Why do some anarchists cling so tenaciously to the Left?

Question

Granted there is semantic variance about what constitutes "the Left".

Answer 1

I would say, because they are leftists. They accept the uneasy synthesis because they have affinity with certain Leftist values, even when those Leftist values may contradict and compromise certain anarchist ones. I am *not* saying that Left-anarchists are not anarchists, but I do see the acceptance of this synthesis as resulting in self-contradictory theories. When I first became interested in anarchist ideas I was very much interested in Left-anarchism but, upon scrutinizing my ideas more heavily I turned to favor the post-Left critique, embrace anarchy, and reject compromises in anarchist "principles".

And yes, there is semantic variance about the term "Left" but, as far as I have seen, Left-anarchists have objected to post-Left anarchists characterizations of the Left without providing any definition themselves. I believe that many post-Left anarchists have done a relatively good job explaining characteristics of the Left, what constitutes the Left, and why anarchists should vehemently reject the Left.

Answer 2

Your comment points out why this answer is essentially unanswerable. But the simple answer is that anarchism is born of "the left".

I think that the question may not be about left vs. right, but progressive vs. radical.

I opt, as an anarchist, to think for myself and to choose to engage specific values, behaviors and ideas based on their specific merits, not based on what my peers think, so that puts my evaluations outside the confines of the left - right , or any other, dichotomy. Well actually I do the best I can with that - it's an ongoing struggle.

Answer 3

What does it mean to cling to the left? Historically, anarchists (who are regarded as the left in some circles), have worked with the left, usually finding common ground in terms of economic structure.

If by 'cling to' you mean 'defend' or 'work with' then what's the problem? The anarchist movement has a rough road ahead if we're not going to 'cling to' any movement or group that disagrees with us, even a little bit. Anarchists and the left have so much common ground... But the word 'cling to' doesn't really elaborate on whether it involves people working together or worshipping one another.

Comments

By "cling to" I don't mean to defend or work with, but to be dependent upon. Working with the Left makes sense to me in a lot of cases. Defending the Left seems less defensible. However, what I mean is that many anarchists are dependent on the Left, both in the sense of 1) identifying with the label "leftist" and/or tradition(s) as well as 2) working in coalitions or other organization of an implicit/explicit leftist orientation. In my question I was just thinking of #1, but you raise the issue of #2 which is also worth discussing.

Answer 4

Because it is their mother, and they have not yet outgrown her.