Up Against the Wall Motherfuckers
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Up Against the Wall Motherfuckers (often referred to as simply "the Motherfuckers") was an anarchist affinity group based in New York City. This "street gang with analysis" was famous for its Lower East Side direct action and is said to have inspired members of the Weather Underground and Yippies.
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[edit] History
The Motherfuckers started out as a Dada-influenced art group called Black Mask. Formed in 1966 by painter Ben Morea and the poet Dan Georgiakis, Black Mask produced a broadside of the same name and declared that revolutionary art should be "an integral part of life, as in primitive society, and not an appendage to wealth" [1]. In May 1968, Black Mask changed its name and went underground. Their new name, Up Against the Wall Motherfuckers, came from a poem by Amiri Baraka.
Among other things, the Motherfuckers instigated riots, "assassinated" poet Kenneth Koch (using blanks), forced their way into The Pentagon during a protest in 1968, and seized control of the Fillmore East (forcing owner Bill Graham to have weekly free concerts). The Motherfuckers also contributed to New York City's counterculture by setting up crash pads, serving free food, starting a free store, and helping radicals connect with doctors and lawyers. Ben Morea was also asked by Eldridge Cleaver to run for V.P. but declined.
Valerie Solanas, a feminist and would be assassin of Andy Warhol, was one well known associate of the Motherfuckers. In the film I Shot Andy Warhol, the gun used in her attack is alleged to have been taken from Ben Morea.
The Motherfuckers were never part of the Situationist International. Situationist Raoul Vaneigem did not want to have anything to do with them during his visit to New York City and the British section of the Situationist International was expelled in 1967 for its ties to the Motherfuckers. They went on to form the King Mob group.
[edit] Influence
The name of this association probably inspired San Franciscan acid rock band Jefferson Airplane in the lyrics of their song "We can be together" when they sing Up against the wall, motherfuckers!, as a revolutionary anthem.
Rock band The Icarus Line have a song entitled 'Up Against the Wall Motherfuckers'.
[edit] References
- Black Mask & Up Against The Wall Motherfucker, ISBN 1873176708, Unpopular Books, 1996
