Anarchy is order

I have started looking into how certain symbols were referenced by the punk subculture to promote their individualism from society and the effect such imagery can have on its audience.

One of the most recognisable symbols that was highlighted throughout the 1970's is the 'circle-a' which we associate with 'Anarchy'. The word anarchist first entered the English language in 1642 as a term of abuse by Royalists to describe those who are destructing disorder. Anarchism became synonymous with the absence of government, lawlessness and disorder and stands for the self discipline and self-imposed rules among individuals.

Anarchy Symbol

I've found it hard to track down the true origins of the symbol, however, some sources suggest that the earliest sighting was on the back of a militiaman's helmet during the Spanish Civil War. (Although there is no proof of the militiaman's identity with the symbol one can only assume he was an anarchist)

http://libcom.org/files/Woodcock,%20George%20-%20Anarchism,%20A%20History%20Of%20Libertarian%20Ideas%20And%20Movements.PDF

http://www.theyliewedie.org/ressources/biblio/en/Unknown_-_History_of_Anarchist_symbols.html