Flores Magón
Anarchism is defined as a political belief wherein societies have no government, no laws, no police and no any other authority. An anarchic system believes that there should be an independent and free association of all its members, thus the absence of authority is called for. According to William Godwin, a renowned anarchist in Britain during the late 18th century, anarchism is “euthanasia of government” and it can be achieved through “individual moral reformation” (“Anarchy”).
On the other hand, Ricardo Flores Magon – a Mexican who founded Regeneracion, a radical and antigovernment paper that led him in prison, and leader of the Partido Liberal Mexicano (Mexican Liberal Party or PLM) – views anarchism in political and social contexts. For him, liberty, equality and the absence of hierarchy in society are the essential foundations of anarchy.
As such, he fought for these ideals; and even when was thrown to jail, he still continued to struggle for the principles and morals through letters to the members of his party. Under the banner of Anarchy, the members who accepted Magon’s advises called themselves ‘Socialists’; and during the revolution, they addressed themselves as “Liberals. ’ Magon’s perspective on the concept can be hauled to the Programs of the PLM. For him, anarchism should focus on the welfare of the public in general.
He gave emphasis on several things including (1) the workers are the masters of their own rights, and as such they have to be free to fight for themselves from the exploitation; (2) education is needed for the betterment of all peoples and should be expanded widespread in the society; (3) there must be a freedom of expression of ideas; (4) independence will be restricted to people; (5) great economic improvement; and (6) success over tyranny and misery.
The aforementioned beliefs encompass the Programs of the PLM that revolved primarily on seven essential things including constitutional reforms, education, restrictions on the abuses of the clergies, capital and labor, lands, taxes and special causes. Furthermore, in order to achieve the goals and visions of anarchism, it is important to take into account the Junta of the PLM and its responsibilities to the public. The PLM believed that despotism should be eradicated. And for their visions to materialize, revolution is necessary.
The responsibilities of PLM encompasses five distinct ways, which includes Junta’s needs to exist publicly and be in exile for safety; the public (Mexicans) who desire to liberate their country must form secret groups within their areas and must communicate with the Junta; Mexicans who support anarchism should have their names to be recorded; the Junta must promote publication of the oppositionist periodicals in Mexico; and Members must always be cautious in communicating with others in order to be free from dangers.
Definitely, Magon’s perspectives on the concept of anarchism are very much different from the philosophical meanings and interpretations that I have known and believed. Magon’s belief is anchored on the welfare and benefit of the oppressed people in society. His letters and writings condemn the government and the bourgeoisie; in contrast, he hails the workers, slaves and the abused. On the other hand, my perspective on the said political belief illustrates individualism.
It is indeed shallow in a sense that my comprehension only revolves on what an individual desires, which is certainly akin to Godwin’s view on how anarchism can be achieved. Moreover, Magon’s belief is very much different and diverse. To conclude, anarchism follows two paths in societies. First is its possibility to become a formal political system for a political party. Unquestionably, its possibility is pulled from Magon’s beliefs and perspectives because of the fact that it does not focus on individual’s desires but on the public’s needs per se.
Magon goals are for the benefit and welfare of the majority of the people. Furthermore, it breaks away from the traditional definition of the concept that states that anarchism needs no government, no laws and no authority. That escape is proven by the Junta and by the Programs of the PLM; wherein the Junta serves as the governing body of the Partido and the Programs serves as the laws that must be followed. As what has been stated, anarchism has the possibility and chance to become a political system if it is anchored on Magon’s principles because of a myriad of reasons.
First, the PLM calls for the struggle for the redemption of nation. In addition, whoever is elected by the people must serve the people and watch over its compatriots and must not permit abuses that are indeed prevalent in society. Lastly, the PLM’s Program is summarized into two strong words: Liberty and Prosperity. The second path that anarchism follows is its impossibility for it to exist as a political system for a political party. The reasons vary from the traditional approaches and definitions of the concept that has been learned by the society, or the stigma that lies behind the concept.
Magon has indeed left us with new perspectives and approaches of the word “anarchism. ” His letters and writings are enough to leave revolutionary paradigms and exemplars. Hopefully, his visions of a system that is free from oppression and exploitation will take place and will be learned by the current leaders of society. Work Cited “Anacrhy. ” n. d. The National Archives. 18 February 2009 <http://www. spartacus. schoolnet. co. uk/USAanarchist. htm>.
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