Home school
Living room learning from bones to phones
Jim Johansson
On a Thursday night a dozen or two anarchists, punks and others cram into a West Broadway apartment for the latest bi-monthly instalment of the FTW (fuck the world) Collegiate.
Our gracious host has provided snacks, wine and door prizes for lucky attendees. She’s been hosting these FTWs for over a year. In the tradition of salons or anarchist free schools, FTW is an opportunity for peers to present information on topics they’re passionate about.
In such a cozy setting (though a little sweaty and claustrophobic during better-attended events), the semi-formal presentations often dissolve into informal discussions and lively debates. Topics are chosen by anyone willing to present, and in the past they have included: a history of the Skull and Bones secret society, Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, the science of x-rays, edible weeds found around Winnipeg, interpretations of the biblical apocalypse, and the history of computer hacking and phone phreaking. Presenters are awarded with home-made FTW fridge magnets.
It has been over a year since I first gave an FTW presentation on astrozoology, the speculative science that considers the potential for, and possible nature of, life in space. Drawing evidence from life forms found near deep-sea vents, my attempt at painting a picture of bizarre beasts in the oceans of far-off planets quickly became a discussion of mutualistic symbioses and anarchist views of biology.
I’m much more nervous about presenting today’s topic: the philosophy of anarcho-primitivist John Zerzan. Anarcho-primitivism is a strain of contemporary anarchist thought that looks to the very origins of human social organization for sources of oppression. Needless to say, it’s rather unpopular among the more traditional flavours of anarchism used to critique capitalism and the state. Fortunately I’m the second presenter, giving me more time to fret.
Preceding me is Justin, and his topic, ‘crafts to do with kids,’ is based on his experiences using art to strengthen bonds between long-separated mothers and children. His rooster masks, faux fish tanks and papier mâché piggy banks are a hit with the attendees. After a brief intermission, it’s my turn to present.
I shouldn’t be nervous, I tell myself, everybody is here for a good time. When has a presentation ever become confrontational? I start my discussion on the origins of civilization, oppression, genuine experience, perception, patriarchy, authority and the bane of technologically-mediated communication. I fumble with great questions I can’t answer. By the end of the presentation we’re having a great discussion about the fragility of western industrial civilization. The resistance I’ve worried about for the past two weeks doesn’t materialize.
Having spent tens of thousands of dollars on post-secondary education, I’m loath to admit that the D.I.Y. forum of learning at FTW is far more effective than sleepy lectures in hard plastic seats. And it’s a heck of a lot cheaper. Try it yourself; it doesn’t require much more than a venue, a group of friends and a few brave souls willing to present what they know.
