BUT WHY?
The anarchy sign has a complex and rich history that dates back to the 1860s. It is attributed to the Federal Council of Spain of the International Workers Association, a group established to create labor unions to fight against capitalism and oppression. The symbol consists of two shapes - an A and an O - which later evolved into the modern circle-A. "The A here is tooled to seem hand-crafted out of what could be interpreted as wood or a measurement tool, representative of the working class.
While the ideology of anarchy has existed for centuries, it was in this period that it became associated with this powerful and iconic symbol, representing resistance against authority and a desire for societal change. Handmade forms similar to this are historically common to logos representing hard-working people coming together under similar ideas.
The Ⓐ did not truly attain its full power until the mid-1970s. The circle-a was deemed as the ideal unifying emblem that embodied punk rock's "wreck the system" principles. Using means such as spray paint, markers, collage, and carbon copying, the Ⓐ sign rapidly spread into various items, ranging from jackets and jeans to zines, in this spirited new movement.
Regarding typography, the current mark seems to be nearly flawless. Its layout effectively fulfills its intended function, without any rigid rules. Every label was manually crafted, resulting in distinct differences without considering proportion or balance. The characters are now composed with only four swift strokes, exuding a feeling of anger and defiance in contrast to the previously subtle logo.
The symbolism's harmonious connection with grassroots endeavors and impulsive actions rejects the concept of representation as a Ⓐ does not serve as a representation of anarchism nor can it assert to do so. Unlike an authorized seal, it does not validate any authority since no individual possesses the legitimacy to authorize its usage. The notion that individuals are free to utilize this emblem without restrictions further affirms its avoidance of representation and solely invokes the accountability of the user. This may elucidate why the appearance of this symbol has extensively diversified, particularly due to the punk movement, showcasing unique expressions of creativity while maintaining its profound association with anarchism.
Anarchy Manifesto
The dissemination of issues related to libertarian emancipation requires the involvement of all individuals, the involvement of all individuals who advocate for an anarchist society as the sole path toward the complete realization of humanity. Regardless of the different currents (philosophical nuances) or the different groups and organizations (practical nuances), no activist should object to any effort contributing to the wider dissemination of propaganda, thereby enhancing its effectiveness and demonstrating the unity of Anarchism amidst its diverse conceptions and expressions.
Why do we propose this symbol that we PROPOSE TO THE ENTIRE ANARCHIST MOVEMENT and why this one in particular?
It stems from two primary motivations. Firstly, it aims to streamline and expedite the creation of wall inscriptions and posters. Secondly, it seeks to enhance the visibility of the anarchist movement within society by incorporating a common element shared across all anarchist expressions in the public sphere.
Specifically, our objective was to minimize the time required to create wall inscriptions by avoiding the need to write a lengthy signature beneath our slogans. Additionally, we want to choose a symbol broad enough to be embraced and used by all anarchists.
The proposed symbol best fulfills these criteria. By consistently pairing it with the term “anarchist,” it will trigger associations with anarchism in people’s minds (akin to the phenomenon of the Celtic cross-linked with the Jeune Nation organization).
Moreover, this symbol serves a dual purpose for anarchist enhancement: firstly, by accelerating and facilitating the creation of anarchist messaging, and secondly, by appearing in graphic representations of the various anarchist groups, tendencies, and organizations.
By adopting the letter “A” (which bears no resemblance to JJLL), we aim to demonstrate our commitment to reciprocal solidarity and to pave the way for the widespread adoption of this efficient and practical approach.
Young Libertarians Paris Group
Tomás Ibáñez
The symbol was a product of extensive collaboration and collective effort. Prior to its adoption as a symbol, its creation involved a concerted collective undertaking. While the original concept was initiated by Tomás Ibáñez, the goal was to develop a simple, easily reproducible emblem that would not be tied to any specific anarchist group or organization. The intention was to amplify the visibility of anarchism by incorporating the symbol into all graphic representations of the anarchist movement.
It was ultimately adopted as a result of extensive deliberations, and thus, it was a collective endeavor by a group of young libertarians in Paris. The process of finding the most appropriate design and making the final decision were also communal endeavors. While a single individual was in charge of creating it on a stencil, both the creation of the meticulously mimeographed bulletin in a friend's apartment and its distribution remained collective efforts.
The circle Ⓐ represents the idea of unification among diverse groups and ideologies within the anarchist movement. This concept was inspired by the definition of archipelagos, which refers to a cluster of islands connected by what separates them. Similarly, the circle Ⓐ aimed to bring together different streams of anarchism, recognizing their unique qualities while finding common ground. This idea aligns with philosopher Gilles Deleuze's description of anarchy as "that strange singularity which can only be said of the multiple”, that can only be described in relation to its many components. In essence, the circle Ⓐ represents a call for unity and solidarity within the anarchist community.
ALERT!
ALERT!
ALERT!
ALERT!
In the United States, the anarchy symbol has been officially designated as a domestic terrorism symbol. Most recently, in 2022, the government published a revised Domestic Terrorism Symbols Guide that includes symbols associated with "Anarchist Violent Extremism," such as the Ⓐ, the black cat, and the red and black flag.
Keep in mind that using these symbols does not automatically imply involvement in unlawful activities
Symbols like the Anarchy symbol carry important educational and cultural significance, often used in scholarly conversations about political theory, history, and social movements. These symbols also play a role in cultural expressions such as music, fashion, and art, conveying ideas of rebellion and alternative subcultures. Recognizing this broader context is crucial to avoid misinterpreting symbolic expression as extremist behavior.
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution safeguards freedom of speech and expression, including the incorporation of political symbols. Therefore, highlighting the Anarchy symbol, incorporating it into artwork, and wearing it on clothing shouldn't be automatically associated with illegal behavior or endorsement of violent extremism.