“The Anarchist Commune in the Rainforest: Poole’s Land” — Vice, 2018, 30:55 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bs24nK5er8
What does a modern day alternative to capitalism look like? Poole’s Land in Canada may serve as an interesting example of political economy and deviant lifestyles. This video takes us inside an eccentric community of people who have retreated from the mainstream world. Instead of using money, inhabitants contribute labor towards community projects. We get to see their alternative approaches to farming, medicine, recreation, and philosophy. Sociological concepts include ethnography, deviance (especially Merton’s typology of rebeles or retreatists), and intentional communities. Do you find life at Poole’s Land appealing? What unique challenges does this community face, and what advantages does it hold over mainstream living?
From the video’s description: Manisha Krishnan travels to Poole's Land, an anarchist commune on the western edge of Canada to figure out what exactly is drawing young people to live on the periphery of society. She ventures into the rainforest and confronts a variety of her deepest fears, but ultimately finds enlightenment in the spirit of the people who inhabit this mysterious place.