1. The quote I chose that best represented both readings and the lecture was from Inverted Totalitarianism by Sheldon Wolin. The quote states, "No doubt these remarks will be dismissed by some as alarmist, but I want to go further and name the emergent political system “inverted totalitarianism.” By inverted, I mean that while the current system and its operatives share with Nazism the aspiration toward unlimited power and aggressive expansionism, their methods and actions seem upside down. For example, in Weimar Germany, before the Nazis took power, the “streets” were dominated by totalitarian-oriented gangs of toughs, and whatever there was of democracy was confined to the government. In the United States, however, it is the streets where democracy is most alive–while the real danger lies with an increasingly unbridled government".
2. To my understanding, I believe this quote is trying to say that in modern-day America, democracy no longer lives in government, and the people do not have a "governmental" voice anymore. The abusive political power is now inside the government, which should not exist there, and there is nothing the people can do about it. Wolin compared how absolute power does not only have to be achieved through the government but can be also possessed through the streets. He discussed how Nazi-Germany became so powerful by the streets causing uproars and demanding for Hitler to be their new political leader and trashing democracy. Either way, a nation can be corrupted or destroyed through the people or the government. There are no safe sides.
3. I chose this quote because I believe it has a lot of common themes of America's modern-day "democracy". Wolin compared how Nazi-Germany was destroyed by the streets forcing the government to elect a certain political power, just like the streets in America today were and still are causing uproars for Trump to remain president. It is sickening to see this comparison now in my life because there are so many alternatives and methods that can be used to please everybody. Yes, people will not be completely satisfied with the choices that can be made if we make them together equally, but it would make America safer and stronger. For the past couple of years, presidential races have been done based on popularity, and not accuracy. By accuracy I mean, things that presidential candidates discussed during their campaign that show promise or will be better solutions to building up America again. Versus popularity where people just chose a certain person based on wealth, status or how heartless than can be towards the lower class. It is honestly scary, and quite frankly disappointing, especially, since we are supposed to be the leading nation.
2. To my understanding, I believe this quote is trying to say that in modern-day America, democracy no longer lives in government, and the people do not have a "governmental" voice anymore. The abusive political power is now inside the government, which should not exist there, and there is nothing the people can do about it. Wolin compared how absolute power does not only have to be achieved through the government but can be also possessed through the streets. He discussed how Nazi-Germany became so powerful by the streets causing uproars and demanding for Hitler to be their new political leader and trashing democracy. Either way, a nation can be corrupted or destroyed through the people or the government. There are no safe sides.
3. I chose this quote because I believe it has a lot of common themes of America's modern-day "democracy". Wolin compared how Nazi-Germany was destroyed by the streets forcing the government to elect a certain political power, just like the streets in America today were and still are causing uproars for Trump to remain president. It is sickening to see this comparison now in my life because there are so many alternatives and methods that can be used to please everybody. Yes, people will not be completely satisfied with the choices that can be made if we make them together equally, but it would make America safer and stronger. For the past couple of years, presidential races have been done based on popularity, and not accuracy. By accuracy I mean, things that presidential candidates discussed during their campaign that show promise or will be better solutions to building up America again. Versus popularity where people just chose a certain person based on wealth, status or how heartless than can be towards the lower class. It is honestly scary, and quite frankly disappointing, especially, since we are supposed to be the leading nation.
Comments
Post a Comment