bodies on the symbolic is a movement from direct it has consumed experience into mediated experience in the and destroyed. form of language, art, number, time, etc. Symbolic culture filters our entire perception through formal and informal symbols. It’s beyond just giving things names, but having an entire relationship to the world that comes through the lens of representation. It is debat- able as to whether humans are “hard-wired” for symbolic thought or if it developed as a cultural change or adaptation, but the symbolic mode of expression and understanding is certainly limited and its over-dependence leads to objectification, alienation, and a tunnel- vision of perception. Many green anarchists promote and practice getting in touch with and rekindling dormant or underutilized methods

BACK TO BASICS volume #4 of interaction and cognition, such as touch, cold, tuberculosis, etc.), the emergence smell, and telepathy, as well as experimenting of surplus which can be used to feed a with and developing unique and personal population out of balance and which modes of comprehension and expression. invariably involves property and an end to unconditional sharing. The Domestication of Life Domestication is the process that civilization The Origins and Dynamics uses to indoctrinate and control life according of Patriarchy to its logic. These time-tested mechanisms of subordination include: taming, breeding, Toward the beginning in the shift to civi- genetically modifying, schooling, caging, lization, an early product of domestication intimidating, coercing, extorting, promis- is patriarchy: the formalization of male domi- ing, governing, enslaving, terrorizing, nation and the development of institutions murdering…the list goes on to include almost which reinforce it. By creating false gender every civilized social interaction. Their move- distinctions and divisions between men ment and effects can be examined and felt and women, civilization, again, creates an throughout society, enforced through various “other” that can be objectified, controlled, institutions, rituals, and customs. It is also the dominated, utilized, and commodified. process by which previously nomadic human This runs parallel to the domestication of populations shift towards a sedentary or settled plants for agriculture and animals for existence through agriculture and animal herding, in general dynamics, and also in husbandry. This kind of domestication demands specifics like the control of reproduction. As a totalitarian relationship with both the land in other realms of social stratification, roles and the plants and animals being domesticated. are assigned to women in order to establish Whereas in a state of wildness, all life shares a very rigid and predictable order, beneficial and competes for resources, domestication to hierarchy. Woman come to be seen as property, no different then the crops in the The interconnected relationship between the destroys this balance. The domesticated land- logic of civilization and patriarchy is undeni- scape (e.g. pastoral lands/agricultural fields, field or the sheep in the pasture. Ownership and absolute control, whether of land, plants, able; for thousands of years they have shaped and to a lesser degree — horticulture and the human experience on every level, from the gardening) necessitates the end of open sharing animals, slaves, children, or women, is part of the established dynamic of civilization. institutional to the personal, while they have of the resources that formerly existed; devoured life. To be against civilization, where once “this was everyone’s,” it is one must be against patriarchy; and to now “mine”. In Daniel Quinn’s novel question patriarchy, it seems, one must , he explains this transformation also put civilization into question. from the “Leavers” (those who accepted what the earth provided) to that of the “Takers” (those who demanded from Division of Labor and the earth what they wanted). This notion of ownership laid the foundation for Specialization social hierarchy as property and power The disconnecting of the ability to care emerged. for ourselves and provide for our own Domestication not only changes the needs is a technique of separation and from a free to a totalitarian disempowerment perpetuated by civiliza- order, it enslaves the species that are tion. We are more useful to the system, and domesticated. Generally the more an less useful to ourselves, if we are alienated environment is controlled, the less from our own desires and each other sustainable it is. The domestication of through division of labor and specialization. humans themselves involves many We are no longer able to go out into the trade-offs in comparison to the foraging, world and provide for ourselves and our nomadic mode. It is worth noting here loved ones the necessary nourishment that most of the shifts made from and provisions for survival. Instead, we are nomadic foraging to domestication forced into the production/consumption were not made autonomously, they commodity system to which we are were made by the blade of the sword always indebted. Inequities of influence or barrel of the gun. Whereas only 2000 come about via the effective power of years ago the majority of the world various kinds of experts. The concept of a population were gatherer- hunters, it is now specialist inherently creates power dynamics .01%. The path of domestication is a colonizing Patriarchy demands the subjugation of the and undermines egalitarian relationships. force that has meant myriad pathologies for feminine and the usurpation of nature, propel- While the Left may sometimes recognize the conquered population and the originators ling us toward total annihilation. It defines these concepts politically, they are viewed of the practice. Several examples include a power, control and dominion over wildness, as necessary dynamics, to keep in check or decline in nutritional health due to over- freedom, and life. Patriarchal conditioning regulate, while green anarchists tend to see reliance on non-diverse diets, almost 40-60 dictates all of our interactions; with ourselves, division of labor and specialization as funda- diseases integrated into human populations per our sexuality, our relationships to each other, mental and irreconcilable problems, decisive domesticated animal (influenza, the common and our relationship to nature. It severely limits the spectrum of possible experience. to social relationships within civilization. What Is Green Anarchy? Science doesn’t stop at pulling us into a technological system that seems to have an dream world — it goes one step further and existence independent from the humans who makes this dream world a nightmare whose created it. Discarded by-products of the techno- contents are selected for predictability and logical society are polluting both our physical controllability and uniformity. All surprise and our psychological environments. Lives and sensuality are vanquished. Because are stolen in service of the Machine and the of science, states of consciousness that toxic effluent of the technological system’s cannot be reliably disposed are classified fuels — both are choking us. Technology as insane, or at best “non-ordinary,” and is now replicating itself, with something excluded. Anomalous experience, resembling a sinister sentience. Technological anomalous ideas, and anomalous people society is a planetary infection, propelled are cast off or destroyed like imperfectly- forward by its own momentum, rapidly ordering shaped machine components. Science is a new kind of environment: one designed for only a manifestation and locking in of an mechanical efficiency and technological urge for control that we’ve had at least since expansionism alone. The technological system we started farming fields and fencing animals methodically destroys, eliminates, or sub- instead of surfing the less predictable (but ordinates the natural world, constructing a more abundant) world of reality, or “nature.” world fit only for machines. The ideal for And from that time to now, this urge has driven which the technological system strives is the every decision about what counts as mechanization of everything it encounters. “progress”, up to and including the genetic The Rejection of Science restructuring of life. Most anti-civilization anarchists reject science Production and Industrialism as a method of understanding the world. A key component of the modern techno-capitalist Science is not neutral. It is loaded with The Problem of Technology structure is industrialism, the mechanized motives and assumptions that come out of, and All green anarchists question technology on system of production built on centralized reinforce, the catastrophe of dissociation, some level. While there are those who still power and the exploitation of people and nature. disempowerment, and consuming deadness suggest the notion of “green” or “appropriate” Industrialism cannot exist without genocide, that we call “civilization.” Science assumes technology and search for rationales to cling ecocide, and colonialism. To maintain it, coercion, detachment. This is built into the very word to forms of domestication, most reject tech- land evictions, forced labor, cultural destruction, “observation.” To “observe” something is to nology completely. Technology is more than assimilation, ecological devastation, and global perceive it while distancing oneself emotionally wires, silicon, plastic, and steel. It is a complex trade are accepted as necessary, even benign. and physically, to have a one-way channel of system involving division of labor, resource Industrialism’s standardization of life objectifies “information” moving from the observed thing extraction, and exploitation for the benefit of and commodifies it, viewing all life as a to the “self,” which is defined as not a part of those who implement its process. The interface potential resource. that thing. This death-based or mechanistic with and result of technology view is a religion, the dominant religion of our is always an alienated, medi- time. The method of science deals only with ated, and distorted reality. Industrialism has infected the quantitative. It does not admit values or Despite the claims of post- us like syphilis emotions, or the way the air smells when it’s modern apologists and other starting to rain — or if it deals with these technophiles, technology is things, it does so by transforming them into not neutral. The values and numbers, by turning oneness with the smell goals of those who produce of the rain into abstract preoccupation with the and control technology are chemical formula for ozone, turning the way always embedded within it. it makes you feel into the intellectual idea that Technology is distinct from emotions are only an illusion of firing neurons. simple tools in many regards. Number itself is not truth but a chosen style A simple tool is a temporary of thinking. We have chosen a habit of mind usage of an element within that focuses our attention into a world removed our immediate surroundings from reality, where nothing has quality or used for a specific task. awareness or a life of its own. We have chosen Tools do not involve complex to transform the living into the dead. Careful- systems which alienate the thinking scientists will admit that what they user from the act. Implicit in study is a narrow simulation of the complex technology is this separation, real world, but few of them notice that this creating an unhealthy and narrow focus is self-feeding, that it has built mediated experience which technological, economic, and political systems leads to various forms of au- that are all working together, which suck our thority. Domination increases reality in on itself. As narrow as the world of every time a new “time-saving” numbers is, scientific method does not even technology is created, as it permit all numbers — only those numbers necessitates the construction of which are reproducible, predictable, and the more technology to support, same for all observers. Of course reality itself fuel, maintain and repair the is not reproducible or predictable or the same original technology. This for all observers. But neither are fantasy worlds has led very rapidly to the derived from reality. establishment of a complex BACK TO BASICS volume #4 A critique of industrialism is a natural false “unity” or the creation of political extension of the anarchist critique of the state parties. While the methods or extremes in Liberation vs. Organization because industrialism is inherently authoritarian. implementation may differ, the overall We are beings striving for a deep and total In order to maintain an industrial society, one push is the same, the institution of a collec- break with the civilized order, anarchists must set out to conquer and colonize lands in tivized and monolithic world-view based desiring unrestrained freedom. We fight for order to acquire (generally) non-renewable on morality. liberation, for a de-centralized and unmediated resources to fuel and grease the machines. This (For a more in-depth look at the anti-civilization relationship with our surroundings and those colonialism is rationalized by racism, sexism, anarchist view of the Left check out: “Back to Basics we love and share affinity with. Organizational and cultural chauvinism. In the process of Volume Two: The Problem of the Left”) models only provide us with more of the same acquiring these resources, people must be bureaucracy, control, and alienation that we forced off their land. And in receive from the current order to make people work set-up. While there might be in the factories that produce an occasional good intention, the machines, they must be the organizational model enslaved, made dependent, comes from an inherently and otherwise subjected paternalistic and distrusting to the destructive, toxic, mindset which seems degrading industrial system. contradictory to anarchy. Industrialism cannot exist True relationships of affinity without massive central- come from a deep under- ization and specialization: standing of one another Class domination is a tool through intimate need-based of the industrial system that relationships of day-to-day denies people access to life, not relationships based resources and knowledge, on organizations, ideologies, making them helpless and or abstract ideas. Typically, easy to exploit. Furthermore, the organizational model industrialism demands that suppresses individual needs resources be shipped from and desires for “the good of all over the globe in order the collective” as it attempts to perpetuate its existence, to standardize both resistance and this globalism undermines local autonomy and vision. From parties, to platforms, to and self-sufficiency. It is a mechanistic world- Against Mass Society federations, it seems that as the scale of view that is behind industrialism. This is the Most anarchists and “revolutionaries” spend projects increase, the meaning and relevance same world-view that has justified slavery, a significant portion of their time developing they have for one’s own life decrease. exterminations, and the subjugation of women. schemes and mechanisms for production, Organizations are means for stabilizing cre- It should be obvious to all that industrialism distribution, adjudication, and communication ativity, controlling dissent, and reducing is not only oppressive for humans, but that it between large numbers of people; in other “counter-revolutionary tangents” (as chiefly is also fundamentally ecologically destructive. words, the functioning of a complex society. determined by the elite cadres or leadership). But not all anarchists accept the premise of They typically dwell in the quantitative, rather global (or even regional) social, political, and than the qualitative, and offer little space for Beyond Leftism economic coordination and interdependence, independent thought or action. Informal, Unfortunately, many anarchists continue to be or the organization needed for their adminis- affinity-based associations tend to minimize viewed, and view themselves, as part of the tration. We reject mass society for practical alienation from decisions and processes, and Left. This tendency is changing, as post-left and philosophical reasons. First, we reject the reduce mediation between our desires and our and anti-civilization anarchists make clear inherent representation necessary for the actions. Relationships between groups of distinctions between their perspectives and the functioning of situations outside of the realm affinity are best left organic and temporal, bankruptcy of the socialist and liberal orien- of direct experience (completely decentralized rather than fixed and rigid. tations. Not only has the Left proven itself to modes of existence). We do not wish to run be a monumental failure in its objectives, but society, or organize a different society, we want it is obvious from its history, contemporary a completely different frame of reference. We vs. Reform practice, and ideological framework, that the want a world where each group is autonomous As anarchists, we are fundamentally opposed Left (while presenting itself as altruistic and and decides on its own terms how to live, with to government, and likewise, any sort of promoting “freedom”) is actually the antithesis all interactions based on affinity, free and open, collaboration or mediation with the state of liberation. The Left has never fundamentally and non-coercive. We want a life which we live, (or any institution of hierarchy and control). questioned technology, production, organization, not one which is run. Mass society brutally This position determines a certain continuity representation, alienation, authoritarianism, collides not only with autonomy and the or direction of strategy, historically referred morality, or Progress, and it has almost nothing individual, but also with the earth. It is simply to as revolution. This term, while warped, to say about ecology, autonomy, or the individual not sustainable (in terms of the resource diluted, and co-opted by various ideologies on any meaningful level. The Left is a general extraction, transportation, and communication and agendas, can still have meaning to the term and can roughly describe all socialist systems necessary for any global economic anarchist and anti-ideological praxis. By leanings (from social democrats and liberals system) to continue on with, or to provide revolution, we mean the ongoing struggle to to Maoists and Stalinists) which wish to alternative plans for a mass society. Again, alter the social and political landscape in a re-socialize “the masses” into a more “pro- radical de-centralization seems key to autonomy fundamental way; for anarchists, this means gressive” agenda, often using coercive and and providing non-hierarchical and sustainable its complete dismantling. The word “revolution” manipulative approaches in order to create a methods of subsistence. is dependent on the position from which it is

What Is Green Anarchy? directed, as well as what would be termed in insurrectionary directions and make “revolutionary” activity. Again, for anarchists, qualitative breaks with reformism and this is activity which is aimed at the complete the entire system of enslavement. dissolving of power. Reform, on the other Political violence, including the tar- hand, entails any activity or strategy aimed at geting of individuals responsible for adjusting, altering, or selectively maintaining specific activities or the decisions which elements of the current system, typically lead to oppression, has also been a utilizing the methods or apparatus of that focus for anarchists historically. Finally, system. The goals and methods of revolution considering the immense reality and all- cannot be dictated by, nor performed within, pervasive reach of the system (socially, the context of the system. For anarchists, politically, technologically), attacks on revolution and reform invoke incompatible the techno-grid and infrastructure of the methods and aims, and despite certain mega-machine are of interest to anti- anarcho-liberal approaches, do not exist on a civilization anarchists. Regardless of continuum. For anti-civilization anarchists, approaches and intensity, militant revolutionary activity questions, challenges, action coupled with insightful analysis and works to dismantle the entire set-up or of civilization is increasing. paradigm of civilization. Revolution is also not a far-off or distant singular event which we build towards or prepare people for, but instead, a The Need To Be Critical life-way or practice of approaching situations. As the march towards global anni- hilation continues, as society becomes more unhealthy, as we lose more control Resisting the Mega-Machine over our own lives, and as we fail to create Anarchists in general, and green anarchists in significant resistance to the death-culture, particular, favor over mediated it is vital for us to be extremely critical of or symbolic forms of resistance. Various past “revolutionary” movements, current methods and approaches, including cultural struggles, and our own projects. We cannot subversion, sabotage, insurrection, and political perpetually repeat the mistakes of the past violence (although not limited to these) have or be blind to our own deficiencies. The radical indigenous cultures, anti-colonial struggles, been and remain part of the anarchist arsenal is filled with single- the feral, the wild, and the earth. Anarchists, of attack. No one tactic can be effective in issued campaigns and symbolic gestures and obviously, contribute the anti-authoritarian significantly altering the current order or its the anarchist scene is plagued with leftist and push, which challenges all power on a funda- trajectory, but these methods, combined with liberal tendencies. Both continue to go through mental level, striving for truly egalitarian transparent and ongoing social critique, are rather meaningless “activist” motions, rarely relationships and promoting mutual aid important. Subversion of the system can attempting to objectively assess their communities. Green anarchists, however, occur from the subtle to the dramatic, and can (in)effectiveness. Often guilt and self-sacrifice, extend ideas of non-domination to all of life, not also be an important element of physical rather than their own liberation and freedom, just human life, going beyond the traditional resistance. Sabotage has always been a vital guide these social do-gooders, as they proceed anarchist analysis. From primitivists, green part of anarchist activities, whether in the form along a course that has been plotted out by the anarchists are informed with a critical and of spontaneous vandalism (public or nocturnal) failures before them. The Left is a festering sore provocative look at the origins of civilization, or through more highly illegal underground on the ass of humanity, environmentalists have so as to understand what this mess is and how coordination in cell formation. Recently, been unsuccessful at preserving even a fraction we got here, to help inform a change in direction. groups like the , a radical of wild areas, and anarchists rarely have any- Inspired by the Luddites, green anarchists environmental group made up of autonomous thing provocative to say, let alone do. While rekindle an anti-technological/industrial direct cells targeting those who profit off of the some would argue against criticism because it action orientation. Insurrectionalists infuse a destruction of the earth, have caused millions of is “divisive”, any truly radical perspective perspective which waits not for the fine-tuning dollars of damage to corporate outlets and would see the necessity of critical examination, of a crystalline critique, but identify and offices, banks, timber mills, genetic research in changing our lives and the world we inhabit. spontaneously attack current institutions of facilities, sport utility vehicles, and luxury Those who wish to quell all debate until civilization which inherently bind our freedom homes. These actions, often taking the form of “after the revolution”, to contain all dis- and desire. Anti-civilization anarchists owe arson, along with articulate communiqués cussion into vague and meaningless chatter, much to the Situationists, and their critique of frequently indicting civilization, have inspired and to subdue criticism of strategy, tactics, the alienating commodity society, which we others to take action, and are effective means or ideas, are going nowhere, and can only hold can break from by connecting with our dreams of not only bringing attention to environmental us back. An essential aspect to any radical and unmediated desires. Nihilism’s refusal to degradation, but also as deterrents to specific anarchist perspective must be to put everything accept any of the current reality understands earth destroyers. Insurrectionary activity, or into question, certainly including our own the deeply engrained unhealth of this society the proliferation of insurrectionary moments ideas, projects, and actions. and offers green anarchists a strategy which which can cause a rupture in the social peace does not necessitate offering visions for society, in which people’s spontaneous rage can be Influences and Solidarity but instead focuses on its destruction. Deep unleashed and possibly spread into revolutionary ecology, despite its misanthropic tendencies, conditions, are also on the rise. The riots in The green anarchist perspective is diverse and informs the green anarchist perspective with Seattle in 1999, Prague in 2000, and Genoa open, yet it does contain some continuity and an understanding that the well-being and flour- in 2001, were all (in different ways) sparks primary elements. It has been influenced by ishing of all life is linked to the awareness of of insurrectionary activity, which, although anarchists, primitivists, Luddites, insurrec- the inherent worth and intrinsic value of the limited in scope, can be seen as attempts to move tionalists, Situationists, surrealists, nihilists, deep non-human world independent of use value. ecologists, bioregionalists, eco-feminists, various ’s appreciation for the richness and BACK TO BASICS volume #4 diversity of life contributes to the realization to understand that we, at some point, have to be whole again. has a physical that the present human interference with the all come from earth-based peoples forcibly component which involves reclaiming skills non-human world is coercive and excessive, removed from our connections with the earth, and developing methods for a sustainable with the situation rapidly worsening. and therefore have a place within anti-colonial co-existence, including how to feed, shelter, Bioregionalists bring the perspective of living struggles. We are also inspired by the feral, and heal ourselves with the plants, animals, within one’s bioregion, and being intimately those who have escaped domestication and and materials occurring naturally in our connected to the land, water, climate, plants, have re-integrated with the wild. And, of bioregion. It also includes the dismantling of animals, and general patterns of their course, the wild beings which make up this the physical manifestations, apparatus, and bioregion. Eco-feminists have contributed to beautiful blue and green organism called Earth. infrastructure of civilization. Rewilding has an the comprehension of the roots, dynamics, It is also important to remember that, while emotional component, which involves healing manifestations, and reality of patriarchy, and many green anarchists draw influence from ourselves and each other from the 10,000 its effect on the earth, women in particular, similar sources, green anarchy is something year-old wounds which run deep, learning and humanity in general. Recently, the destruc- very personal to each who identify or connect how to live together in non-hierarchical tive separation of humans from the earth with these ideas and actions. Perspectives and non-oppressive communities, and de- (civilization) has probably been articulated derived from one’s own life experiences within constructing the domesticating mindset in our most clearly and intensely by eco-feminists. the death-culture (civilization), and one’s own social patterns. Rewilding involves prioritizing Anti-civilization anarchists have been profoundly desires outside the domestication process, are direct experience and passion over mediation influenced by the various indigenous cultures ultimately the most vivid and important in the and alienation, re-thinking every dynamic and and earth-based peoples throughout history uncivilizing process. aspect of our reality, connecting with our feral and those who still currently exist. While we fury to defend our lives and to fight for a liberated humbly learn and incorporate sustainable existence, developing more trust in our intuition techniques for survival and healthier ways of Rewilding and Reconnection and being more connected to our instincts, and interacting with life, it is important to not flatten For most green/anti-civilization/primitivist regaining the balance that has been virtually or generalize native peoples and their cultures, anarchists, rewilding and reconnecting with destroyed after thousands of years of patriarchal and to respect and attempt to understand their the earth is a life project. It is not limited to control and domestication. Rewilding is the diversity without co-opting cultural identities and intellectual comprehension or the practice of process of becoming uncivilized. characteristics. Solidarity, support, and attempts primitive skills, but instead, it is a deep (For a more in-depth look at reconnecting to our to connect with native and anti-colonial struggles, understanding of the pervasive ways in which wild-selves and primitive skills, check out: which have been the front-lines of the fight we are domesticated, fractured, and dis- “Back to Basics Volume Three: Rewilding”) against civilization, are essential as we attempt to located from our selves, each other, and the For the Destruction of Civilization! dismantle the death-machine. It is also important world, and the enormous and daily undertaking For the Reconnection to Life!

Special “Back to Basics” Distro: Stopping The Industrial Hydra: Videos: Special “Back to Basics” Distro: Revolution Against The Fuck The System and Takin’ It Megamachine George Bradford $2 Zines and Pamhlets: Down! by Destruction Productions Industrial Society & It’s Future: A look at the ecological disasters $15 Anti-Mass: Methods Of The Unabomber’s Manifesto perpetuated by industrial capitalism FTS is a 60-minute music-docu- Organization For Collectives $1 F.C. (Unambomber) $4 and technological civilization. mentary of anarchist uprisings in Arguments against mass organization, An in-depth manifesto against indus- Willful Disobedience Venomous Eugene and around the world, in- in favor of more . trialism, technology, and the Left. Butterfly Publications. Current issue cluding various inciteful music vid- Armed Joy Alfredo M. Bonanno $2 The Nihilist’s Dictionary $2 only $2 eos! TID!, the long-awaited sequel, An insurrectional anarchist classic! Originally a regularly running column One of the most intelligent and is an additional 60 minuets of anti- Disgust Of Daily Life $2 by John Zerzan in Anarchy: A Journal sophisticated insurrectionary civilization music and videos. A creative piece furthering the of Desire Armed and published in anarchist publications out there. Surplus $12 critique of civilization and its totality. its entirety in Future Primitive. This collage/commentary by Italian Disorderly Conduct Issues #1 Our Enemy, Civilization $3 Back to Basics Series: filmmaker, Erik Gandini, takes a hard and #2 are $2 each, #3 and #4 are Essays against civilization, indus- volume one: The Origins of look at the grotesque nature of $3 each, #5 and #6 are $5 each, and trialism, and modernity. Civilization $1 civilization and the multifaceted $18 for the complete set. Primitivist Primer John Moore $1 This lays out some basic anarcho- resistance to it. Tackling weighty The thick insurrectionary green anarchist Accessible introduction to the primitivist assumptions and questions. themes like consumption, technology, publication, brought to you by the movement against civilization. volume two: The Problem of objectification, and domination. “Bring On The Ruckus” Society. Progress and Nuclear Power the Left, $1 Earth Liberation Front: $1 A sort of Leftism 101 for anarchists * You can get this entire “Intro Frequently Asked Questions $3 Traces the systematic colonization wishing to get beyond the Left. to Green Anarchy” package What is the ELF? Why did they burn of North America, and links it to the volume three: The Rewilding (including all of these zines, down Vail? mind-set which perpetuates industry Primer, $1 pamphlets, and videos) for $70 Feral Forager $3 and nuclear power. Some Notes On Insurrectionary A basic introduction to various (that’s a saving of over $10!) A guide to living off nature’s bounty rewilding ideas and practices. in urban, rural, and wilderness areas. Anarchism Killing King Abacus $2 Industrial Domestication: An introduction to the insurrec- * All of these zines, pamphlets, and videos (plus tons more!) are Industry As The Origins Of Modern tionary school of anarchist thought. available from Green Anarchy. You can get the full lists of our dis- Domination Leopold Roc $1 Coalition Against tribution in the back of each issue, by writing to: GA P.O. Box 11331, This essay shows why the struggle Civilization, Current issue only $4 Eugene, OR 97440, by emailing: [email protected], Anarcho-primitivist zine focusing on for workers’ autonomy must be one or online at: www.greenanarchy.org to destroy industrialism. theory and insurrection.

What Is Green Anarchy? @nti-civililzation resources: Suggested Books: Contacts: Here is just a partial list of some of the books which have been influential to our Green Anarchy/Feral Visions understanding of civilization, and why it P.O. Box 11331, Eugene, OR 94440 [email protected] needs to be destroyed! [email protected] Elements of Refusal, Against Civilization, Future Primitive, and Running on Emptiness by Coalition Against Civilization John Zerzan P.O. Box 835, Greensburg, PA 15601 Against History, Against Leviathan and Any- [email protected] thing Can Happen by Fredy Pearlman Wildroots/Feral Forager Feral Revolution by Feral Faun Wildroots/Feral Forager PO BOX 1504, Asheville, NC 28802 A Language Older Than Words and The Culture of [email protected] Make-Believe by Derrick Jensen My Name Is Chellis and I Am In Recovery From Venemous Butterfly Publications Western Civilization and Off the Map by 818 SW 3rd Ave., PMB 1237, Portland, OR 97204 Chellis Glendening Woman and Nature: The Roaring Inside Her by Green Anarchist Susan Griffin BCM 1715, London, WC1N 3XX, UK Green History Of The World: The Environment Green History Of The World: The Environment Re-pressed Distro and the Collapse of Great by Re-pressed Distro c/o The Cardigan Centre Clive Ponting 145-149 Cardigan Rd, Leeds, 1LJ, UK The Only World We’ve Got and Coming Home to the Pleistocene by Paul Shepard Do Or Die (Prior House) Against the MegaMachine by David Watson POB 2971, Brighton East Sussex Direct Action: Memoirs of an Urban Guerrilla BN2 2TT England by Ann Hansen Terra Selvaggia (Silvestre) In The Absence Of The Sacred by Jerry Mander (anti-civ Italian language publication) The Technological Society by via del Coure no.1, 56100 Pisa, Italia The Myth of the Machine, volumes 1 and 2, by Lewis Mumford Voices of the First Day: Awakening in the Aboriginal Dreamtime by Robert Lawlor websites:websites: Journey to the Ancestral Self: The Native Journey to the Ancestral Self: The Native www.greenanarchy.orgwww.greenanarchy.org Lifeway Guide to Living in Harmony with Earth www.blackandgreen.orgwww.blackandgreen.org Mother by Tamarack Song www.coalitionagainstcivilization.orgwww.coalitionagainstcivilization.org Ishmael by Daniel Quinn www.wildroots.orgwww.wildroots.org www.geocities.com/kk abacus Since Predator CameCame, vs Indigenism, www.geocities.com/kk abacus www.geocities.com/aliveandawol and a number of other titles by Ward Churchill www.geocities.com/aliveandawol www.greenanarchist.org/index.htmwww.greenanarchist.org/index.htm Gone to Croatan: Origins of North American www.re-pressed.org.ukwww.re-pressed.org.uk Dropout Culture by Ron Sakolsky and James www.radicalanhropology.comwww.radicalanhropology.com Koehnline www.primitivism.comwww.primitivism.com Anarchy After Leftism by www.insurgentdesire.org.ukwww.insurgentdesire.org.uk www.earthliberationfront.comwww.earthliberationfront.com The Revolution of Everyday Life by Raoul www.gowildordietryin.orgwww.gowildordietryin.org Vaneigem www.earthskills.orgwww.earthskills.org Note: Most of these books are readily available at competent new and www.teachingdrum.orgwww.teachingdrum.org used bookstores, and many are available (along with lots of other great titles) from Black and Green Distribution, P.O. Box 835, Greensburg, PA 15601 (see(see moremore weblinksweblinks atat or check-out: www.blackandgreen.org/biblio.html www.greenanarchy.org)www.greenanarchy.org)

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