[De]territorializing Movements and Another Democracy: Extrusive Intrusions

Abstract

Through a winding route, this paper develops the concept of territory (almost) as another term in relation to common sense. It weaves a reflection about the processes of territorializing de-identification of the subject as an opening to an urban revolutionary becoming. The notion of land derives from the French term terroir, which, in turn, derives from tieroir [territoire], from Latin terratorium, an alteration of territorium, territoire, in accordance with terre, from whence come terra (land) and territory. They are close to the term territõ, territatum, which means terrible. Territory, terra, and terror are woven together through an etymology that operates by shadings. Based on this unusual approach, we intend to think about the power of disturbing minority, marginal deterritorializing flows that affect a territory, transgressing its codes, rules and property regimes, of what is supposedly their own by “natural right”. Finally, this paper explores how these counter-hegemonic, rebellious flows can become the means by which the struggle for land signifies openness and resistance to dominant social and cultural constructions and, at the same time, the founding condition of another urban democracy grounded in the action of taking collective possession of a territory, as Occupations do.