They are young and old; students and recent graduates; soldiers, mothers and even doctors.
They aren't all clad in denim vests or heavy black boots, and they aren't pierced in absurd places. Some don't even have tattoos.
No one speaks of taking over the world or staging a government coup.
They aren't extreme militants; everyone is on a first-name basis.
They're anarchists, but you can't necessarily tell.
About 25 people fill the book-lined room at the Civic Media Center to eat, talk, discuss key issues and watch a film. Staying true to the anarchy theme, the group is watching "V for Vendetta," a tale of chaos and revenge in a socially constrained London.
The smell of food mixes with the rustic aroma of beer and mead.
Sarah Cervone, founder of the Gainesville-based group known as the Anarchademics, said most people have it wrong when it comes to anarchy because of popular culture.
"People should be aware that anarchism is as much about building community and new institutions as it is about tearing down systems of inequality, injustice, exploitation and oppression," Cervone said. "Those who are in power have historically promoted a caricature of anarchism as chaotic and violent."
A few minutes after the meeting has began, one of the Anarchademics is ready to speak out about the values of anarchy.
Her name is Caroline Williams, but everyone calls her Cat.
She moved from Los Angeles to Gainesville in 2004. She's a 41-year-old licensed practical nurse and a self-identified anarchist.
She drinks water from a large, blue Clan McGilly Odin's Ale bottle she got from last year's Medieval Fair and talks and laughs with her friend Lucinda.
It's Lucinda's first time at an Anarchademics meeting, and Williams jokes that the meeting "just might change her life."
Williams' tattoos aren't visible when she's fully clothed, but when tattoos are the discussion, she sweetly offers to "show-and-tell."
Two large tattooed-wings spread over her upper and middle back, and she says they're symbolic.
Her mother died when she was 5. She said that's when "the wings came about."
"I was told she'd gone to live with the angels," Williams said, "and I decided to become one so I could be with my mom."
Sadness fills her green eyes for a moment, but they brighten up again as she explains why she identifies with anarchy.
Her delicate voice is soft, yet forceful, and her strawberry-blonde hair moves into her eyes as she speaks.
"In the U.S., it's the red vs. the blue, the Democrats versus the Republicans," she said. "I just think that's far too narrow and simplistic to define ourselves, and we need to broaden that field with discussion."
Williams said she understands anarchy is frightening for people who want more government control. Yet she believes personal integrity and responsibility are the only options for a civilized world.
"Some people think anarchy is saying ‘screw the government,' and in a vein, it is," she said. "But it's also part of a viable political discourse."
Arne Zarzecki, a 30-year-old self-employed writer, craftsman and artisan, shares Williams' sentiments.
Zarzecki, who has identified with anarchist ideology his whole life, said the term "anarchy" has been bastardized, scapegoated and at the very least misunderstood.
"Most people think of anarchy as something violent and chaotic when in reality it is about peace and empowerment," Zarzecki said.
Williams added, "We make these little boxes and expect everyone to fit into them, but it doesn't always work that way,"
Williams said anarchy is essentially the free exchange of ideas and the freedom from intellectual constraint.
"I hold the very strong conviction that not only is each person capable of governing themselves, but should be responsible for doing so," she said.
As for political freedom, Williams said she's thankful to live in America where freely embracing and speaking about the ideals of anarchy isn't illegal.
"My dream is to be the pebble dropped in the pond of humanity that becomes a wave of compassion and understanding," she said. "I'd like to have a farm with a pond, where I can provide respite care and long-term care for veterans or children who have no other place to be. I need the pond so they can go fishing and the farm so there can be food."
Anarchardemics meet the third Wednesday of each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Civic Media Center.
