On our way to the next gathering, we stopped briefly in Madison, Wisconsin, to talk with a small crowd and show videos at the university. Dispite a low turn-out (most classes had been out for well over a month), those in attendence seemed very interested in the anti-civilization critique, and brought up many stimulating questions. We then made our way to Cleveland, Ohio, where we had an urban edible/medicinal plant walk and an informal discussion on Green Anarchy, followed by videos.
Folks here said that most of the local "activism" was either liberal or syndicalist oriented, and they were very excited about the night. They seemed to be a group who had been alienated by the "red" anarchist scene (those now producing the unenspiring and often pointless Onward anarchist publication.) They said many of the local red anarchists are hostile towards any anti-civ[ilization] ideas, but they were enthusiastic about the questions we raised. We finally made our way to the long anticipated Black and Green Gathering, an event long overdue.
We need to be strong on our own, and not depend on reformist environmentalism conferences or sectarian anarchist gatherings to get our critique out and make connections with like minded people. From the start, the organizers of the event were faced with finantial difficulties and frequently distracted by constant harrassment from local, state, and federal authorities (not to mention possible infiltrators, and wannabe pigs, much like those somethimes at work here in Eugene [Oregon].)
The location had to change in the last couple of weeks because federal agents pressured the campground to cancel the organizers' reservation. Black and Green was contacted by the campground and asked, "Why didn't you tell us you were terrorists?" Organizers were also harassed in person. Despite the difficulties, the gathering went on as planned.
The site could have been a little wilder, and the groups camping across the field - a group of Civil War re-enactors and one of young Marines - made for quite a surreal weekend. The content and enthusiasm, however, more than made up for any logistical problems, For three days, close to a hundred of us ate, played, learned, and talked. We had almost no down time as we went through basic to in-depth discussions about anarcho-primitivism, green anarchy, civilization, patriachy, political prisoners, direct action, anarchist parenting, spirituality, and much more, not to mention every afternoon had extended sessions on primitive skills like fire-starting, shelter building, foraging, and other post-industrial essentuals.
My favorite topis of discussion were "Beyond Veganism" a challenge to our often dogmatic and limited lifestyle choices, and "Hurt Where It Hurts," an evening campfire discussion on stragety and tactics aimed at crippling the techno-industrial machine.
What civilization is, what we are going to do about it, and how we can exist outside of it, were central issues to almost every discussion.
Interestingly, alcohol and drugs played almost no part (except for limited and very discrete circumstances) in this gathering, which was a pleasing change, probably vital for how much we want to accomplish in such a short time.
With lots of connections made and information shared, it was good to see a gathering of this type, especially in the northeast-the bastion of lefty politics.
Overall, I was inspired and refreshed to see the anti-civilization critique become more vibrant and widespread, especially among direct action focused and young people. The flames are continuing to grow...