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Anarchism – what does it really mean?

By / 14 April 2008

From the RadioNZ website:

Anarchy for many is synonymous with chaos, disorder and violence but for a growing number of idealistic New Zealanders it’s a serious political philosophy capable of ushering in an era of freedom and equality.

The word, anarchy, comes from the Greek, anarchos meaning to have no ruler – which is one of the few things anarchism’s supporters and detractors can agree on.

Think of an anarchist and the image that comes to mind is likely to be either a black-flag waving punk or a bomb-throwing 19th century revolutionary.

Yet the list of those who consider themselves anarchists ranges from the radical in thought, but conservative in appearance, such as linguist and political dissident Noam Chomsky, through to the multi-pierced protesters manning the anti-globalisation barricades.

But do people seriously believe that society could function without a government or police force?

Part one:

Long time Wellington activist and anarchist Sam Buchanan talks about his beliefs and influences.

Part two:

Historian and author of Rabble Rousers and Merry Pranksters – A History of Anarchism in Aotearoa, Toby Boraman, provides a snap-shot of a century of anarchism in New Zealand.

Part three:

Christian anarchist Manu Caddie and Green MP and former member of an anarcho-feminist theatre troupe, Metiria Turei, discuss the influence anarchism has had on their daily lives.

Click here to listen

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This site is run by the Social Justice Commission of the Anglican Church.

We seek to nurture justice spirituality and imagination, and engage in advocacy in all areas of life, overcoming poverty and transforming violence.

We encourage people to think and live “justly”, and emphasise debate and action on local, national and global issues.

Although we are Anglican, our vision isn’t so much about being Anglican. It’s about living justly. Justice is about how you live your life, and being just where we are. Working together, we can all flourish.

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