Anarchy is Not Narcissists' Utopia
Anarchism
is not Utopia for those suffering from chronic adolescence or Narcissistic
Personality Disorder. Anarchy is not a
vehicle for those lacking self-control, the vapid or the narcissistic that see
it at the ultimate in me-ism.
Too
many, including many who call themselves anarchists, understand anarchism as
the ultimate realization of the American ideal of rugged individualism.
Too many think that Anarchism means doing whatever one fancies to do no matter
how tasteless or pointless it is, so long as it harms no one else - like acting
like a pussycat or prancing around in red leotards on TV. No! Authentic anarchy
means being free to act like a pussycat and prance around in red leotards on
TV, but choosing not to absolutely freely, because there are better and
more socially serving things that one can do with one's time and energy.
In reality, there is no such thing as doing whatever one wills without harming
anyone if the actions taken are not society-serving, because the time spent
acting like a pussycat or prancing around in red leotards is time that was not
spent righting a wrong, feeding the indigent or giving succor to the infirm. The
money spent on those shows was not disbursed to relieve suffering.
Anarchy is a non-state in which every individual is free to do as he or she
wishes, but freely wishes to do that which is for the benefit of all insofar
as she or he is able. It is bearing the brunt of social responsibility
willingly, without having to be compelled to do so.
The ultimate freedom is being strong enough to take on the yoke of the welfare
of others willingly, fully voluntarily and with joy without the need of any
compulsion to do so.
Doreen Ellen Bell-Dotan,