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| 2003 |
| Section A, Page 2 |
| According to dictionary.com, totalitarianism is: “Of, relating to, being, or imposing a form of government in which the political authority exercises absolute and centralized control over all aspects of life, the individual is subordinated to the state, and opposing political and cultural expression is suppressed.” Totalitarianism is also a form of authoritarianism, which is defined as the following: “Characterized by or favoring absolute obedience to authority, as against individual freedom.” Here are a few common features of totalitarianism: 1. A charismatic leader. Dictators like Adolf Hitler didn’t come into power because they were nerds. Hitler himself was so charismatic that many German women fell in love with him. 2. Broken, susceptible people. After WWI, the German people were economically and psychologically depressed. Their national pride had been nearly destroyed, and they were practically sitting ducks for Hitler, who would claim to have a plan for lifting them up. 3. Promises that appeal to the majority. 4. Fear of the “other.” 5. A created feeling of superiority. As I just mentioned, the German people were broken. They needed someone to blame it on, someone to point their finger at and say: “We are better than they are; they are evil and we are good.” That’s where the Jews came in. 6. The organization of the masses. People need unifying symbols, something to display to show that they are a part of something and have a common goal. 7. A few controlling all. If everyone had a say, nothing would ever get done. In addition, having just a few people “rule” gives the masses something to worship. => |
| Dictators like Vladimir Lenin and Benito Mussolini also knew this recipe for totalitarianism well. In “What Is to Be Done?” (1902), Lenin stressed the importance of appealing to and educating (not through books, but through experience and leadership) the working class. Lenin’s biggest attraction to the working class was his belief that class structure should be eliminated, thus bringing the poor on the same level as the rich. In addition, he believed that the working class needed to see that any new organization was stable before they would be willing to trust in it. This was due to the fact that no revolt had been successful – because the revolting groups were “spontaneous” and “embryonic” in their consciousness. Lenin also stressed that being committed to the cause was imperative to maintain organization. Isolation was, in addition, important to maintaining organization, as it gives the people and the government a chance to monitor and filter disorganizing influences coming into the organization. Finally, Lenin’s biggest draw was this: eventually, there will be no need for a government. In other words, the people would rule themselves. Benito Mussolini’s “best” argument was that Italy should return to the days of the Roman Empire, thus connecting the past and future, whipping up unification and nationalistic spirit, and helping people to believe that Italy could once again be a great nation. In addition, he promised prosperity and security. Fascism, he claimed, was a “holy” and “heroic” institution. What’s the point in telling you about this? Education is the best way to keep from falling under a form of government such as totalitarianism. On the surface, most totalitarian governments look quite good. After all – they supposedly provide protection, unification, and prosperity. So…keep both of your eyes open! ~ |
| A Quick Note On Patriotism and Protest |
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| Novella Idea |
| Editor |
| 4-11-03 |
| "Support our soldiers; Bring them home!" Believe it or not, this was the chant of the day at my very first peace rally, which I attended in March. My next peace rally was the one I didn't attend. It was held next to the "SOS: Support Our Soldiers" rally that I actually attended. I attended this second rally under the impression that it would be a neutral rally. After all, it was initially advertised (though not organized) by the same people who organized the first rally. In addition, it included prayer. I was actually pretty excited on my way over to the rally, expecting a wonderful show of acceptance and support. The large solar-powered rally I walked past on my way to the SOS rally should have been my first hint. The sheer amount of rednecks at the actual SOS rally should have been my second. And if I hadn't figured it out yet, the "France Forgot, Forget France" sign should have clued me in. This was not a neutral rally. It was a "If you don't agree with Bush and this war, go live somewhere else" rally. It was a "all war protestors hate our soldiers" rally. It was a rally that solidified stereotypes - and hate. What happened to the neutral rally? The peace side was excluded. The Western North Carolina Peace Coalition contacted the organizers, to no avail. Here were protestors who wanted to support, not spit. And they were excluded and insulted. We wanted to show our support, and you turned your backs on us. But we'll support anyway. ~ |
| What is: Totalitarianism? |
| Novella Idea 05-02-03 |