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+3 votes
a) it's not. people who think it looks like a ghetto are only seeing (or paying attention to) a limited set of factors or behaviors. there are plenty of anarchists who are mixing it up with non-anarchists, integrating (well or badly) with them.

b) to the extent that some north american anarchists interact intensely or exclusively with other anarchists, there is a place for that; it is useful for some kind of clarity to be maintained about what anarchy is, especially since it is a tendency that is unusually open to (and hence vulnerable to) different kinds of tactics and practices, people and ideas.
by (53.1k points)
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Perhaps (inasmuch as the assumptions behind this question are even correct) because North American society itself is so ghettoized.

The assumptions of "accessibility"--that our own attitudes determine our currency with the masses--are flawed. Some anarchist circles behave in a completely closed and exclusive way, others are extremely, even excessively inviting, most are in the middle, and all of them are isolated from society at large, with only minor degrees of difference. This is because all individuals, and society itself, is isolated from society at large, in North America more than in most places.

The masses constituted by capitalism have been atomized and banished from the streets. The only remaining mass is virtual. In social terms, anarchists tend to be less isolated than the average American. They can often count more relationships of trust and their friendships tend to be more supportive materially and emotionally than the ideal middle class citizen.

To question another of your assumptions, I must say that ghettos are sites of resistance and togetherness cordoned off by a repressive order. The walls currently are not made of concrete and barbed wire, but they are still there. I suspect their principal ingredient is electromagnetic, the same stuff that moves through iPhones and youtube.
by (1.0k points)
edited by
Speaking of assumption, isn't most of your answer based on assumptions.  Not that assumptions cannot be valid, but to refute someone's assumptions by basis of your own assumptions lacks logic, not that your assumptions are less valid.  

Your assumption that ... " "In social terms, anarchists tend to be less isolated than the average American. They can often count more relationships of trust and their friendships tend to be more supportive materially and emotionally than the ideal middle class citizen..." is contrary to all of my experiences.  Anarchist by their nature I would believe would be self sustaining by nature, independent, and somewhat self-isolated.  Groups have a tendency to desire conformity.  Anarchists together would more likely be as having a punch of coals together, get too close and you will get singed.  Also trust is a condition of the character.  

As an anarchist I do not want or need to be social; communication and cooperation are much more desirable, and mutual respect rather than friendship.  Not that i don't want and value friends or at times have had friends (more of a common mindset) but I find either the freedom I desire in my life either doesn't support friends or perhaps that having friends does not support that kind of lifestyle.  This has been my own experience.
Rent control?
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