Monkeywrenching has proven to be an effective means of protest and activism,
not only shedding light on various political issues, but also providing a very
active means of resistance through a list of tactics. Historically, this practice
has a lengthy past which can be associated with the destruction of machines
by the Luddites during the Industrial Revolution in Europe, the colonial rebels
in the early United States and their part in the Boston Tea Party, the destruction
of rail lines during the building of Continental railways in North America,
as well as fence-cutting during the enclosure of lands in 19th century Canada
and the U.S. This is by no means an exhaustive list, as the use of monkeywrenching
tactics can be seen worldwide and in numerous historical and cultural contexts.
In general monkeywrenching is a non-violent and “productive” form
of property destruction as it often exposes a potent message and initiates an
active response to oppressive groups and practices. The small-scale and relatively
autonomous characteristic of this tactic can yield impressive results depending
on the scope of the plans, publicity, as well as the scale or consequences of
the engagement. As opposed to clunky large-scale protests or strategies brought
on by grander political movements, groups, or parties, monkeywrenching revolves
around affinity-based groups that are motivated by direct action.
Currently there are numerous groups that utilize this practice because of its
promising results. Environmentalists, such as those associated with Earth First!,
use monkeywrenching as a means of subverting ecological destruction. Animal-rights
activists such as ALF (Animal Liberation Front) use this as a means to help
free entrapped creatures as well as send a strong message to particular corporate,
governmental, or scientific communities, as well as the general public. Outside
of organized groups per se, monkeywrenching can be used to protect public privacy
by destroying CCTV Cameras (Closed Circuit Television Cameras). Biotech or GM
(Genetically Modified) crops are often the targets of monkeywrenching (also
known as Night-time Gardening), as the destruction of this type of property
can effectively ruin a crop and prevent it from being distributed and consumed
(1).
When used against businesses and corporations monkeywrenching can successfully
halt or slow production and distribution of goods if carried out properly. Down
time for equipment and machines, not to mention the diversion of funds to extra
security measures, can significantly detract from the overall profit margin.
In the end, corporations could be affected in the long run if other companies
refuse to do business with them given the delay in delivery and production of
goods and services. With the rise of electronic information and communication
technologies, “e-wrenching” is a viable option to physical attacks,
and can prove just as costly in the end (2).
Ultimately, it is important to remember that the target of monkeywrenching is
property, and not the workers or individuals involved. Tree spiking, for instance,
can seriously wound or kill a logger, and the damaging of machines and equipment
can have equally fatal outcomes. Violent or tragic results could seriously hurt
a cause if it garners a negative public response. Furthermore, in light of the
current political climate, such action could easily be deemed a “terrorist”
act, and may come with extremely serious reprisals from security and judicial
forces.
Notes:
1. Aotearoa Anarchist Portal http://www.anarchism.org.nz/book/view/922
2. Battling Employee Sabotage <http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/10-16-2001-5410.asp>
Animal Liberation Front (ALF)
Billboard Liberation
Construction of Alternatives
Destruction of Existing Forms
Electronic Disturbance Theatre
Earth Liberation Front
Workplace Sabotage
Bloc Tactic
Earth First! http://www.earthfirst.org/about.htm
Monkeywrenching and Sabotage: Planning and Executing a Hit (From Ozymandias'
Sabotage Handbook)
http://www.radio4all.org/aia/act_hit.html
Aotearoa Anarchist Portal http://www.anarchism.org.nz/book/view/922
Culture Jams http://www.lwpub.com/CJ/cultjams.html
Earth First! Journal http://www.earthfirstjournal.org/efj/primer/Monkeywrench.html
The Future of Monkey Wrenching http://www.postworldindustries.com/library_text/library_praxis/future_monkeywrenching.html
Post-World Industries http://www.postworldindustries.com/index.html
Foreman, Dave and Haywood, Bill (1993) Ecodefense: A Field Guide to Monkeywrenching.
Abbzug Press.