Yesterday, I bought a book that was worth $250 at a cost of $2. I then sold it to a family member for $30, who will then sell it to someone online for roughly $65.
I'm currently smoking a hard to find, expensive tobacco that I managed to get roughly 7 ounces of for no cost directly from the manufacturer.
The car I own currently was a Christmas gift from a friend that I met while slumming it in an artist's collective a few years ago.
I'm not paying rent right now, but I'm living on my own in an apartment and taking care of my sick roommate.
All of this, and I only have $5 in my wallet right now.
My life is a constant balancing act, and yet somehow, I'm surviving and doing better than a majority of the world. Sure, I don't live in the best area, but my housemates and I get along pretty well, and that's what matters most. However, how did all of these miracles come to be? How did someone who is so anti-establishment manage to make it in this world of cold calculations, computerized existence, and ones and zeroes?
The answer, quite simply, is to be a chameleon.
You see, I do hate the majority of the government. I scoff at how inefficient it is and how it seems to care less about its population and more about its wallet on a regular basis. I don't like money and how it centralizes power to the top of the socioeconomic grid. I truly wish that we could completely disband the concept and focus upon agriculture, the environment, and our children.
However, I am not an optimist. I am, in fact, an opportunist.
People have long maligned that term, equating it with things like vultures, snakes, and hyenas. One definition of an opportunist is "a person who practices the policy of adapting actions, decisions, etc., to effectiveness regardless of the sacrifice of ethical principles." Most imply the latter half heavily, classifying people like bank robbers, purse snatchers, rapists, and other forms of criminals in this category. In a way, they are right about that assumption, as well, seeing as most of these use subversive means to achieve their malicious, self-serving ends.
However, the definition I use here is from another source, meaning "a person who adapts his actions, responses, etc, to take advantage of opportunities, circumstances, etc." You see, I do not see an opportunist as a purely negative person as a matter of course. It is not mandatory that an opportunist be an evil entity in my mind, and I would invite you to consider this in the future.
As it stands, it is not wrong to take advantage of any positive advantage you have in America. It is not wrong to say "yes" if someone offers you something, nor is it wrong to take something if it has been truly abandoned, passed on, or left out for the taking. Taking a risk does not equate to doing wrong, and just because you don't know if you have permission or not doesn't mean you should not attempt what you want to try. The American government has tried to stamp out the spirit of independence as of late, but I cannot allow them to succeed in this. Therefore, I bring you this message:
One cannot succeed in life or make a major difference in the world by following "The Rules" all the time. This amalgamation of "socially acceptable behavior," oppressive legislation, and religious servitude are manufactured to keep the system functioning as it is now. The heads like being on top, and they will do everything they have to in order to maintain their seat of power. Is it not fair for a person to do the same in response to get what they want and need?
The cardinal rule of Wicca is "Harm none; do what thou wilt." While I am not strictly Wiccan, I subscribe to this belief with all steadfastness. As long as you're not purposely damaging others with your behavior, do whatever you need and want to do at any given moment.
The Rules say I shouldn't have bought a $2 book and sold it for $30 because it's only worth what I paid for it. The Rules say I should have paid that major corporation for that tobacco instead of them giving it to me for free. The Rules say I should be paying rent, I should not have gotten a free car, and that I should feed the capitalist machine with every ounce of effort I have.
Well, my rules say "Fuck those rules."
It's all a giant game, folks. America is a big chess board, and once a piece realizes it, they can become a player. Whereas other places may not have as many options or opportunities to be successful, America's architecture of crony bureaucracy, near unlimited markets to tap into, and malfunctioning government controls, anyone can worm their way into a position of power. Pretend to care about this rule, do right by this person, ignore one responsibility, pursue another one relentlessly, maintain a certain image....in short, America is about manipulating your environment until you get what you want. If your objective is to change the game, you must outplay your opponent until you are powerful enough to crush him outright.
This is why my name is Anarchos. I choose which rules I follow in order to get where I need to be. I'll wear a mask in public long enough to get to what I want, but not a minute longer. Silently maneuvering in the background, waiting for the right time to assert and act, changing masks to manipulate things toward an increasingly advantageous outcome...sounds like a certain role model we may share in common, eh?
Now pardon me while I go shave my beard. Orientation is on Monday, and I must look the part.
Find me. @xXxAnarchosxXx
No comments:
Post a Comment