The Rhizomatic Revolution
In biology, rhizomatic describes a plant stem that grows horizontally underground by sending out roots and shoots allowing the plant to spread. In philosophy, a rhizomatic structure is non-linear, interconnected, and decentralized. It connects diverse things in a peer-to-peer, non-hierarchical fashion. Connections are fluid and change easily over time. Rhizomatic learning contrasts with goal-directed, hierarchical education. In rhizomatic learning, subject matter is not primary, instead, “the community is the curriculum.”
Efforts to centralize authority and power of a minority over the majority are creating a rhizomatic revolution in America. It is growing underground daily, in diverse places—on the streets, in offices, among oppressed and powerful. The resistance is decideldy not a movement by leaders, who are weak, ineffective, and often astonishingly wrong-headed.
Instead, people take their lives in their own hands. If you are one of many millions attending protests, you’re part of the rhizomatic revolution. If you’re writing on Substack, or posting comments in debate, you’re part of the rhizomatic revolution. If you attend open mikes, produce a zine, or post art on Facebook—you’re part of the rhizomatic revolution. Alone in your room playing guitar. Talking to a friend about that thing her boyfriend said. Reading books. Anything different from the manipulative modern mainstream cultural bullshit (all done for profit) marks you as heretic and apostate and part of the rhizomatic revolution.
Our lives are our own. We will decide what we want of them—not some advertiser, not some all-knowing hi-tech conglomerate, not some talking head on television. Do you know what they’re all saying, all the time? Blah-blah-blah pay me. We are svelt and sleek. Watch my ads & you will be happy. Here’s what I’m saying—Bullshit.
We’re calling out bullshit on the system. We don’t want to fit in anymore. We want to make a living, make art, make lives with our fellow friends and simpaticos. Sorry Donald, and Kamala, and Ralph Nader, and old Gus Hall too. It’s been more and more crap directed at all of us, all the time. When people hear the word anarchist, they think of bombs and disorder. They don’t think of governance in common by communities. When they hear the word revolution, they think bolshevik, Cuba, poverty and war. These are not the rhizomatic revolution, which is a change in ways of thinking, a change in ways of being. It is possible in America because of the legacy of the disappearing middle class. It is happening, like enlightenment, one soul at a time.
The rhizomatic revolution is the response to authorty from on high. It will not be bought or sold. It is millions of people in unison saying No. No. That’s not how we want to live. That’s not how we want to be governed. Write, think, feel your own life. Make the art that expresses you. Go ahead, paint, play guitar! Set down the machinery of modern media. The world balances itself in your heart. Love everyone you can. You determine what’s right. You are a gift, you are golden. Join the rhizomatic revolution. It is too fluid to fail, too broadspread to be taken. It’s authocthonic, American, and believes in you. Our best chance for happiness and peace.