(Matthew Owens) Alexander Berkman's democracy view

- I chose to use Alexander Berkman's autobiographies entitled “Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist,” and “ABC's of Anarchism.” They follow the story of Alexander Berkman through his life as both a Collectivist and an Anarchist, which are almost opposing ideologies. On one hand, you have collectivism, which strives to conform each and every person in the club, group, county or world to the same virtues and values. On the other, you have Anarchism, which provides a zero government world, with no rule over the individual, the freedom to do whatever they want. Is Anarchism, to an extent, the same as Individualism? To be explored later.

- Alexander Berkman, full name Ovsei Osipovich Berkman, born November 21, 1870, was the youngest of four children born into a well-to-do Jewish family. Berkman's father, Osip Berkman was a successful leather merchant, and his mother’s name was Yetta Berkman. He resided in Russia for eight-teen years of his life before immigrating to New York City. As a youth, Berkman was influenced by the growing radicalism that was spreading among workers in the Russian capital, but owes his views of collectivism only to himself. When Berkman immigrated to New York City, unable to speak English at all, he joined an anarchist movement made up of Russians and Americans who were against government. In 1892, Berkman made an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate businessman Henry Clay Frick as an act of propaganda for the movement, a crime for which he served 14 years in prison. His experience in prison was the basis for his first book, “Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist.” Berkman later wrote “ABC’s of Anarchism.” Berkman's views on Democracy are very simple. He has none. Coming from a collectivist country like Russia and being an anarchist means that he did not agree with the "American" way of democracy.

- Collectivism is the socialist principle by which the state or the people collectively control all means of production and economic activity. Berkman believed that all men should be treated fiscally equivalent. His belief was whether you're a farmer or a CEO, you should be making the same amount of money. That is the basis of collectivism and communism. Berkman held steadfast to his views throughout his life. Individualism is the opposite of collectivism. Emerson's views on Democracy were the reflection or exact opposite of Berkman's views (or lack of) on Democracy. As an anarchist, Berkman hated the American people and supported a self-governing society.

- Berkman's views on collectivism will provide for a very stimulating comparison to Edwards’ views on individualism. ALSO, Berkman’s views on anarchism will also provide a nice comparison to, Edwards’ views of individualism.