The Anarchist’s Deed: Beyond Aesthetic Resistance
- Rohit Karning
- May 31
- 8 min read
Anarchism
Anarchy is a system in which there is no oligarchy, no rule by autocrats, and no dominance by either the majority or the minority. It denotes a state without political institutions or governmental bodies. In recent decades, the spirit of anarchy has gradually faded. However, it is worth reflecting on events where anarchy paved the way for successful revolutions. In contrast, the passive method of protesting injustice through internet outages and online backlashes is utterly ineffective and should be criticised rather than glorified.
Anarchism is an ideology based on the belief that no one is superior to anyone else; everyone works towards a common goal without a tyrannical dictator dictating their actions. A public library offers a fitting analogy: it does not discriminate based on any factors. You approach the receptionist, request the book you want, and borrow it. At no point does the receptionist inquire about your contributions to society before assisting you—she fulfils her duties regardless of whether someone is deemed a benefit to society or not. Anarchism operates on a similar principle.
Some people question the effectiveness of anarchism, but the simplest response lies in the history of humanity itself, stretching back approximately 300,000 years.
In the early days of humanity, before the concepts of money, social hierarchies, or governments enforcing their will, people lived in relative peace. This changed when humans ceased to be nomadic hunter-gatherers and began forming agricultural societies. With this shift came the notion of land ownership, which inevitably led to the rise of the capitalist world we inhabit today. The ruling class soon recognised land ownership as a powerful tool to accumulate and retain immense wealth and influence. This development played a pivotal role in the creation of political institutions and governments as we know them today.
Yet, for much of our history, humanity lived peacefully without formal governance or rigid systems. The French anarchist and socialist thinker Pierre-Joseph Proudhon famously stated, “Property is theft,” in his book What Is Property?, arguing that the institution of private property is inherently exploitative and unjust.
Anarchists often rely on direct action, which can range from peaceful protest against unjust hierarchies to the use of more radical or even violent methods, should the situation demand it.
The Paris Commune and the Spanish Revolution
The Paris Commune (18 March – 28 May 1871) was a government influenced by anarchist ideals that ruled Paris for just over two months. It is considered a major historical milestone in the anarchist movement. While the Commune was not entirely anarchist, it received substantial support from key anarchist figures such as Mikhail Bakunin and Pierre-Joseph Proudhon. Anarchists played a significant role in shaping both its formation and ideology.
The origins of the Commune lay in the refusal of Parisian workers and anarchists in the National Guard to surrender their weapons to the French government. Instead, they seized control of Paris. Several military generals were executed after attempting to suppress the rebellion. Once the Commune was established, it abolished the hierarchical government structure, enforced the separation of church and state, and granted workers direct control over factories.
This influential anarchist-led uprising set the stage for future revolutions, notably the Spanish Revolution. The Spanish Revolution (1936–1939), which unfolded during the Spanish Civil War, marked one of the most significant examples of anarchist control on a national scale. When General Francisco Franco launched a military coup against the recently elected government, anarchists and workers responded with direct action. They stormed armouries, seized weapons, defeated sections of the army, and took control of large parts of Spain.
As with the Paris Commune, the anarchists abolished traditional government structures and social hierarchies. The military was composed entirely of volunteers. One particularly notable group was Mujeres Libres (Free Women), an anarchist feminist organisation that championed women’s labour rights, access to birth control, and the dismantling of patriarchal systems.
For over two and a half years, millions of people lived under this anarchist framework, free from capitalism and authoritarian rule. The success of the Spanish Revolution demonstrated that anarchists could govern and organise society on a large scale without collapse.
Attack Against Elon Musk
While anarchism has declined over the years, it has recently witnessed a resurgence, particularly in its influence on anti-capitalist, anti-war, and anti-globalisation movements. Let us examine a recent event that highlights the enduring power and disruptive potential of anarchist-inspired movements today.
Following Donald J. Trump’s victory in the 2024 US presidential election—allegedly with considerable support from Elon Musk—Musk was appointed a senior advisor to the president and became the de facto leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk soon began dismantling key federal programmes, reportedly without congressional approval.
This triggered a massive anti-Elon campaign, rooted in public opposition to the growing influence of the ultra-wealthy over democratic institutions. Protests erupted nationwide and quickly escalated into direct action. Citizens began illegally vandalising Tesla vehicles and damaging showrooms across the country. Amidst this unrest, an anarchist blog site based in South Africa was accused of supporting these actions by circulating targeted lists of Tesla properties, effectively guiding protesters and vandals.
As a result, Tesla suffered significant financial losses, with its stock value plummeting and Elon Musk reportedly losing billions of dollars. These events underscore a rising frustration with billionaires exerting disproportionate control over public policy and governance, often without democratic consensus.
Were the actions taken against Tesla morally justifiable? Perhaps not. But for many, direct action appeared to be the only remaining tool to express outrage and resist a system where the wealthy hold unchecked power. This phenomenon is not unique to the United States—it is echoed in countries around the world, where elites occupy dominant positions in politics, media, and finance.
Anarchism, in this context, is no longer just a theory or relic of the past—it is re-emerging as a response to systems many perceive as failing the majority.
Auraj and the Fauda Movement
Founded around 2019, Auraj is a Bangladeshi anarchist organisation. What makes Auraj unique is that, unlike many traditional anarchist groups, which often lean towards violent protest and confrontation, Auraj adopts a distinctly different approach. Their focus lies in translating key anarchist texts into local languages to spread awareness and educate the masses about anarchist principles.
Auraj is an active participant in the country's major political developments, including the recent quota reform protests in Bangladesh. Their involvement reflects a broader commitment to grassroots activism and societal reform through informed resistance.
Established in 2020, Fauda is an anarchist collective operating within both Israel and Palestine. What sets Fauda apart is its diverse membership, including individuals from Muslim, Christian, and Jewish backgrounds. Like many other anarchist organisations, Fauda advocates for the abolition of the state. It seeks to promote its principles through education, peaceful protests, and community-based support networks.
Organisations like Auraj and Fauda exemplify how anarchist movements can channel public dissent into meaningful action. Across the world, numerous anarchist groups strive to amplify the voices of the oppressed and challenge systemic inequalities. Whether through educational outreach or more radical methods of direct action, these groups often become a last resort for those who feel silenced by traditional political structures.
Historically, anarchism has deep roots. Mikhail Bakunin was the first Russian to openly identify as an anarchist, and he is widely regarded as a founding father of modern anarchist thought. Russia was also home to Black Banner, a significant anarchist organisation that sought to unite factory workers, students, artisans, and even unemployed labourers and drifters. At its peak, it held substantial influence within the country.
Anarchist movements, past and present, have often emerged in times of political unrest and social inequality. They continue to offer an alternative to systems that many perceive as corrupt, elitist, or fundamentally unjust.
Diving Into Aesthetic Resistance
In recent times, online activism has often faltered, with activists inadvertently becoming the subject of ridicule. This is frequently due to a lack of awareness regarding the pitfalls of digital media engagement. Many online activists prioritise being media-friendly, seeking virality or attention, yet this approach can easily backfire. Instead of drawing attention to the issue, they risk becoming meme material, figures of mockery rather than agents of change.
A prominent example is Greta Thunberg. Despite her sincere and urgent calls for climate action, much of the public recognises her more for the “How dare you” meme than for the substance of her activism. When activists are known for a meme rather than their message, their cause risks being trivialised. The gravity of the issue is lost in the noise of online ridicule.
Social media can be a powerful tool in mobilising public support. However, the pursuit of internet fame should never overshadow the importance of the cause. History has shown that when digital activism is executed strategically, with the right message and messenger, it can be incredibly effective. Numerous governments have shut down internet access in protest hotspots, such as during the recent uprisings in Turkey, highlighting the threat posed by coordinated online dissent.
How issues are presented, tone, imagery, and the authenticity of emotion, can drastically affect how the public receives a message. Online culture is quick to parody and dismiss protestors who appear superficial or performative. Activists who lack seriousness or commitment are often written off. In contrast, anarchist resistance, while frequently vilified as dangerous or extreme, is generally perceived as more grounded, aggressive, and resolute.
Aesthetic resistance, activism rooted in visual symbolism and performative expression, is often mocked for appearing shallow or detached from real struggle. While anarchists are feared, aesthetic activists are laughed at. This is because aesthetic activism is frequently seen as passive, style over substance, art over action.
To change this perception, aesthetic resistance must align itself more closely with material realities. This means grounding activism in tangible efforts such as community outreach, mutual aid, or direct participation in movements, so that the beauty of the message is matched by the weight of real-world impact. When aesthetic activism connects with the people and translates into visible change, it can become a powerful and respected force for resistance.
Conclusion
Anarchists work on multiple fronts to protect the common masses from the unjust and selfish decisions made by wealthy autocrats and governments. Through organised protests, they express their dissent against the injustices faced by ordinary people. These protests often succeed in pressuring authorities, unlike the actions of many recent activists who seem to protest without a clear reason or agenda, more concerned with looking good on social media than effecting real change.
Recent instances of performative protest, such as throwing soup or cakes at artworks like the Mona Lisa in an attempt to raise awareness about food shortages, do little to inspire support. Instead, they make activism look silly, undermining the seriousness of the issues and making it harder for the public to take these causes seriously.
While modern protests are often reduced to hashtags, trending slogans, or viral reels, anarchists continue to stand apart through their unwavering commitment, their readiness for direct resistance, and their determination to challenge oppressive social structures. Aesthetic activism is frequently dismissed as shallow or performative, a meme rather than a movement.
Whether or not one agrees with the methods of anarchists, one fact remains clear: real resistance is not supposed to be convenient, marketable, or easy. It is meant to disrupt. It is meant to shake the foundations of power and to unsettle those who benefit from the status quo. Honouring anarchists is a way of recognising true resistance, of standing with those who are unafraid to go against the system, those who will not settle for symbolic victories or viral moments. They work for justice, not for recognition. And if necessary, they will sacrifice everything in the pursuit of freedom.
So while society may admire online activists, it is time to acknowledge the anarchists who don’t seek fame or credit but fight relentlessly for freedom.
Activists chant for change. Anarchists make the change.
Article by:
Rohith Karning
PES MUN Society
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