The current perception of gender is that it is an apparent truth whether that be through self affirmation or diagnostic.Gender is seemingly infinite with a myriad of labels, pronouns, and identities all individualized to one's personal experience The current path sees us continuing to broaden and expanding upon itself.

Current Perceptions of Gender

(Gender is)...he apparatus by which the production and normalization of masculine and feminine take place along with the interstitial forms of hormonal, chromosomal, psychic, and performative that gender assumes.”

If one is to free themselves from the violence of gender (such as misogyny and surgeries forced upon intesex bodies) they must destroy the apparatus of gender entirely.

Gender Nihilism 

Antihumanism is the rejection of the essential. This belief sees that there is nothing inherent to being a human.The concept of "Man and Woman" dont exist as labels for essential categories of being rather they are discursive, social, and linguistic symbols which are evolve and change. Their existence is contingent on power and subjugation.

Antihumanism

Liberal Feminism<ul><li>when saying “I am a woman” they mean they are spiritually, ontologically, metaphysically, genetically, or any other modes of “essentially” a woman.</li><li>there is an unawareness or dismissive attitude towards the relationship of power and gender.</li><li>Views gender as a way of legitimizing themselves and performing it proves they can operate within it</li></ul> Gender Nihilism:<ul><li>when saying “I am a woman” that means that they are located within a certain position in a matrix of power which constitutes them as such.</li></ul>

Liberal Feminism Vs Gender Nihilism 

Gender nihilist Continued:<ul><li>they consider themselves gender abolitionist due to gender as a system being inherently violent </li><li>appealing to power is a trap and one must refuse to legitimize themselves.</li></ul>

Liberal Feminism Vs Gender Nihilism Continued 

Antihumanism does not deny the lived experience of those who have a deep connection to gender, rather it acknowledges that such an experience of gender was always already determined through the terms of power. The idea of “woman and man” do not exist within us as a stable truth, but references the discourses by which we are constituted.

Clarification of Antihumanism 

My agency does not consist in denying this condition of my constitution. If I have any agency, it is opened up by the fact that I am constituted by a social world I never chose. That my agency is riven with paradox does not mean it is impossible. It means only that paradox is the condition of its possibility

"Gender is a frame, a subset of language, and set of symbols and signs, communicated between us, constructing us and being reconstructed by us constantly."The apparatus of gender operates cyclically; through our behaviors and norms thus this realization allows for movement against the cycle. Although, as time progresses normalization may occur so that, nefariously the counter gender action is then naturalized, accounted for, and subsides the resistance.

Gender Abolition

One may think that assuming a nonbinary identity would be praxis in the abolition of the binary, but that isn't the case. By taking on an identity that uses binary as a point of reference it reinforces and replicates the same issues.The identity itself normalizes and neutralizes revolutionary friction while still not agitating the system.

Nonbinary isn't Abolition 

Trans and Nonbinary people are not a fault for reinforcing gender and are often those who are most hurt by gender.This is why subjectivity reliant on labeling is problematic. There's a greater pressure to perform the nuance of each part of your personhood that you forget that struggle of power you're fighting against. It works as a domesticating agent

Identity Politics

One might read this cry for the gender abolition as an attempt to recategorize people based on sex as a lesser form of violence. This is not true at all! Sex is just as discursive as gender and is the perpetrator of just as much violence against non-compliant bodies.A return to a simpler and smaller understanding of gender will not help in achievingliberation. It is the very normative grouping of bodies in the first place which is to be pushed back against. Neither contraction nor expansion will fix the problem, only destruction of the apparatus

Sex Based Gender Theory

Complete negation is a terrifying concept. There is no "true self" to return to. What comes next is unknown but that calls for a new found eagerness and excitement.

Radical Negativity 

For if we are to criticize their own normative underpinnings in favor of an alternative, we only fall prey once again to the neutralizing power of normalization. Thus we answer the demand for a clearly stated alternative and for a program of actions to be taken with a resolute “no.” The days of manifestos and platforms are over. The negation of all things, ourselves included, is the only means through which we will ever be able to gain anything.

The piece at time of publishing neglected a few key things such as:<ul><li>context</li><li>an explicit address of race</li><li>an articulation of gender as a colonial product</li><li> a clarification as to the nature of the piece itself. </li></ul>A further exploration on this is available in the text:Beyond Negativity: What Comes After Gender Nihilism?

Addendum

Alyson Escalante's critiques of the trans community's reliance on gender essentialism and a proposal for a radical negation as the solution to gendered alienation and oppression. To be included in the upcoming anthology Fuck Your Gender Neutral Prison! A Nihilist Insurrection Against Gender. Note that this version has been augmented with an excerpt from an addendum by the author which addresses some limitations of the original.

philosophy

Philosophy

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

mindfulness

Mindfulness

politics

Politics

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

Gender Nihilism: An Anti-Manifesto - Alyson Escalante

Since October 8th, 2023 there has been an ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine resulting in mass casualties. To counteract America's support of military weaponry to the IDf many activists have participated it direct actions such as blockades. The following text discusses the history of blockades in the Puget Sound as well an action that took place on November 6th.

Background

Many other actions have occurred nationwide that have caused unrest. Many of them have been dispersed quickly by militarized police and intervention from the coast guard.

Escalating Resistance

From Anti-Apartheid actions to oil protests the Tacoma port has been a frequent pier used for direct actions against injustices. By having past experience with this particular ground activists are allowed to draw from strategies explored in past struggles.

Drawing on Decades of Port Blockades

The port itself is surrounded by an ICE detention center and police training academy so intervention happens quickly. Despite this, until the Coast Guard acting as scabs materialized the port was effectively blockaded. Due to the tight schedule of supply chains they weren't able to load all of the weaponry initially intended.

Gathering at the Port

Brief synopsis of an action in support of a cease fire

Participants in the November 6 protest recount their experiences, review the history of port blockades in the region, and strategize for the future.

history

History

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

education

Learning & Education

problemsolving

Problem Solving

Shutting Down the Port of Tacoma

Affinity groups are when a group of friends recognize themselves as a political force. They consist of people who know and trust each other. The group has no leader only each other to relay information and access risk based on their own limitations.

What are Affinity Groups 

Without having to ask permission autonomy allows for quick decisions to be made. They also maintain power by being assured that your peers have the same values and are loyal to the group as opposed to being together for profit or obligation.

Affinity Groups are Powerful

Not all members need to be consistent and the network can morph over time. The group also doesn't need to be permanent. In fact, the best groups only exist for the goal that the group attends to achieve and dissolves after that is completed

The Affinity Group is a Flexible Model

An affinity group can have as few as two members to as many as fifteen. A good way to see if the scale is good is to see how quickly and effective information is relayed. Another good technique on establishing scale is to limit it to how many people can fit in your car.

Pick the Scale That’s Right for You

This is crucial to the groups success! You must be aware of each members strengths and weakness so you can make quick decisions.

Get to Know Each Other Intimately

To avoid confusion make sure everyone agrees to your goals and plans. Don't let any one person feel left out or as if there voice isn't heard. It's important to remain unanimous.

Make Decisions Together

It's important not to feel like you're victim to a "herd mentality" so it's often effective to meet with other groups! Here their ideas and suggestions. Getting another perspective helps both parties explore new ideas and techniques.

Organize With Other Affinity Groups

Having a group of trusted people is important! Learn how to make a group that's capable of working effectively together whether that be a vacation together or a protest

You and your friends already constitute an affinity group, the fundamental building block of anarchist organization. Here’s how affinity groups work and the advantages they offer.

communication

Communication

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

creativity

Creativity

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

How to Form an Affinity Group

The chosen vessel of punk is in the creative arts such as graffiti, music, and fashion so that literacy doesn't bar anyone from participating in it as a culture. Throw out any preconceived rules of what can be music or art. Make it raw and disruptive as if to challenge why the rules existed.As a culture make it accessible to all by ensuring covers don't bar anyone from participating. The culture can't be bought only experienced

Aesthetic Vehicle of Punk

Inclusion doesn't necessarily mean that there is representation, but everyone should feel welcomed. If the culture is as to seeds that fly away and take route elsewhere it is crucial that as many bodies come to carry them.The poor, volatile, and angry people of the world can find solace in their gripes with society with the words on stage. By congregating the mass of people with the same complaints change can be made

Inclusivity is pinacl

Get everyone together in a space premised on horizontality, decentralization, self-determination, reproducible models, being ungovernable, and so on and let them discover the advantages for themselves

Learning doesn't have to be a separate part of life, but instead a holistic being that permeates a community.Learn from each other. Found a cool trick on a skateboard? Show a friend! Read a cool idea? Print it out and distro it!

Self Education

Poetry must be written by all, not one

Art isn't just what occurs on stage, but the bodies that surround it. The participation creates the movement. Moshing, thrashing, dancing, and kissing is in itself art. Everyone can be in a band. create a zine, or make patches. It's accessible as long as the community cares for one another.

Decentralize Art

Find comfort in vulnerability and sensuality. Being raw doesn't just mean unfiltered, but also stripped of barriers. Defeat is just as valuable as victory.

Dionysian Tendencies

Just because there is an encouragement of chaos does not mean self advocacy is negligible. In the space one must have a mutual respect for everyone. Only through that can the adrenaline of being thrown around be joyous. If it becomes apparent that someone isn't taking no for an answer the venue has every right to exile them from the space.

Consent and Boundaries 

Counterculture is the thread that ties these individual culture together. By being a rejection of capital and the status quo these groups are enabled to find freedom within themselves if they allow it.One must reject assimilation and find confidence within themselves to be different from their peers even within the group.To be a hippie you don't need floral clothes, only an anti war spirit and ecological mindfulness

Unions, Hippies, Punks, Millennials

Despite the popularity of bands like the Sex Pistols and Crass punk music is strenuous to engage with when not at a show. The show is the element that brings together the ideas and people, which is the forefront of the movement. Try not to commodify and appeal to others, only experiment and offer honest reflections of self.

Unmarketable Music

History is not divided neatly into periods; it’s more like a series of sedimentary layers comprising the present. Tonight, as you read this, a symphony orchestra is performing uptown, a jazz band is playing downtown, and a punk band is playing out in the suburbs

Whatever conception you have of yourself and the world you see yourself in, smash it—whatever you consider bad luck, do it right now—and begin from there, remaking yourself and the world.

This link in itself is an excerpt to the book "Smash the System! Punk Anarchism as a Culture of Resistance " I didn't go too in depth of the history so if that interests you I implore you to read the full article!

If we understand punk as an heir to longstanding traditions of resistance, this will explain its persisting importance to anarchism.

writing

Reading & Writing

music

Music

Punk—Dangerous Utopia

Affinity groups are close circles that have a healthy dynamic and common language that are capable of achieving goals together. These groups collaborate with each other effectively and can show support and solidarity when needed.They can engage with other groups by assigning a "spoke" to attend "spokescouncil" meetings on the groups behalf.This works effectively for achieving a large goal such as a march or unionizing

Affinity Groups

This offers a new perspective on daily activities. 1. Make a list of things that bore you2. Make a list of things that terrify you3. Find an element of each and combine them.example: Commuting and public speaking, Make a speech on a bus about something you're passionate about another method of behavioral cut ups is to do something small out of your norm like sleeping in the living room or only wear one outfit to a particular store.

Behavioral Cut Ups

Get in touch with your community and host a bicycle parade. This can be an action that is for a cause (ie: climate change or lack of bicycling infrastructure) or to simply grow closer with a group of people. All that is required is a group of people (with bikes), an established route, and an end location. this is also good for getting accustomed to riding a bike as opposed to a car.

Bicycle Parades

Find local venues and set up camp with zines and stickers! Disseminate information that's important to you quickly and easily and get to know people! All that's needed is a printer, shipping label paper, table, and scissors. If you choose a particularly windy pless to set up having a few items to act as weights is also a good idea! You can make your set up as sophisticated or rudimentary as you please! With banners and a tip jar your set up can look quite distinguished.

Distro/Tabling 

This is a method of isolation that allows for concentration and creativity. Premises:<ol><li>Set an amount of time</li><li>Have a focus</li><li>Everything is connected to the think tank. breaks and food are integrated. </li><li>Have needs already aligned for the tank</li><li>Think of the tank as a tool in which work is made</li><li>It has to be temporary as a perpetual tank is unsustainable </li><li>Rules can be used as liberation </li><li>Documentation impedes the process </li><li>the tank itself is art</li><li>Outside influences impede</li><li>Don't revisit a previous tank</li></ol>

Thinktank

Just some short excerpts of the least inflammatory recipes in this book. The text itself is wonderful and has many tips, so I recommend checking it out for yourself!

Beautifully designed A-Z of the totality of revolutionary politics. This brand new Crimethinc book is the action guide - the direct action guide. From affinity groups to wheatpasting, coalition building, hijacking events, mental health, pie-throwing, shoplifting, stenciling, supporting survivors of domestic violence, surviving a felony trial, torches, and whole bunch more. Incredible design, and lots of graphics give it that hip situ feel. Loads to read, to think about, and to do. At 650 pages, you could always throw the damn book at a suitable target. What are you waiting for?

habits

Habits

CrimeInc Worker's Collective

Recipes for Disaster

In America it is seen as a must to be embalmed. You are told it is more sanitary to inject a body with preservatives and that decay is disturbing. Yet the formaldehyde is damaging not only to the environment, but also the morticians health.

Embalming is a Scam

By being afraid of death you only empower predatory industries to exploit you. Take your death in to your own hands and explore other possibilities of your own funeral care. Learn about green burial and how to save your grieving family.

Death Positivity is Crucial

I never thought I'd be able to stomach the things that I saw, but I did! It's easy to underestimate your own abilities, but by putting yourself in uncomfortable situations you allow yourself the potential to grow

You are Tougher than you Think

Some green burial options:<ul><li>Recompose: essentially human composting. legal in 5 states.</li><li>alkaline hydrolysis: water creation that is emits less carbon than traditional cremation</li><li>conservation cemeteries: burying a body without a grave marker without preservatives. allowing nature to run its course.</li></ul>

Green Burial is accessible 

I was a mortician for a few years and it taught me a lot about life. Reflecting on this I'd like to impart this knowledge on to others.

What Being a Mortician Taught

<ul><li>Most people believe that anarchist are violent, chaotic, and destructive </li><li>In reality, anarchist believe that humans have the capacity to function reasonably without the threat of force or coercion </li></ul>

Misconceptions of Anarchism

At their very simplest, anarchist beliefs turn on to two elementary assumptions. The first is that human beings are, under ordinary circumstances, about as reasonable and decent as they are allowed to be, and can organize themselves and their communities without needing to be told how. The second is that power corrupts.

<ol><li>When confronted with a line most people will refrain from skipping or cutting in line without the threat of police</li><li>Organizations that operate in a decentralized manner such as clubs or sports teams function on the basis of general consent. This is an anarchist principle!</li></ol>

Examples of Daily Anarchy

Anarchism is just the way people act when they are free to do as they choose, and when they deal with others who are equally free — and therefore aware of the responsibility to others that entails.

If one is critical of corruption due to power they upheld an anarchist belief. Anarchist believe that the current economic and political system rewards greed an exploitation.

Do Politicians Have Your Best Interests in Mind

The feeling of powerlessness dictates how most people interact with systems of power. They believe that somehow any efforts made to mend or obstruct the system will lead to an outcome that may be worse.

What's the Difference Between Anarchists and Others?

Most predictions of a world without capital are proved untrue by anthropology. For thousands of years people existed outside of governmental control, they simply existed as we do now without the threat of state violence.

What Happens with Change?

With the advancements in technology in industrialization how could we return to a stateless society?The fact of that matter is: We don't know!This isnt meant to discourage, but to implore more people to think of how we can have meaningful lives in a post industrial society

How Does this Work with Society's Progression 

1. "Two wrongs don't make a right"<ul><li> Just because someone commits a crime it does not mean they deserve their humanity stripped of them.</li></ul>2. "Sharing is caring"<ul><li>Collectivism and mutual aid is imperative to a good quality of life. Helping your neighbors and friends benefits all.</li></ul>3. "Clean up after yourself"<ul><li>If everyone takes care of their own messes and manages things in an effective manner others won't feel "burdened' by others not pulling their weight</li></ul>4. "Treat others the way you want to be treat"<ul><li>The golden rule continues to ring true as mutual respect is fundamental to collective living.</li></ul>

Advice From Childhood

Regardless of class, race, gender identity, or sexuality all people deserve a dignified and equal life. We are all inhabiting this world together so we must all strive for care for all regardless of are immutable characteristics

All People are Equal

Many people misinterpret what it means to be an anarchist or to hold anarchist beliefs. David Graeber, an anarchist anthropologist, believes that most rational people hold anarchist ideals! Do you? Read this and find out!

David Graeber Are You An Anarchist? The Answer May Surprise You! 2000

Gender Nihilism: An Anti-Manifesto - Alyson Escalante

Shutting Down the Port of Tacoma

How to Form an Affinity Group

Punk—Dangerous Utopia

Recipes for Disaster

Sydcada Bug