Any Minute Now, Something Will Happen

Straw Manarchism

• Anarchist: We want to abolish capitalism and the state.
• Rational human being: That would immediately plunge our society into the dark ages. Businesses would no longer function, food would no longer be produced, there would be rioting, looting, murder, and eventually famine.
• Anarchist: But, but, the oppressed!!!
• Rational human being: No society is going to work perfectly for everyone. Our current society allows almost every individual to have their basic needs met.
• Anarchist: But, but, billionaires! They have more money than most people!
• Rational human being: That doesn't mean most individuals don't have their basic needs met. Billionaires obviously had either good ideas, or they got good educations, and thus have merit in their field, which allows them to be in the position they're in.
• Anarchist: But that's hierarchy! We need to get rid of hierarchy!
• Rational human being: You can't have a society without hierarchy. A hierarchy allows individuals to hold positions based on merit, and it gives individuals an incentive to be productive, become educated, and work hard. Hierarchy is one of Weber's fundamental principles of an efficient bureaucracy.
• Anarchist: But capitalism is inherently racist!
• Rational human being: Our society provides a high school education to every citizen, as well as scholarships to those in need, and affirmative action to encourage minorities to advance in society. That should be enough for anyone to do well if they are motivated enough. If not, like I said, society isn't going to work perfectly for everyone.
• Anarchist: If we abolish capitalism, we can organize society into a socialist utopia.
• Rational human being: That's impossible. There is no way to achieve a utopia. Socialism is inconsistent with human nature. Abolishing capitalism would rob every single business owner of their business, and every single worker their job.
• Anarchist: .....
• Rational human being: Anarchism is an evil ideology. It would lead to violent destruction of society and civilization itself.

17 notes