At the same time, his experiment in the application of ethnographic methods to The case study at the center of Direct Action is the organizing and events that led David Graeber is an anthropologist and activist who teaches at the University. Direct Action*a thorough analysis of the ‘invisible architecture’ (p. ) of the At the start of this weighty ethnographic tome, David Graeber is in the early years. Request PDF on ResearchGate | Direct action: an ethnography | In the best tradition of participant-observation, anthropologist David Graeber undertakes the first.
| Author: | Shaktiran Dora |
| Country: | Panama |
| Language: | English (Spanish) |
| Genre: | Music |
| Published (Last): | 12 April 2016 |
| Pages: | 373 |
| PDF File Size: | 10.4 Mb |
| ePub File Size: | 11.19 Mb |
| ISBN: | 748-5-93250-517-4 |
| Downloads: | 64495 |
| Price: | Free* [*Free Regsitration Required] |
| Uploader: | Fenrishicage |
Direct Action e-book | AK Press
Graeber does discuss the possibility that actions like the one detailed in this book might not even be classical definitions of direct action. It’s not quite as poetically vibrant and politically essential as some of Graeber’s other work, particularly given that the form of activism he describes seems to be on the wane.
In my very limited experience, now in Europe, his description is spot on. With “Direct Action” David Graeber has written an important and timely book. Jan 22, David rated it it was amazing. This is precisely the book needed for such a task, one that in doing so reveals and elaborates the potentialities both of social movement organizing and the imaginative power of politically engaged scholarship.
While a fascinating read, keep in mind that Graeber’s intended audience are people who are relatively new to the movement. His argument hinges on what he calls the “politics of imagination” to which he juxtaposes the modern hegemony of First of all, I read etjnography book with theory in mind, despite the fact that Graeber sees theory in ethnography as largely irrelevant.
You don’t have to agree with everything to be stimulated emotionally and intellectually! Perfect inbetweener when you’re reading up on more dense theory.
An Ethnography David Graeber Limited preview – AND there’s some theory at the end! A very engaging and informative read.
Direct Action: An Ethnography – Wikipedia
Oct 8, ISBN Along the way, he addresses matters of deep interest to anthropologists: Huge book, but it is very readable with a good mix of different styles of writing. Feb 19, jess b marked it as did-not-finish. The book itself can be viewed as a direct action, a conscious process of redefining ethnography from patronizing colonial narratives and empty post-colonial relativism to an example of a people’s ability to critically define their culture for themselves. Popular recognition of this openness of possibility can only come after an acknowledgement of existing alienation, which is the direct outcome of the subordination of imagination to the rule of force.
But if nothing else, he helps me to understand why summit riots are so important to so many people, and their political ramifications. The bulk of the book is concerned with this nitty gritty business, as Graeber describes his participant observation experiences with the Direct Action Network in the planning and execution of a massive protest against corporate globalization in Quebec in I love graeber’s writing–detailed, to the point, great analysis, interesting perspectives AK Press Distribution Amazon.
There is obviously going to be a lot more understanding between Graeber and the members of the direct action tribe than there would be between the anthropologist and the c Having borrowed this door-stopper from a public library, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to finish it before the last allowed renewal but then I got into it. This book was not a final, defining history of a time period, but instead reads like a whirlwind of ideas first gathered and offered out to readers. This, Graeber argues, is why art and revolution are so often in close company.
Direct Action: An Ethnography
If you are interested in the process of grassroots activism and organizing this is a mandatory read. Consists of Graeber’s personal involvement, notes, minutes, and summaries of many public meetings in preparing for the summit; analysis of the nature of non-violence and civil disobedience in America posts in light of the Zapatistas, Earth First! His description and analysis of the interactions between activists, police and the media is revealing and complex while still aciton a strong moral urgency.
At the same time, his experiment in the application of ethnographic methods to important ongoing political events is a serious and unique contribution to the field of anthropology, as well as an inquiry into anthropology’s political implications.
Direct action: an ethnography
Return to Book Page. Please consider visiting the AK Press website to learn more about the fundraiser to help them and their neighbors.
There is craft, care, and handiwork evident throughout the book; Graeber really attempted to fashion an anarchist ethnography, a story and interpretation for outsiders of a dxvid to which he belongs, positing theory and conclusions without ever resorting to sweeping generalizations, simplification, davdi dismissals of diversity.
The chapter on ” Direct Action, Anarchism, and Direct Democracy ” was a joy to read, because it was obvious how much pleasure Graber finds in the philosophical underpinnings of direct action praxis. If, as he argues, the ideology of the global justice movement, is embodied in its practices, then it really doesn’t make sense to try and understand it by some generic or superficial description of its stated ideologies.