Back to the circle ‘A’, which is absolutely brilliant in its simplicity – instantly recognizable, easy to draw, and easy to spray paint on a wall.  Did it just spontaneously erupt out of the punk movement in the late 70’s or does it have a history?  Of course it has a history.  The anarchy symbol can be traced back to 1615, but the symbol as we know it today was perfected in the 19^th century by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, who proclaimed, “Anarchy is order.”  The ‘A’ stands for anarchy and the circle stands for order.

Adopted by anarcho-punks in the late 1970’s, ‘anarchy’ became a battle cry for those punk bands who wanted to live the lifestyle rather than sell out for a hit record.  It was a direct reaction to what anarcho-punks saw as the commercialization of the punk ideal as so-called punk bands like the Sex Pistols and Generation-X signed to major labels and had huge hits, all under the guise of anarchy.  They felt these bands sold punk rock out.

So here’s the quick rundown on what it means to adopt the lifestyle and politics of the circle A – anarcho-punks are discontent with society’s systems and institutions.  They see the world as deeply corrupt and any institution with the power to coerce is dangerous.    Anarcho-punks are frequently fierce environmentalists who believe in the ethical treatment of the earth and animals.  Many are vegetarians and vegans in protest of the cruelty animals are subjected to and are critical of how the corporate farming of animals destroys the environment.  When it comes to art, especially music, the DIY philosophy is de rigueur – selling out to a major label is selling out the entire philosophy – compromising one’s aesthetics/ethics for money is shameful.  Anarcho-punk bands with something to say: The Crass, Flux of Pink Indians, Chumbawamba, Discharge, The Poison Girls, The Dead Kennedys, The Subhumans, and Bad Religion.  Enjoy.