From all of the anti-Vietnam War images and headlines extending to New Zealand's shores from protest movements in the US, the UK, and even Australia, New Zealand's own movement and many of the countries citizens began to strongly echo the international condemnation of the war and also began to adopt many international protest philosophies. According to Tony Boraman, the NZ protest movement and those involved in it "drew upon a wide range of beliefs, from radical liberalism, the counter-culture, Christian pacifism, anarchism and new-Leninsim" (see definitions below). As well as the embracing of such beliefs came quite a significant surge in anarchism and anarchist groups in New Zealand who did not necessarily associate themselves with the counter culture movement of the 60s. One of the big debates within the counter culture movement at this time was over whether to mobilise as many people as possible around certain issues (Vietnam war, conscription issue, civil rights, etc.), or whether to provoke, disrupt and confront authority. Those protesters who had adopted these new radical beliefs saw the latter as the way to go. Toby Boraman comments that, "They preferred to push the limits of acceptable protest, and make action more effective than a stroll down the street... they took direct action against specific targets, especially against targets relating to the Vietnam War". Such "targets" included NZ Army recruiting centres as well as many US related places, such as US bases, consulates, embassies, etc. However many of the people who embraced the idea of anarchy and its presence in New Zealand society did not always necessarily have a strong understanding as to what anarchism actually entailed. Peace Researcher Owen Wilkes states that, "when people would refer to anarchism during the 60s and 70s in New Zealand, it was 'small-a anarchism' they were referring to - i.e. anarchy rather than ism... Very few would have a clue what [theoretically heavy 'big-A'] Anarchism was about".
It would appear that these radical beliefs that were so readily embraced by members of the protest movement from what they had seen of overseas movements, were not properly researched or understood by many. However, these new terms and philosophies provoked those involved in the anti-Vietnam war movement to take to the streets in protests and inspired different forms of protest for the New Zealand movement.
It would appear that these radical beliefs that were so readily embraced by members of the protest movement from what they had seen of overseas movements, were not properly researched or understood by many. However, these new terms and philosophies provoked those involved in the anti-Vietnam war movement to take to the streets in protests and inspired different forms of protest for the New Zealand movement.
DEFINITIONS:
Anarchism - a political philosophy that advocates for free association,
believing that government is unnecessary and harmful.
Leninism - the theory and practice of communism, as interpreted and
applied by Lenin (the principle figure in the Russian Revolution).
Christian Pacifism - the theological and ethical position that any form of
violence is incompatible with the Christian faith.