I was first properly introduced to the concept of anarchy through this site a couple of years ago. I say properly because I had of course heard of it prior, but I was not properly prepared to hear the message behind the word.
What Do You Mean By Prepared?
This is what typically came to mind hearing the word, and with that as a conceptual definition of the word... I wasn't really open to any arguments that were pro. It got filtered through an already formed idea of what it meant, as a result I wasn't really open to the concept. I wonder how many people there are today like I was? People who can't get past the concept of what they think a thing is... even when it is being laid out differently before them.
While looking for a picture I found this article and I want to quote one part:
1. Yes, I was stereotyping a little bit. It was all in good fun. Just because you support and promote an impractical political philosophy that’s commonly associated with hate, bigotry and racism, doesn’t necessarily mean that you are filled with or support hate, bigotry and racism. There’s a slight chance you could be normal.
# So, it’s “Ask an Anarchist Week” at OU…
It seems to me that if the people you are trying to reach feel this way, your not going to reach them. How could you?
Voluntaryism
Far less heard, and as such when I first heard this term used I didn't have the same resistance to what followed. I didn't try to put it through a filter to twist what I was reading into something that fits any of my preconceived notions.
I don't want to go on and make this about the ideologies, I admit to being ignorant as to any defining differences. What I did notice though is that I was introduced to a lot of similar concepts anarchists hold without knowing at first. When I came to realize they're not conflicting ideologies... I approached anarchy ideologies differently.
I guess I am just ultimately curious as to why anarchist would continue to be used and held onto if it created such an obstacle to adoption? I know there are people that want to see the world burn, and some of those people embrace the word anarchy, but the majority of what I have read from anarchists after my eye opener is not remotely similar. So why give yourself such a hurdle to more widespread adoption of the philosophy?
Just curious, and love to hear from people.