Radical Reformer And Social Anarchism: Emma Goldman

A person’s legacy is determined by the extent one’s words and actions have impacted the mindset of the people. In other words, a person that is able to show others a different perspective has paved a path that will lead to greater understanding in the future. The radical reformer and social anarchist, Emma Goldman was able to influence others to follow the political philosophy known as collective anarchy. Specifically, the activist widely-spread the belief that government is not necessary and that it is better for the individuals to voluntarily work together to create a society with collective harmony. Goldman’s childhood strongly lacked any support from her family; her father did not approve of her individual goals and saw her as a failure

She was exposed to the ideals that violence is needed to create greater change in society. The way Goldman interpreted the social anarchy ideology was the need to be liberated from the status quo and free access to the earth’s joys and necessities. The activist was a student of Johann Most and was taught the proper ways to convince and excite others by public speech. The fiery passion she had for liberation was formed because of her lack of freedom during her childhood. Goldman would not be allowed to have the same opportunities as men because of the fact that she was a girl. She sought out equality for both genders and the right to freely choose an individual path in life. Later on, Goldman would set out to travel throughout the country spreading her personal ideals for society through books and lectures. She would start the notion for female rights and their freedom to live for themselves. Goldman was a strong advocate for free love, meaning that a woman is intended to have free choice on whether she chooses to marry or not. The female speaker also raised awareness for the use of contraception and the benefits the options have in living a fulfilling independent life for women. The views for female liberation was formed by her past when her father arranged for her to get married at the young age of fifteen and the traumatizing

The legacy that Goldman has left has created ideologies that can relate to the values of feminism and anarchism. Today, some of her beliefs have been rooted in the core ethics of these philosophies. The isolation and trauma Goldman went through her life has paved a harsh path filled with sadness and grief, but overall she has fulfilled the goals she sought out to do. She was able to teach the inexperienced individuals about progressive factors that help shape a more united and collective society. Goldman’s educations through lectures provided a better understanding for the ignorant and helped place rights to provide more