Anarchist Calisthenics: Rehearsing to Revolt
New Tiktok trend alert! Welcome to Anarchist Calisthenics 101, a trend where we practice anarchy in small ways every day, readying ourselves to topple the system.
Sound like a stretch? I thought so when I first heard the term too, but then I kept clicking, and watching and scrolling and it all started to make sense. Author and artist Prince broke it down the best for me, defining this frame of thought as a way to become radical in your day to day life, which in the long run makes you more aware of the social order you operate within, how to resist it, and ultimately priming you to resist the state - which honestly, with the way the world is going is something we all need to be prepared to do.
As the world becomes increasingly fascist around us, learning to function in a default state of critically questioning the ‘rules’ and expectations around us, is the minimum possible level we should all be functioning at to clock when someone is coming for our rights.
Who made this stuff up?
That would be one James C Scott. An anarchist theorist, and author of Two Cheers for Anarchism: Six Easy Pieces on Autonomy, Dignity, and Meaningful Work and Play, which was published in 2012.
Ready for a key quote we love from the book?
“One day you will be called on to break a big law in the name of justice and rationality. Everything will depend on it. You have to be ready. How are you going to prepare for that day when it really matters? You have to stay ‘in shape’ so that when the big day comes you will be ready. What you need is ‘anarchist calisthenics.’ Every day or so break some trivial law that makes no sense, even if it’s only jaywalking. Use your own head to judge whether a law is just or reasonable. That way, you’ll keep trim; and when the big day comes, you’ll be ready.”
It makes sense, use it or lose it. In true Anarchist beauty you can read the whole entire book, for free, online here. (Fuck yeah!)
How can you practice your Anarchy?
It does feel realllllyyy scary, and we definitely aren’t recommending you go out and get yourself in trouble, or put yourself in harms way. Here’s a few totally harmless ways we are practicing Anarchist Calisthenics in our fashion choices that are the first step of our training program for fashion anarchy!
1) We’re wearing the loud shoes. You know the really cute ones that make everyone on the street look at you, and echo down the street when you walk? Yeah, we’re wearing them.
2) We’re making content in public. Which is so commonplace now but also feels so uncomfortable. If you need to create content for your work, or you just want to - get out there and do it. Start small with a friend and an idea that doesn’t take up too much space, expand to fit checks, photoshoots and selfies with a tripod.
3) Practicing respectfully disagreeing with, or even better - confronting, people in authority over us. That could be an employer, or just a man talking down to us at the bar - speaking up and pushing for what we believe in (without getting into any dangerous situations of course) is a big step.
4) Civil Disobedience baby. Our right to peaceful protest is quite literally under legal threat right now. But you will find us at every demo, pride protest and peaceful sit in that we can possibly attend. Civil Disobedience has been part of every major activist campaign in history, and inconveniencing people with peaceful demonstrations is an amazing way to practice feeling a bit uncomfortable for the greater good. Next time you see an Extinction Rebellion protest slowing down traffic don’t whinge about it - think about how they’re practicing their freedom, and prioritising our collective future over the momentary disapproval of their peers. It’s a vibe.
5) Refuse to participate in oppressive systems. Don’t buy that new outfit, thrift it. Don’t attend that festival that donated to Israel, swerve it and go to your local independent queer venue instead. Walk instead of using Uber. Learn to mend your clothing yourself. Opt out of mandatory programmes that feel murky and unfair, and refuse to pay extra fees that you don’t believe in. Put your money where your mouth is baby!
6) Build community. This sounds like a sweet suggestion, but it’s rebellious AF. Fascism relies on a duper individualistic mindset, a scarcity mindset, and pushing us to prioritise ourselves over all else. Connecting with and getting to know your community not only opens your mind, but fosters in a sense of unity that will remind you there is power in numbers, and that we, the people, can do a whole lot when we come together. Part two of why coming together to protect ourselves is so important - the knowledge exchange. In a world where every skill is gate kept and hidden behind pay walls, coming together to skill share and democratise knowledge is so powerful. (We also host events for this exact reason - head to our event page to come to the next one!)
7) Put a big old political statement on your t-shirt (or wear a badge). Stepping out into the world visibly supporting something that you know other people may strongly disagree with is scary. And by, god don’t put yourself at risk of a hate crime. But practice making it evident what you believe. I often go out in me ‘Women Don’t Owe You Shit’ top from CHNGE and love the expressions it creates from passers by.
8) Wear the fucking outfit. If you feel you aren’t the right size for it - fuck the fatphobia. If you don’t feel ‘pretty’ enough - fuck the beauty standard. If you feel to edgy and attention grabbing - fuck being pushed into being something small - be your full expression of yourself. Unfortunately clothing can be weaponised as some kind of wild excuse for abusive behaviour, so again, don’t put yourself in harms way - but other than that wear whatever the fuck you want. Challenge the stereotypes expected of you and have fun - the system wants you to feel shit about yourself all the time - to fuel your investment into fast fashion and capitalism to improve your self worth. Resisting it and enjoying the way you dress is pretty badass.