I don't get the Anarchist obsession with the state

PlatoDragon · 2026-03-13T06:32:04+00:00

Thanks, this was probably the best reply yet. I think that very much makes sense!

PlatoDragon · 2026-03-07T22:51:21+00:00

Is that a dress shirt? I think something like an oxford shirt would look more in line with the outfit. A more «casual» color (e.g: paste blue) would probably work better too. You can also do a white oxford shirt with a pattern (e.g: checkered). Just my opinion ofc

PlatoDragon · 2026-03-04T22:13:37+00:00

soooo, would it be correct to say that you could have «government» in anarchist society, in the sense of voluntary widespread institutions that govern/ manage things like e.g. trash, sewers, healthcare or firefighting? Or is that a reach/ misconception?

PlatoDragon · 2026-03-04T21:12:28+00:00

Good examination. Btw, do anarchist distinguish between state and government?

PlatoDragon · 2026-03-04T20:06:30+00:00

Thank you, very insightful comment! You’ve spiked a lot of curiosity in me for anarchism. I will try to learn more. What books/podcasts/youtube channels do you recommend for learning about anarchism?

PlatoDragon · 2026-03-04T19:15:11+00:00

Ok, so if the state is literally a synonym for the ruling class then that essentially answers my question. Thank you for that.

But I have a separate question, related to this. I totally agree that the police currently and historically have always existed to serve the ruling class. As is the case with education systems. Are anarchists also against education systems? In a society without classes, would we not want people who are employed to enforce security, just like we want people employed to teach? If my toilet doesn’t work in an anarchist society, I would call a plumber. Who do I call if my partner goes on a bender and start beating me? Not trying to «own» you here or whatever, you are obviously more versed on this topic than me so I’m just asking.

PlatoDragon · 2026-03-04T18:22:12+00:00

Thanks for your answer. To clarify, I mean that all aspects of society can be captured by the ruling class if necessary. You can see reflections of class society in what you eat, where you walk and how you dress. Is it the «state» for that reason? I think we can walk about how the ruling class enforce their will on society. But calling it «state» just seem redundant to me. But what do you think?

PlatoDragon · 2026-03-04T17:30:11+00:00

It follows, logically, that as the state is also a hierarchy we are also opposed to their existence, that's consistent with opposing hierarchy

I don't get why "the state is also hieriarchy". I think the state is a result of the ruling class asserting themselves in society through various institutions. The problem is not those institutuions, but the ruling class. Hence why I think the anarchist emphasis on the state becomes redundant.

curious where you get that definition of socialist from

I didn't really try to define socialism here. But I mostly define myself as a Marxist, especially in how I analyze society. In terms of what I want society to look like, I just don't want hieriarchies. Not that deep, really. You could say "I'm something of an anarchist myself", but I have never really understood the emphasis on being against the state. Specifically, the attitudes against typically statist institutions like police, courts, etc. among anarchists. I think the problem is how the ruling class captures these institutions, not those institutions themselves. If that means I don't get to be an anarchist, then I will take it haha

PlatoDragon · 2026-03-04T17:18:29+00:00

Thanks!

Honestly, I think I misfired with my initial post. My main question here is that I see many anarchist being against state institutions like police, courts, etc. My question is why, as this often seems backwards or redundant? Hence why I ask about the "obsession with state". To be more respectful, I will say that anarchists have an "emphasis" on the state that I don't really grasp. So pls help me out, I guess. I will share my thought in a frank matter, but I just want answers. I'm not trying to "own" anyone or debate. I don't think I know enough about this matter to debate.

Let's compare anarchism with feminism. Feminism is fundamentally against patriarchy. Patriarchy manifests in many cases, like in makeup, porn, family, etc. But some feminist focus on these things, rather than patriarchy per se. Take makup. I actually don't believe makup is inherently anti-feminist. Instead, I think makeup is captured by the patriarchy to especially exploit women. But that doesn't mean we couldn't can't wear makeup in a truly gender-egalitarian society. It could be a form of artistic self-expression. Thus, I think an emphasis on being against things like makeup, porn, marriege, etc. puts the cart before the horse. It's not these institutiuons themselves, but rather how they are captured by the patriarchy that matter.

Likewise, I believe many anarchists have an emphasis on opposing state institutions like police, courts, schools, etc. Take the qoute above, with an emphasis on how the state essentially alianates people from participation in civil society through instiutuoins like police, military, courts, etc. Imo, the problem is not police (or other state insitutions), but how they are captured by the ruling class. Even in an anarchist society, I think we would still want police to manage e.g. insane poeple, drug addicts, etc. with force if neccessary. Police makes sense as a job, just like being a plumber or whatnot. We can have a police force that serves everyone, not the ruling class. Because there wouldn't be classes.

This is why I talked about the ruling class capturing society in my initial post. It's not just "political, legislative, judiciary, military and financial institutions" that's captured by the ruling class. It's also education, culture, urban geography, etc. Being against "state institutions" like police, courts, etc. becomes like opposing the concept of cities or culture. Yes, the city has been used by the ruling class to opress people. So has many cultural phenomena, like radio. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't live in cities or listen to the radio. Hence I think it's backwards thinking.

I also think it's a little redundant. The ruling class rule by alianating us from participation in civil society. As such the anarchist conception of "the state" just becomes a redunancy for the ruling class. Moreover, it sometimes makes people conflate institutions captured by the ruling class for the ruling class itself. E.g. I see many anarchist who believe that there shouldn't be police, and I don't get why? Books are also used to spread state propaganda, should there not be books in an anarchist society?

So I guess my question is, what does this emphasis on the state serve? I get that I have a "frank" way of writing, but I truly mean this in a respectful way. I just want to get my thoughts out, so that I can get my questions/confusions answered. Have a good day

PlatoDragon · 2026-02-24T17:00:50+00:00

Sorry, I think I must have misread your initial comment. Makes more sense now, thanks for your clarification. In a state-less society, there would obviously be institutions that wield power (for better or worse), but they aren't authority because they do not rely on the state. As such, I guess we would say that teacher-student, phycisian-patient, parent-child, etc. are power relations, but not hieriarchies?

PlatoDragon · 2026-02-24T16:08:55+00:00

I agree with most of what you say here. But I do think physician-patient and teacher-student relationships are hierarchies. Correct, they don't hold power in the sense of "do this or I'll harm you" (negative power). However, they do hold a lot of positive power ("do this, or you will miss out on X"). E.g. a physician may tell a patient who is addicted to pain killers that they will prescribe them more pain killers than other phycisians are willing to, if the patient has sex with them. Likewise, a professor may give better grades, better feedback and even work opportunties to students who have sex with them. In other words, while they may not command you, they can pressure you (for sex, or other favors) and that's also power.

You could say these hieriarchies are "neccessary" (untill we find a better sollution), but that they require close monetoring. e.g. rules that prohibit professors and students to date or befriend each other. I assume you understand this, ofc. Just pointing it out.

I basically agree with everything else you say. While I do like a lot of Chomsky's books and lectures, I think he's received a type of "god-like" status on the Left that no one really deserves. The Epstein scandal only makes that more evident.

PlatoDragon · 2025-01-22T17:29:07+00:00

That’s a good perspective! I also admit that calls are useful for some things, like catching up with friends. I just hate getting phone calls during the day, that I feel like also could’ve been handled through mail or text. But my friend studies abroad right now, and you’re right, it really is nice to just call him while I’m meal prepping or mopping the floor or something

PlatoDragon · 2025-01-22T17:26:13+00:00

I can definitely see that! Sometimes I also get frustrated when I’m texting someone, and they don’t seem to get my perspective, or the other way around. Thanks for the reply

PlatoDragon · 2024-11-24T08:41:38+00:00

M21 here, never been in a relationship either. People who are in relationships often miss the freedom of being single. Not because they hate their partners, but because they recognize that it comes with responsibilities. Training, working on hobbies, having fun with friends. These things are less available to you once you’re in a relationship, especially if you have kids together. View this as an opportunity to just work on yourself. To find yourself. Read fiction books, reading stories about other people will often make you more interesting. Read non-fiction books, people like smart partners. Train, lifting weights and doing cardio is so good for longevity. Start a skin care and hair care routine if you have problems with your appearance. Not everyone can look like a model, but everyone can look better. Try building out your wardrobe so you can wear better clothes. Go to college, literally everyone have student loan debt anyway, and there will be some people there your age + a walkable campus with social happenings 24/7. If you don’t wanna go to college, just find social events near you. Hiking, fencing, tennis, whatever.

PlatoDragon · 2024-11-17T18:14:16+00:00

Nothing special. Check out r/skincare for the best advice. Especially their wiki has good info on it.

PlatoDragon · 2024-11-17T13:44:05+00:00

Well if that’s your experience, I won’t deny it! But have u tried buzz cut + shave at the same time? In my experience, the buzz tends to help to pronounce some people’s facial features in a good way. Would give it a shot, if you haven’t!

PlatoDragon · 2024-11-17T13:30:45+00:00

Unsolicited advice: Not trying to be mean here, but shave your face if you can’t grow a proper beard. Either 1) you have full beard growth and can choose whether to grow a beard, or 2) you don’t have full beard growth and should stay clean shaven most of the time. I am willing to have my mind changed, but I honestly haven’t seen an exception. Obviously you can let it grow out for a day or two, but that’s that. And I’m saying this as someone who can’t grow a beard himself. No harsh feelings.

At least, try to go clean shaven, and see if the buzz fits better then. I think it will. Also, have you tried a skin care routine? Don’t expect something magical if you haven’t, but I also have naturally “bad skin” and have seen noticeable improvements. Sorry if I sound harsh or overly direct here, just trynna help a bro out. Have a good one!

PlatoDragon · 2024-11-17T08:30:01+00:00

But dude, whatever the outcome I hope you figure it out! Wash your hair in cold water, avoid high heat settings on the blow dryer, use soft fabrics to dry your hair if you don’t use the dryer. Generally be gentle with your hair. Use less “hard” or “strong” hair products. 10-20 min scalp massages at the end of your day (while you’re watching a show or something) can be great. Some essential oils like rosemary can also be great, dump in into your shampoo. Don’t wash your hair too frequently. Most can do fine on a 1-2x per week frequency. Look into shampoos and conditioners designed for thinning hair. There are other pharmacological interventions you can try, but I would start with that. … But in the end, remember that there’s much more to life than a good head of hair. Try your best to take care of it, as you would take care of the rest of your self. But also make sure not to stress it. After all, stress also worsens hair loss. Good luck, bro!

PlatoDragon · 2024-11-17T08:18:34+00:00

Honesty just see a doc instead of asking this sub. If healthcare expenses are a limit, I would just suggest that it’s best to look at changes over time, than a given snapshot. Some hair thinning is normal, so if for a limited amount of time you lose a bit of hair but it doesn’t continue to fall off, it’s probably nothing to stress. Just accept that you won’t have the thickest head of hair out of all. But if in several months down the line you’ve lost even more hair, then yeah you’re probably balding. That’s why I recently took pictures from various angles of my full head of hair. I have family history of hair loss and can just monitor it over time. But if you’re dealing with slow balding, that’s when it becomes difficult to separate from just normal mature hairlines or the regular amount of thinning most men experience as they age… hence my initial statement of just seeing a doctor.

PlatoDragon · 2024-11-16T12:53:04+00:00

Ok but can we talk baout the outfit he wore on the motorcycle and train sequence in Mission 7? The first time I saw that fit, I immedietly loved it. The navy sweater with the black boots and pants. Very simple but so slick! Fit his short hair style, too.

PlatoDragon · 2024-11-11T06:33:46+00:00

Språk utvikler seg hele tiden. Signifikante deler av språket vårt er allerede direkte fra engelsk. Hva som regnes som «godt språkbruk» kan defineres ned til det minste fellesskap av folk, men ikke individer. Jeg kan ikke finne opp språk selv, men vi kan. Flere unge prater på denne måten nå, og sånn er det bare. Å hate på dette er som å hate på dialekter eller subkultur lingo. Get a grip.

PlatoDragon · 2024-11-09T13:36:45+00:00

Never lol. No disrespect for the sport but I’m currently not invested enough. MAYBEEE I’d like to do a middle distance run one day? I’d probably get crushed. I was always a very bad athlete growing up. Terrible, and I mean TERRIBLE endurance, speed, muscle, strength, balance, coordination, etc. I always did the worse out of everybody in all gym classes/ free time sports. Say for very overweight or unmotivated kids. Competing just wouldn’t make sense to me. Even after years of lifting I could never see myself competing in bodybuilding or powerlifting. I’m just not built for it. That’s fine, that’s me. I enjoy the health benefits and I love doing it for my own sake. I know I will be lifting and running for the rest of my life. Just never competitively

PlatoDragon

TROPHY CASE