I recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with journalist and writer Chris Hedges during his visit to me in prison. He shared a fascinating story from the Occupy movement in New York, just before their eviction.
During this critical time, a group of activists gathered at Chris’s house to strategize their next steps. With time being of the essence, a few individuals naturally stepped into leadership roles, making decisions and formulating a plan to move forward.
The concept of “horizontalism,” which suggests that there should be no designated leaders within a movement, is flawed. In reality, leadership is essential when numerous decisions need to be made promptly. The attempt to operate without leaders often leads to the emergence of unaccountable individuals taking on leadership roles without clear consent from the group.
The idea of horizontalism imposes a mechanical structure on social spaces, creating a “tyranny of structurelessness.” This rigid framework mirrors the hierarchical systems it aims to dismantle. While positive relationships can develop within both hierarchical and horizontal structures, they often flourish in spite of the system, rather than because of it.
In the modern age, ideologies rooted in Enlightenment principles tend to oversimplify complex social dynamics, reducing everything to a power struggle based on domination. This narrow view limits our understanding of collaboration and hinders our ability to envision new possibilities.
Historical thinkers like Edmund Burke and Pierre Proudhon grappled with the concept of creating a social ecology that exists beyond the mechanical constraints of traditional political ideologies. They believed in moving beyond the simplistic dichotomy of Left and Right and embracing a more nuanced approach to societal organization.
It is crucial that we address this issue in a tangible way. If we fail to establish large-scale organizations that promote both humanity and effectiveness in mass civil resistance, we risk succumbing to the authoritarian structures of fascism. The lack of a cohesive movement within the Left, capable of challenging established political parties, highlights our struggle to break free from outdated paradigms and innovate.
At the core of our efforts should be a recognition that power as domination is not only harmful but also unnecessary. This oppressive dynamic undermines our fundamental need for mutual respect and love. Instead, we should focus on fostering quality relationships built on love as a form of proactive care for others.
Values such as respect, service, and trust are essential in nurturing these connections. However, the prevalent culture of distrust and suspicion in today’s society erodes these foundational values, even within radical movements. While challenges are inevitable, they should be approached with kindness and humility, recognizing the shared humanity that unites us all.
