The orientation of the anti-fascist is one of solving societal problems. Solving societal problems means thinking like a state, and so, thinking like a state, the anti-fascist solution to the problem (fascism) is a paramilitary/police solution. Of course, a state (or those attempting to be one) does not solve problems - or, when it does solve problems, it cannot do so without generating unintended consequences. (It's rarely mentioned, but the FBI's COINTELPRO program was used against the KKK in the 60s.)
Black Badger: It is simply not true that anti-fascism is a form of self-defense. In the US, it involves tracking down fascist groups and attacking them. Fascists are hard to find.
What I'm interested in is finding orientations other than that of 'solving societal problems'. And, anyway, problems are usually resolved in the space created by the abandonment of solutions.
wow, that aviva quote.....conflating ethical consumerism with antifa, no matter the tactical flaws of what is going on, is so in accurate.