Browsing by Subject "Anarchism -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia"

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    Symbols of resistance : a study of anarchist space and identity in Philadelphia
    (2004) Henderson, Ariel; Kilbride, Philip Leroy
    During the period from January 20th to May 3rd I conducted participant observation research at two different locations in Philadelphia--The Wooden Shoe bookstore and The A-Space. All three of these places are run by volunteers from the anarchist community based in West Philadelphia. I explored the ways in which these various spaces function within their surroundings--how they serve the community as well as how they are used by the anarchist movement responsible for their upkeep. Additionally, I addressed the topic of individual versus collective identity within the anarchist community and the ways in this plays out in the creation and maintenance of a movement dedicated to socio-cultural transformation. This study of radical space in Philadelphia--its meaning and function within the community setting--explored the ways in which such locations have the potential to act as catalysts for social change. These places, although securely grounded within the present community situation (through sponsoring outreach and community development programs) nonetheless serve a utopian function--that of social criticism and inspiration for positive social change. Without such spaces of resistance working to maintain utopian ideals within our society the will for political change would be subsumed by stagnant complacence. Resistance movements and how they manifest themselves within physical space therefore deserve attention from both the academic and public spheres if we as a society are to continue to grow and evolve.