This is the first image I am publishing as part of my new project, "Portraits of Freedom." Especially now, against the backdrop of events in Iran and Minneapolis, I believe it is more important than ever to show that there have always been people who have rebelled against the establishment and prevailing circumstances and helped to improve living conditions. It is intended to remind us that the "freedom of some" is not freedom unless "freedom for all" exists. It is intended to show that even today there are people who care about what is happening in the world and to encourage us to continue the fight for "liberty, equality, fraternity."
In this picture, you can see the portrait of Voltairine de Cleyre and Mik.
Voltairine de Cleyre rigorously rejected the standing army on the grounds that its existence increased the likelihood of war. In her 1909 essay "Anarchism and American Traditions," she argued that in order to achieve peace, "all peaceful people should withdraw their support for the army and demand that those who wish to wage war do so at their own expense and risk; that neither pay nor pension should be available to those who choose to make a business of killing people."
I asked the following questions:
- What is your personal motivation for participating in this project, and what is your connection to anarchism?
I want to support anarchism at every opportunity and express my opinion. The more I think about it, the more I realize how much I believe in an individualistic life where everyone is responsible for themselves, and how much I detest capitalism. The more people realize that other ways are possible, the better.
- Why did you decide to have your picture taken with Voltairine de Cleyre?
It perfectly represents my opinion. No words can truly describe the life I consider ideal. I believe that every person should be responsible for themselves, their family, and their friends. I think the concept of homesteading, which is currently becoming more and more popular, is great. A small village of friends where everyone learns to live in harmony with nature and not be dependent on capitalism. We should all live like the animals we actually are. Not as "robots" who destroy their planet and still find no happiness. Police and civilization as we know them serve only to control, not to liberate. Voltairine de Cleyre knew this more than 100 years ago. It's time for change.
- What is your personal wish for a better future?
Freedom, personal responsibility, cooperation, new modes of production, and a healthy planet.
You can find more information about my project here: https://www.living-free.de/tag/portraits-of-freedom/.
You can find an article about Voltairine de Cleyre on Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltairine_de_Cleyre
