Post by occupymissoula on Nov 2, 2011 12:49:40 GMT -7
David Graeber, the Anti-Leader of Occupy Wall Street:
Meet the anthropologist, activist, and anarchist who helped transform a hapless rally into a global protest movement
Excerpt from the article:
A “general assembly” means something specific and special to an anarchist. In a way, it’s the central concept of contemporary anarchist activism, which is premised on the idea that revolutionary movements relying on coercion of any kind only result in repressive societies. A “GA” is a carefully facilitated group discussion through which decisions are made—not by a few leaders, or even by majority rule, but by consensus. Unresolved questions are referred to working groups within the assembly, but eventually everyone has to agree, even in assemblies that swell into the thousands. It can be an arduous process. One of the things Occupy Wall Street has done is introduce the GA to a wider audience, along with the distinctive sign language participants use to raise questions or express support, disapproval, or outright opposition.
Read full article at Bloomberg Businessweek: www.businessweek.com/magazine/david-graeber-the-antileader-of-occupy-wall-street-10262011.html
Meet the anthropologist, activist, and anarchist who helped transform a hapless rally into a global protest movement
Excerpt from the article:
A “general assembly” means something specific and special to an anarchist. In a way, it’s the central concept of contemporary anarchist activism, which is premised on the idea that revolutionary movements relying on coercion of any kind only result in repressive societies. A “GA” is a carefully facilitated group discussion through which decisions are made—not by a few leaders, or even by majority rule, but by consensus. Unresolved questions are referred to working groups within the assembly, but eventually everyone has to agree, even in assemblies that swell into the thousands. It can be an arduous process. One of the things Occupy Wall Street has done is introduce the GA to a wider audience, along with the distinctive sign language participants use to raise questions or express support, disapproval, or outright opposition.
Read full article at Bloomberg Businessweek: www.businessweek.com/magazine/david-graeber-the-antileader-of-occupy-wall-street-10262011.html