[lbo-talk] Too Old for Rap (was Lumpen)

[Jim Devine]

me:>> Individual lack of respect toward others (the first example) is
not the same as state oppression (the second). Strictly speaking, only
behaviors of the state or similar oganizations with power (such as
corporations) are "authoritarian." OK, the Frankfurt School posited
the possibility of an "authoritarian personality" or authoritarian
attitudes. But an authoritarian advocates more power for the state or
corporation (or whatever), not the kind of anarchic rudeness expressed
by the hood in the Explorer. <<

WS: >Then how do you explain the fact that the criminal element that
started with displaying "anarchic rudeness often ended up as "kapos"
(prisoner-guards) in nazi concentration camps, or as killing squads in
Yugoslavia, or bullies in the Russian army...  ? <

did you see what I said about the "authoritarian personality" (quoted
above)? Authoritarian personalities are attracted by authoritarian
organizations, rewarded by them, and groomed for the necessary jobs.
Further authoritarian organizations encourage such personalities to
develop.

BTW, a lot of the big Nazi enthusiasts in 1930s Germany were academic types.


>... I also understand that this is not a very popular position on the
US left - which tends to portray the criminal element as folk
heroes.... <

who are you thinking of who does this? not me, I hope.
--
Jim Devine

"The price one pays for pursuing any profession or calling is an
intimate knowledge of its ugly side." -- James Baldwin

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