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DIY (or Do It Yourself) culture is a broad term used to refer to a wide range of grassroots political activism. DIY culture became something of a recognised movement in the 1990s in the UK where the protest (the direct action) and party (the festival) converged. This development constituted a significant cross-pollination of pleasure and politics resembling the anti-disciplinary politics of the 1960s. During the 1990s, demonstrating the desire for an economy of mutual aid and co-operation, the commitment to the non-commodification of art, the appropriation of digital and communication technologies for free community purposes, and the commitment to alternative technologies such as biodiesel. From 1991-1997 the Conservative government cracked down on squatting, animal rights activists, greens, travellers, as well as the culture of United Kingdom, parties and dance culture. Some commentators have criticised DIY culture as a form of laissez-faire libertarianism only available to those who already have access to resources and leisure in this society.

Criminal Justice and Public Order Act

In 1994, the United Kingdom passed the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 which contained several sections designed to curtail the growing free party and anti-road protest movements (sometimes embodied by ravers and travellers). It empowered police to arrest citizens who appeared to be preparing to hold a rave, waiting for a rave to start, or attending a rave.

Other Countries

DIY culture also evolved in Australia, where it was sometimes referred to as FreeNRG culture.

See also

References

  • Elaine Brass and Sophie Poklewski Koziell with Denise Searle (editor), 1997. Gathering Force: DIY culture - radical action for those tired of waiting, London: Big Issue. ISBN 1-89-941901-9.
  • McKay, George. Senseless acts of beauty: cultures of resistance since the Sixties, London: Verso, 1996. ISBN 1-85-984028-0.
  • McKay, George. (ed) DiY culture: party & protest in Nineties Britain, London; New York: Verso, 1998. ISBN 1-85-984260-7.
  • St John, Graham. (ed) FreeNRG: Notes From the Edge of the Dancefloor Altona: Commonground. ISBN 1-86335 084-5.
  • Wall, Derek 'Earth First and the Anti-Roads Movement: Radical Environmentalism and Comparative Social Movements' London: Routledge, 1999. ISBN 0415190649

External links

Activism | Anarchism | Anti-corporate activism | Anti-road protest | DIY Culture | Protests | Subcultures

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "DIY culture".

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