Serge Forward
Just enjoyin' my coffee.
Anarchists do have committees, y'know. I don't know how centralised it is. Sounds to me like they've just listened to the loudest voices, the gobbyest shites.
London Anarchist Bookfair 2023/24
- Thread starter steeplejack
- Start date
LDC
On est tous des pangolins
That's a little bit grandiose, it's just a small group making a decision for one event, something that happens the whole time across society as well as political events.
My instinct is not to agree with the decision, but tbh I have no idea what the decision was actually based on, so until that comes out I can't really say for sure. I do think given what I know of the ACG and the Bookfair people on balance I'd bet on it being a politically poor decision, but as have said who knows at the moment.
Some of this kind of stuff is really messy, even leaving aside the dynamics around this topic the tension between what views a group (or members of a group) can hold and what then makes their prescence at an event OK or not can be really hard to negotiate.
andysays
Love and solidarity
It may surprise you to learn that some anarchists even follow grammatical rules and avoid writing "one's" when they mean "ones", though that appears to be beyond you.One's banning other anarchist groups from book fairs for not following rules.
Shock horror anarchist groups banning people for not following rules.
Authoritarianism anarchists
Fozzie Bear
Well-Known Member
You know it's not as simple as that though
.For starters this is all supposed to be prefigurative stuff where difficult issues are worked out now rather than glossed over "until the revolution".
And also you have bunch of people calling themselves anarchists who shouldn't be let loose on the general public, like Tr*y Southgate's "national anarchists" and the occasional nonce-enablers.
Serge Forward
Just enjoyin' my coffee.
Whatever the reasons for the decision, what I will say is that most ACG and Anarcom people I've known have been brilliant, committed pro-revolution comrades fighting the class war. Whoever is behind this banning, on the other hand, well, they seem to be a bit like something you wipe of your shoe.
LDC
On est tous des pangolins
Anarcho-capitalists? Third positionist anarchist national groups? Uber individualist anarcho-terrorist primitivists? I mean they're outliers, but it's not always simple.
E2A: Oh snap to Fozzie.
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danny la rouge
I have a cheese grater in the dishwasher.
I think it probably doesn't help that everyone seems to have a preconception about what the London Bookfair is "supposed" to be. This all bound in with history, nostalgia, and a lot of wishful thinking.
Really, although this event has all these things projected onto it by everyone, it is not previous events. This organising collective is not previous organising collectives. The 2023 Bookfair is not the 1988 Bookfair which may or may not have taken place in a similar location.
Like it or not, this Bookfair is what the organising collective wants it to be. Not what you wish it would be.
Now, there's definitely a discussion to be had about the in/out carry on with the ACG, and how the decision(s) were reached. But it's pointless arguing about what this London Bookfair is "supposed" to be like. It's like what it is like. And if that's not for you, don't attend.
Really, although this event has all these things projected onto it by everyone, it is not previous events. This organising collective is not previous organising collectives. The 2023 Bookfair is not the 1988 Bookfair which may or may not have taken place in a similar location.
Like it or not, this Bookfair is what the organising collective wants it to be. Not what you wish it would be.
Now, there's definitely a discussion to be had about the in/out carry on with the ACG, and how the decision(s) were reached. But it's pointless arguing about what this London Bookfair is "supposed" to be like. It's like what it is like. And if that's not for you, don't attend.
Sorry that's the anarchist in me but will try and follow rules in future
danny la rouge
I have a cheese grater in the dishwasher.
I blame Johnny Rotten, but you’re mistaken about what anarchism is.Sorry that's the anarchist in me but will try and follow rules in future
I blame the young ones.
Attachments
andysays
Love and solidarity
the young one's what?
danny la rouge
I have a cheese grater in the dishwasher.
Ah, OK. Well, try to get your understanding of politics from books rather than antique sitcoms.
Wilf
Slouching towards Billingham
Sadly, the banning-unbanning-banning of the ACG could well have been a Young Ones episode. Canned laughter though.
Fozzie Bear
Well-Known Member
Bookfair!
Chapter 1
Arnold sighed as he stepped off the coach at Victoria station. He hated London with a passion, but still dreamed of a day when it could be rebuilt as a workers' commune.
His revolutionary work as a mandated delegate from Bristol Anarchist Federation had taken him all over the UK and even to some important international conferences. After checking the coach station for fascists and state agents he proceeded to the rendezvous. Nothing must stop his important mission - the future of the revolution depended on it!
He arrived in East London after a short bus ride. Bristol AF's tight budget and instransigent anti-monarchy position prevented him from using the new Elizabeth Line. He'd memorised directions from the bus stop with the help of his comrades. His stomach tightened as he knocked on the door covered with Antifa stickers from all over continental Europe.
"Who is it?" barked an obviously put-on cockney voice from the other side of the door. Arnold paused, and centred himself. Getting this wrong would jeopardise the whole operation. He knew that the struggle for a world without borders or private property required tight security in the here and now. After a deep breath, he announced "Makhno's Ghost". The reponse was the sound of several high security bolts being unlocked.
Chapter 1
Arnold sighed as he stepped off the coach at Victoria station. He hated London with a passion, but still dreamed of a day when it could be rebuilt as a workers' commune.
His revolutionary work as a mandated delegate from Bristol Anarchist Federation had taken him all over the UK and even to some important international conferences. After checking the coach station for fascists and state agents he proceeded to the rendezvous. Nothing must stop his important mission - the future of the revolution depended on it!
He arrived in East London after a short bus ride. Bristol AF's tight budget and instransigent anti-monarchy position prevented him from using the new Elizabeth Line. He'd memorised directions from the bus stop with the help of his comrades. His stomach tightened as he knocked on the door covered with Antifa stickers from all over continental Europe.
"Who is it?" barked an obviously put-on cockney voice from the other side of the door. Arnold paused, and centred himself. Getting this wrong would jeopardise the whole operation. He knew that the struggle for a world without borders or private property required tight security in the here and now. After a deep breath, he announced "Makhno's Ghost". The reponse was the sound of several high security bolts being unlocked.
andysays
Love and solidarity
liked for correct use of apostrophes
Fozzie Bear
Well-Known Member
Bookfair!
Chapter 2
Arnold entered a dimly lit room. A circle of 13 chairs were filled with anarchists from all sections of the movement. Publishers, shit-posters, lecturers, vegan chefs and hardened street fighters sat intently, listening to a young man in a flourescent tabard. Arnold quiety took the only remaining vacant seat.
"So we're agreed then, it will be a badger, symbolising tenacity, cleverness, security, friendship, and gratitude?"
There were several nods of appreciation and no dissent. Consensus!
The young man in the flourescent tabard continued:
"And so to the next item on the agenda: confirmed stallers".
A printed list was circulated, which induced some grunts of approval and groans of recognition.
Arnold spoke up hesitantly. "Can I ask what the agreed critieria for inclusion of stallers is this year?"
Tabard man smiled and nodded. "An excellent question - and greetings to the comrade from Bristol. We have agreed simply that 'Any politic which would seek to oppress, undermine or remove the rights and liberties of others is anathematic to Anarchism and will find no welcome nor tolerance at the bookfair itself or any associated event or space.'"
Arnold gulped. "Then I am afraid I bring bad news, comrades. There is a cuckoo in the raven's nest!"
Chapter 2
Arnold entered a dimly lit room. A circle of 13 chairs were filled with anarchists from all sections of the movement. Publishers, shit-posters, lecturers, vegan chefs and hardened street fighters sat intently, listening to a young man in a flourescent tabard. Arnold quiety took the only remaining vacant seat.
"So we're agreed then, it will be a badger, symbolising tenacity, cleverness, security, friendship, and gratitude?"
There were several nods of appreciation and no dissent. Consensus!
The young man in the flourescent tabard continued:
"And so to the next item on the agenda: confirmed stallers".
A printed list was circulated, which induced some grunts of approval and groans of recognition.
Arnold spoke up hesitantly. "Can I ask what the agreed critieria for inclusion of stallers is this year?"
Tabard man smiled and nodded. "An excellent question - and greetings to the comrade from Bristol. We have agreed simply that 'Any politic which would seek to oppress, undermine or remove the rights and liberties of others is anathematic to Anarchism and will find no welcome nor tolerance at the bookfair itself or any associated event or space.'"
Arnold gulped. "Then I am afraid I bring bad news, comrades. There is a cuckoo in the raven's nest!"
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PTK
Paul Kegan
I am enjoying this greatly. I look forward to the next chapter.
Fozzie Bear
Well-Known Member
Bookfair!
Chapter 3
The tension in the room was even more palpable than the body odour. Each comrade was all too aware that this was serious matter. The organisation of the London Anarchist Bookfair was no longer a subcultural joke, but a matter of ironclad revolutionary discipline. This was not simply a trade fair for publishers, but the brief creation of a new world where capitalist social relations were ruthlessly suppressed and free association and solidarity blossomed. An eruption of autonomy at the heart of the capitalist death machine!
Tabard spoke through gritted teeth: "It is upsetting to hear that once again our security may have been breached. Please continue."
Arnold's heart was racing. The weight of responsibilty lay heavy on his shoulders. The words cascaded from his mouth like a concrete block hitting a scab's van:
"It's the Libertarian Bolshevik Communists."
After a split second, the room erupted. Consensus decision making evaporated in the white heat of denunciations, recriminations and outrage. Comrades squared up to each other and had to be seperated by cooler heads.
Tabard man raised his arms and called for order. Seats were retaken but the glares continued. Nobody present needed to be reminded that the circle around the circled A represented Order - the true Order of proletarian internationalism without state oppression.
Tabard spoke slowly and assuredly "Well comrades, this is a serious matter. We have discussed the divisive nature of the LBC on many previous occasions, and I know that the comrade from Bristol is aware of this and will not have travelled all this distance without good reason."
Arnold was relieved that he had not been physically assaulted during the melee. He continued "It is indeed a serious matter. Many of us will remember the previous exclusion of the LBC after their disgusting "KRONSTADT, LOL" banner at the 2019 Dorset bookfair. We had been led to believe that they were now under new management and had revised their positions considerably. Indeed many of us have worked beside them locally on anti-cuts protests and anti-fascist mobilisations.
So it is with a heavy heart that I bring you the news that the Libertarian Bolshevik Communists... have been advocating for genocide!"
Chapter 3
The tension in the room was even more palpable than the body odour. Each comrade was all too aware that this was serious matter. The organisation of the London Anarchist Bookfair was no longer a subcultural joke, but a matter of ironclad revolutionary discipline. This was not simply a trade fair for publishers, but the brief creation of a new world where capitalist social relations were ruthlessly suppressed and free association and solidarity blossomed. An eruption of autonomy at the heart of the capitalist death machine!
Tabard spoke through gritted teeth: "It is upsetting to hear that once again our security may have been breached. Please continue."
Arnold's heart was racing. The weight of responsibilty lay heavy on his shoulders. The words cascaded from his mouth like a concrete block hitting a scab's van:
"It's the Libertarian Bolshevik Communists."
After a split second, the room erupted. Consensus decision making evaporated in the white heat of denunciations, recriminations and outrage. Comrades squared up to each other and had to be seperated by cooler heads.
Tabard man raised his arms and called for order. Seats were retaken but the glares continued. Nobody present needed to be reminded that the circle around the circled A represented Order - the true Order of proletarian internationalism without state oppression.
Tabard spoke slowly and assuredly "Well comrades, this is a serious matter. We have discussed the divisive nature of the LBC on many previous occasions, and I know that the comrade from Bristol is aware of this and will not have travelled all this distance without good reason."
Arnold was relieved that he had not been physically assaulted during the melee. He continued "It is indeed a serious matter. Many of us will remember the previous exclusion of the LBC after their disgusting "KRONSTADT, LOL" banner at the 2019 Dorset bookfair. We had been led to believe that they were now under new management and had revised their positions considerably. Indeed many of us have worked beside them locally on anti-cuts protests and anti-fascist mobilisations.
So it is with a heavy heart that I bring you the news that the Libertarian Bolshevik Communists... have been advocating for genocide!"
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Serge Forward
Just enjoyin' my coffee.
Deh deh derrrrrr!!!!
Fozzie Bear
Well-Known Member
THE END
(work beckons)
(work beckons)
danny la rouge
I have a cheese grater in the dishwasher.
Until Next Year, surely?
PTK
Paul Kegan
“So, in conclusion”, said Spike Sputnik of the Libertarian Bolshevik Communists, “the LBC argues that, given that gender roles are produced and maintained by capitalism, we look forward to the death of gender in the communist future towards which we work. To put it pithily, we advocate gender-cide.”
PTK
Paul Kegan
“There are two facts about the LBC of which comrades here may not be aware,” said Arnold. “Firstly, all LBC members consider themselves to have overcome the gender roles imposed on them by bourgeois society, and describe themselves as agender. Secondly, the LBC has secretly infiltrated other groups on the anarchist left. So the question we must ask is: who is the LBC agent in this meeting? Who is the hidden agender?”
Pickman's model
Starry Wisdom
Pickman's model
Starry Wisdom
Surely non-binary is agender?
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