Endgame Premises Archives: 4: Civilization is based on hierarchy
Civilization is based on a clearly defined and widely accepted
yet often unarticulated hierarchy. Violence done by those higher on the hierar-
chy to those lower is nearly always invisible, that is, unnoticed. When it is
noticed, it is fully rationalized. Violence done by those lower on the hierarchy
to those higher is unthinkable, and when it does occur is regarded with shock,
horror, and the fetishization of the victims.
In mid-July, an armed attack on ICE facilities in Tacoma, Washington took place. Here’s a brief summary of what happened: Will Van Spronsen… was killed [on July 13th] while carrying out a raid against a migrant concentration camp in Tacoma, Washington State. Van Spronsen is thought to be the first person killed attempting to take … Continue reading Response to Armed Attack on ICE Facility→
Hilla Kerner joined Vancouver Rape Relief thirteen years ago. Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter is the longest standing rape crisis centre in Canada. Since 1973, the group who is self organized as a collective has responded to close to 46,000 women seeking support in their escape from male violence. Since they opened their transition … Continue reading Hilla Kerner of Vancouver Rape Relief—Derrick Jensen Resistance Radio→
Editors Note: the international refugee crisis is driven by war, imperialism, and destruction of the planet. In other words, it is driven by civilization, or “the culture of empire.” DGR is opposed to empire and we see the refugee crisis as a humanitarian emergency. We believe that the best way to fight this crisis is … Continue reading Indigenous Children are Dying at the U.S./Mexico Border→
Coming to a political consciousness is not a painless task. To overcome denial means facing the everyday, normative cruelty of a whole society, a society made up of millions of people who are participating in that cruelty, and if not directly, then as bystanders with benefits. A friend of mine who grew up in extreme … Continue reading Political Education for the Poor – An Advocacy for a New Political Awareness→
The UK has never stopped being a racist country, but the vote to leave the EU has given more confidence to many racists. Racist attacks are on the rise. Now more than ever, “white people” like me need to use our privileges to support groups like Black Lives Matter. ... Continue reading →
Recently walking up Main Street in Park City, Utah, I saw in the Visitor’s Center doorway what looked like a man holding a great-horned owl surrounded by children. As his voice carried across the street, I heard the man explain that this owl had been found with an injured wing after being struck by a car.
I love owls. I love the haunting sound of their hoots in the darkest hours before dawn. I love the joy that accompanies the lucky sight of a splash of brown feathers against newly-fallen snow when an owl makes the rare decision to reveal herself in winter daylight. I love how owls’ mysterious nature have made them omens in so many cultures’ imaginations. So, when I saw what I thought was a great-horned owl, I automatically crossed the street with a feeling of anticipation. ... Continue reading →
I’m not telling my story in search of pity; none of us want your pity. I tell it as testimony to the bare truth of what prostitution is, the truth that every day is drenched in lies. I’m telling this truth not for myself but for all the women who are still suffering and all … Continue reading Women cannot be afforded human status in a world where prostitution exists→
Aric McBay Originally published at inthewake.org When some people hear that we want to “end civilization” they initially respond negatively, because of their positive associations with the word “civilization.” This piece is an attempt to clarify, define and describe what I mean by “civilization.” One dictionary definition1 reads: civilization a society in an advanced state … Continue reading Definition of Civilization→
Featured image: Mining in Seite Suyos, Bolivia. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons user Mach Marco) By Derrick Jensen / Deep Green Resistance When living the dream means others will die I want to tell you three stories of winning and losing, of selfishness and sacrifice, of this culture. Story one. Last spring I gave a talk in a small farming … Continue reading Derrick Jensen: Culture of Plunder→
By Stephanie McMillan / One Struggle This essay originally appeared in Idées Nouvelles Idées Prolétariennes. Featured artwork by Stephanie McMillan Individualism is the ideology of competition, of capitalism. It consists of prioritizing one’s perceived immediate personal interests above collective interests, and being blind to the fact that one’s long-term personal interests actually correspond to the interests of … Continue reading Strengthen Collectivity: Combat Individualism→
