A protester at the ‘No Kings’ protest holds a sign in protest of fascism. Knoxville, TN - June 14, 2025.
An overhead view of the ‘No Kings’ protest in Knoxville, TN.
There was a protest dubbed ‘No Kings’ recently. I debated going. Not that I don’t enjoy being around others that loosely share some of the same sentiments as myself, I mean hell, echo chambers make the world feel safe, it’s that I don’t see how chanting with people who agree with you, holding signs, and having cars agreeably honk changes the oppressive actions of any administration. There is an argument to be made for attending and showing those ignorant to the outright fascism, or bedazzled fascism, what we who do not agree with current regimes and their murdering of innocent civilians, say, oh I don’t know, such as in Gaza, have learned and what we hope for the future. But when one side is touting Lambo’s and $5,000 suits, and the other is speaking on political theory by a dead bearded guy and wanting to dismantle the state which makes it possible to get that Lambo, it’s easy to see why one side is dominating the narrative. Shiny things make ape brain tingle.
I suppose I should clarify that I’ll be specifically speaking on referencing the political climate and spectrum of the United States. To define some terminology so there is no confusion, as I’ve seen it rampant on social media and in the more…not so popular media:
Anarchy/Anarchist/Anarchism, deriving from the greek an-archos, literally means no ruler(s). Hence why those waving American flags at a protest with the nomenclature ‘No Kings’ was a bit ironic. Anarchism isn’t chaos, it isn’t lawlessness, and it definitely isn’t authoritarianism. It is, at its core, a political philosophy that rejects unjust hierarchies—whether it's the state, capitalism, police, or any institution that demands obedience without justification. Anarchists believe in mutual aid, direct democracy, and self-governance.
Leftist - As simply as possible, left of Liberal. e.g. Communist/Marxist. Socialist. *All Marxists and communists are socialists, but not all socialists are necessarily communists.
Liberal/Liberalism/Neoliberalism - Progressive views within the framework of capitalist society, perpetuates oppression and hegemony, but does so waving pride flags, so it’s better, somehow, knowing what the underlying issue is, but continuing it because revolution, even peaceful, is scary.
Centrist - Oh lord..
Politically indecisive or ideologically comfortable. Think: financially conservative, socially liberal—except that means nothing in practice. Usually someone who benefits enough from the current system to feel uneasy about radical change, but not enough to feel safe without it. Loud opinions, shallow understanding.
Right-Wing/Republican/Conservative - Usually nationalist, often authoritarian, pro-capitalist by default. They're deeply embedded in traditional hierarchies: patriarchy, white supremacy, corporate power. They view change as a threat and regurgitate propaganda as patriotism. For an understanding of why they are the way they are, see Dunning-Kruger effect. They think Antifa is an organized group, and not just a mindset of ‘fuck nazis in general.’
Libertarian - They flirt with anti-authoritarianism but can’t quit capitalism. Often obsessed with “freedom” until it applies to poor people, workers, or marginalized communities. Tends to drive a Jeep with a Gadsden flag and confuse market deregulation with liberation.
Anything right of this Usually combines law and order with purity and an ethno-state. The exact opposite of a good look and usually ends with a certain country winning due to them invading during winter. Fascist, authoritarianism, dictatorship, etc. Everything opposed to what the majority of the 8 billion people on this planet want for themselves and others, but is the easiest answer to late-stage capitalism, which we find ourselves in at the moment. So, welcome to full-blown hell instead of the slightly less, everyone.
As an aside, I loathe the little names each side comes up with and uses like they’re some epiphany from the political gods. Calling Trump TACO or calling anyone with a Bachelor’s a libtard isn’t making your groceries cheaper and certainly did not save the more than 50,000 children in Gaza. Certain priorities should be adjusted, or maybe everyone should simply grow up.
It isn’t that most won’t look beyond the current system, it’s that they can’t. They lack the tools with which to do so—Consumed by ideology in that the predominant, hegemonic rhetoric has enveloped their entire sense of the world. Limiting any ability to look beyond while also creating a certainty of correctness due to how damn good American propaganda has been all these decades. Forcing the majority to stay within the confines of said rhetoric by establishing confirmation bias and echo chambers.
Even if we take the differing, superficial issues of liberals and conservatives within American politics. Some examples: Illegals/non-illegals, tighter border security/better vetting and systems for citizenship, pro-choice/pro-life, climate change/it’s just weather, healthcare/dying like an animal because no money, race, gender, sexuality, anything, anything but being aware the billionaire class is fucking us all, each side primarily agrees that the system in which we are participating is the only system, with slight nuances to establish infighting of a singular class, the working class, through those pesky, aforementioned culture wars. And therefore, arguments between these two groups only further legitimize the state, its rhetoric and, ultimately, its power over the people producing everything.
The illusion between liberals and conservatives is a deeply held tactic of the state. Both sides argue endlessly over issues created by the state, while rarely criticizing the structure that ensures wars stay profitable, wealth flows upward, and labor stays cheap. A little bit of that manufacturing consent Chomsky spoke on. Deliberate distractions exist to keep class consciousness at bay. The state doesn’t need to silence dissent when people are glad the state is at their protests, and when it can redirect the conversation toward ultimately meaningless binaries. It legitimizes itself through this opposition. A boot on your neck feels the same even if it has rainbow laces.
A ‘No Kings’ attendee protesting Trump by referencing his numerous sexual assault convictions.
This is not to say these issues do not matter, of course bodily autonomy for all, especially a historically oppressed group such as women, matters, but when they protest in the streets, with their clever signs, dressed in their ‘protest fits’ while marching side-by-side with police, there isn’t a true protest occurring. I’m not calling for violence against the state, but don’t thank the cops who are there to keep you from full civil unrest, especially when what your protesting is the end of opposition to a draconian existence. “The cops are being really nice,” a woman who wanted to stay anonymous said to me. “I’m glad they’re here,” she continued. Yes, it was one of the notorious reflective vest women, who are nice, open to chat, but in the end, neoliberals. And as an anarchist, I’m bothered by liberals more than conservatives in some sense, because the liberals know what they continue to vote for, time and time again. And knowing, but keeping the status quo propped up for a comfort such as air-conditioning is something which, one day, may be seen as unforgivable. But at least it’s not as bad as Lamborghinis and bespoke Italian suits, right?
Look, compromising your values to survive is how things work in modern society. Freedom is an ideal we’re told we have, and some believe it because they can eat hotdogs on Saturdays…if their boss doesn’t force them to work overtime. What I’m trying to argue is, we’re all wanting essentially the same thing. Sure some religious zealots or racists may stand in the way, but in the end, we all want equality, self-sovereignty and a taste of the decadence thrown in our faces every second of every day. Try looking beyond yourself, not through some horrible, nationalist lens, but simply as a human being living alongside other human beings.
