Kevin Van Meter’s work, subtitled “Notes on Everyday Resistance and Radical Possibility,” explores acts of everyday resistance as expressions of unfulfilled desires within capitalist society. Examples range from seemingly minor transgressions like fare dodging and shoplifting to more organized efforts like community gardening and mutual aid networks. The text argues that these acts, often dismissed as petty or criminal, represent a nascent form of political action and a yearning for a more just and equitable world.
This analysis offers valuable insight into the dynamics of power and resistance. By examining the motivations and implications of these everyday acts, the work illuminates the potential for social change to emerge from seemingly insignificant individual and collective actions. It situates these acts within a broader historical context of social movements and anti-capitalist struggles, providing a framework for understanding their significance and potential. This perspective allows for a nuanced understanding of how desires for a better world manifest in everyday life and contribute to larger social transformations.
