How to deal with the Alt Right?

Thank you for the very thoughtful response. I really appreciate it.

In a way this isn't surprising, since enlightenment values have consistently been used to expand imperialism. The key assumption is that because Europeans invented the terms, that their societies actually live up to those ideals. I think we need to much more convincingly be able to argue that Western countries are imperialist and do considerable damage to the rest of the world not only through their militaries but through everyday trade. The fact that the appeal to enlightenment values still works is indicative of our failure to show how morally bankrupt the West is. People still believe in Manifest destiny, basically.

I'm curious to hear more about Enlightenment values. I'm not well grounded in a particular stance as far as Enlightenment values go - one part of me sees worth in defending what I perceive as universally good principles, and another prepped to decry Eurocentric regimes of truth and justifications of imperialism with humanist universalism, etc. So, do you see an inherent oppressive nature to Enlightenment principles themselves, or are they salvageable concepts which are negative because of how they've historically been used to justify or spread colonial violence and ideology (or another reason entirely)? Are you against principle/value universalism? Apologies if that sounds interrogative, I'm just somewhat on the fence in regards to the issue.

I think we should be working together to try and put ideas together in a way that we can catalog our thinking at least to ourselves- journaling as individuals, crafting essays or manifestos together.

Definitely. It seems there is a strong dependence upon 18th, 19th, and 20th century values, models, explanations, visions, strategies, methods, and history in amongst the fading scene of modern radicals. There are small pockets in which there is a richness to thought, though it would be nice to see more vibrant discussion and dialogue besides contrived and archaic squabbling. The internet has definitely opened up new avenues, though I think we all need to be thinking more creatively in that regard. A radicalism for the times.

Basically the end is the beginning- we have to address our own failures. We should be reflecting on the recent movements, mainly Occupy and BLM I think, and their strengths and weaknesses. Asking ourselves how to deal with the alt right is the same thing as what we do every night- try and take over the world (for communism /s(or?)).

I can't say I share your optimism, however I think you are absolutely spot on in this regard.

Also, thank you for the links. I will give those a look.

/r/Anarchism Thread Parent