Assignment # 13 Walter Benjamin "Theses on the Philosophy of History"

                                 IV

Secure at first food and clothing, and the kingdom of God will come to you of itself. – Hegel, 1807


The class struggle, which always remains in view for a historian schooled in Marx, is a struggle for the rough and material things, without which there is nothing fine and spiritual. Nevertheless these latter are present in the class struggle as something other than mere booty, which falls to the victor. They are present as confidence, as courage, as humor, as cunning, as steadfastness in this struggle, and they reach far back into the mists of time. They will, ever and anon, call every victory which has ever been won by the rulers into question. Just as flowers turn their heads towards the sun, so too does that which has been turn, by virtue of a secret kind of heliotropism, towards the sun which is dawning in the sky of history. To this most inconspicuous of all transformations the historical materialist must pay heed. 

Walter Benjamin - 1940


The need for food and clothing as survival necessities are greatly highlighted in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It is believe that when an individual's basic needs are met; he/she is able to work towards achieving spiritual fulfillment.

     Granted that the existence of class struggle have affected man both positively and negatively, it is usually the negative issue that are reflected on. Although most beneficial the positive influences are often viewed as necessary changes within society. Some of positive changes include: new ideas and practices, increased awareness of control over one's destiny, increased social enviornment, adoptation of new values, acknowledgement of injustice and inequality, new technology, individual rights and freedom.
     On the other hand some of the negative aspects include: primary focus on the economy with no attention to culture or religion, destruction of old values, expansion of state power, increased demand for limited supplies, increased poverty rate and opression of the under priviledged. Class struggle has affected the lives of past generations and will continue to do so into the future. Each individual's experience will remain different from his neighbor as what is important to one person is not always important to others. All  accomplishments like all victories in a war are critiqued and measured.
     For the fear that modern day change will result in generational loss of history and values; I still believe a strong nation is one that focuses on the past, present, and future. Yes, the economic welfare of all country is vital to its day to day progress but, so are issues concerning religion, culture, and science. A nation with a unified foundation is one that focuses on all social issues. Like a flower to the sunlight individuals will continue to gravitate to winners and trend setters believing they are more influential.


History and Nihilism have both lead to changes in the world. Nihilism forces people to address the meaning and value of a believe or an idea. It represent emptiness, objects with no significant meaning, it challenges society to change old practices and ways of doing things while history represent the past, old values and the foundation for the future. In our modern day society history is used to overcome nihilism through reflection. During the Nazi era "nihilism represented emptiness, meaninlessness, and intenses longing. It was the breeding ground for Nazism and all forms of totalitarianism rule. It was used to justify brutality and cruelty to human beings".

Walter Benjamin - 1940

Frankfurt School: On the Concept of history by Walter Benjamin http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/benjamin/1940/history.htm

Assignment # 12 Walter Benjamin

     Even the most perfect reproduction of a work of art is lacking in one element: its presence in time and space, its unique existence at the place where it happens to be. This unique existence of the work of art determined the history to which it was subject throughout the time of its existence. This includes the changes which it may have suffered in physical condition over the years as well as the various changes in its ownership. The traces of the first can be revealed only by chemical or physical analyses which it is impossible to perform on a reproduction; changes of ownership are subject to a tradition which must be traced from the situation of the original.

     Granted that Walter Benjamin was a reknown radical intellect makes his writing interesting. Art is used to describe and explain things in simple symbolic form while depicting social and political issues. Benjamin believed every piece of art, even the most perfect lacked presence in time and space and unique existence of the place of occurence. Change he believe alters originality and ownership, that can never be recaptured. This I believe represents the fact that modern replicas of ancient art will change the way they were once viewed by society and the fact that modern technology is responsible for changes in lifestyle and culture.

Source: UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television;

Transcribed: by Andy Blunden 1998; proofed and corrected Feb. 2005.

1. Why does Benjamin argue for the similar effects of Dadaism and Chaplin films?
Benjamin believed art was used as social consciouness to depict social and political problems in simple forms, similarly to Chaplin using comedy to relate to life.

2. Explain some of the positive and negative effects of the destruction of the "aura" in art.
Some positive effects are the fact that aura is immeasurable, aura is unique and reproducible while some negative effects are the fact that aura changes the experience of a subject and alters the configurations of time and space by which previous generations had perceived them.  

3.  How would you judge or evaluate the impact of mass culture in contemporay life today?
Mass culture is responsible for several changes within our contemporary life, it is responsible for social changes, cultural and political changes. Mass media also provide a realistic view of the world while increasing our abilities to communicate with others.

Assignment # 11 On Pain

" Pain’s disregard for our system of values greatly increases its hold on life...Our children’s tales close with passages about heroes who, after having overcome many dangers, live out their lives in peace and happiness. We hear such assurances with pleasure, for it is comforting for us to learn about a place removed from pain. Yet, in truth, life is without any such satisfying end... (p. 4).      

     In the hope that everyone will understand pain and the effects it has on human beings Ernst Junger highlights it as the central experience in life and most influential aspect of behavior based on individual and societal perception. The existence of pain has been known to have both positive and negative effects on society; it forces some citizens to ignore values and rules while promoting compliance among others. When inflicted pain and suffering can become dominant and take control of a society and its citizens. Junger writes that pain often become stories among family members, especially children and tales of heroes. Often heroes are injured post war soldiers who are left to live their remaining days in peace. War stories entail triumphs and victory for the winners who often reminisce on what they have overcome and the changes they helped to achieve while the loosing country is left with damaged property, wounded and dead soldiers, a weak and unstable economy, and the pain of rebuilding. One such example was Germany after Hitler's reign of terror. I believe the existence of pain builds character and foundation, it makes us stronger while preparing us for good and bad days. Their is no life without pain.   Ernst Junger, On Pain.

1. Is pain the most important experience in life?


Pain according to Junger is the most central experience in life, it builds character and tolerance to accept the unacceptable. It teaches discipline, understanding, empathy, and sensitivity. Pain makes each individual aware of the other person and can have a positive or negative outcome. Pain is subjective, and is often what the other person says it is. 

2. What does "post-liberal" mean?

Post liberal means the period after World War I, it depicts countries that were able to tolerate pain and suffering, death of soldiers, loss of economy, destruction of property and changes to society and laws. Access to new and modern technology that would enhance and improve life.  

3. How does obedience to the state protect the person from pain?

Through the learned behavior of detachment and objectification human being's have become tolerable of pain. The introduction of new and modern technology has also resulted in changes of information and procedures. Juger writes that the elimination of torture and the slave trade, the discovery of electricity, vaccination against measles, narcosis, the system of insurance, and a whole world of technical and political conveniences has lead to protection from pain. Protection is also seen through citizens enjoying an abundance of goods and pleasures as a sign of prosperity. There are grand cafes, citizens are in a dream-like state,while ease fills the air like a narcotic. Poverty is rarely seen and obedient citizens enjoy the conveniences of education, career choice of preference, free market of labor, the contractual character of almost all social ties and the unrestricted freedom of movement. The potential for conflict is also reduced (pp.12-13).
Ernst Junger, On Pain.

Assignment #10 Nazism

     In view of Nazism and the choas it created in the world I will highlight the similarities and differences among the political party platforms. First the Communist party, like the Social Democratic party and the Nazi party are all committed to the improving their society in very specific ways. All believe land and property should be used for the good of the people while maintaining individual independence and self determination.

     The differences among the Communist, Social Democratic, and the Nazi party platform are as follow:

Communist Party:
- The communist party believes the oppressive Republic and all its economic and social institutions should be overthrown.
- Favor abolition of private property and establishment of land reform program.
- Supports the government having total and complete control of property and industrial productive forces.
- Favors foreign policy that supports the Soviet union as an ally against capitalism.

Nazi Party:
- Abolition of the treaty of Versallies (refused the responsibilities associated with the war).
- German citizens must have German blood - no Jews are allowed to be a citizen, non-citizens must live only as foreigners and must follow the laws for non-citizens.
- Only citizens are allowed to vote and hold high ranking positions in public offices.
- Non-citizens are expelled from Germany if shortage of food arise and it becomes impossible to feed the citizens.
- Individuals entering Germany after August 2, 1914 are forced to leave the country upon arrival.
-  All news paper must be printed and published in German by only German citizens and owners.

Social Democratic Party:
- Supports a free and just democratic society for all citizens.
- Honors and uphold all German political and financial obligations to maintain respect among the world.
- Intent to improve the country's economic status through the creation of new public work jobs.
- Unemployment compensation for six months after losing a job.
- Elimination of governmental expenses to lower taxes.
- Individual rights and protection for citizens that disagree with the Democratic party and their issues.  

      "The army that we are building grows from day to day, from hour to hour. Right at this moment I have the proud hope that once the hour strikes these wild troops will merge into battalions, battalions into regiments, regiments into divisions. I have hopes that the old cockade will be lifted from the dirt, that the old colors will be unfurled to flutter again, that expiation will come before the tribunal of God. Then from our bones and from our graves will speak the voice of the only tribunal which has the right to sit in justice over us".


     The result of Hitler's greed for power and control lead to him believing that his actions against Jews, non-German, and every one that was different was right. He desired control and assumed that having a strong growing army would maintain his reign. I relied on his troops, their callous mannerism and the chaos the country was experiencing. Hitler believed his control over the troops would continuously encourage and promote growth for destruction. He believed the nation should be pure bred Germans that support and believe in him. He viewed himself as God and having infinite power over the German people. Hitler viewed himself as invincible, the true, and rightful ruler for the German people even assumes that even after death his reign and established rules will continue to affect the German society.

Assignment # 9 "Politics as a Vocation"

                                                Politics as a Vocation

"The will to power, narrowly stated as the need for power or motive for power, is defined more accurately as the ability to overcome resistance in the achievement of values. The individuals who are able to overcome the most resistance are the Übermensch or “superman”. The idea that humans are motivated by the need to realize values became the core of Weber’s theory of human action, or what motivates human action. The concept of the übermensch became the foundation of Weber’s notion of charismatic domination".


     For the fear that power can make inidividuals act and behave in manner they would not do under normal circumstances makes me wonder. The desire to be in control of and over others is what drive most leaders and rulers however if they have values and morals to guide them they usually tend to do the best for society. What drives each individuals varies on their background and what they believe in. Control and power often tend to consume and destry those who seek it desperatly.    

                                                 Weimar Political Parties

•Catholic Center Party (Zentrum, or, Z)

The Catholic Central Party was primarily formed to protect the interest of German Catholics, it was very different from the other parties as it had not only catholic supporters but Jewish and Protestant members. Voting was allowed among the female members and so was there input in legislative delegation. The party was comprised of a left liberal trade union wing and a right conservative nationalist wing. The Catholic Center Party was also of great importance to the foundation of the Weimar Republic and its government. The leaders of the party wworked as chancellors for nine administrations and were included in each of the twenty one cabinets that ruled for fourteen years. 
•Communist Party (KPD)
The German Communist Party began during the revolution with initial members from the radical Sparticist group. Some of the members were also radical workers and radical intellectuals. The party was a leftist party that opposed the Weimar Republic, antisemitism, and exhibited hotility to the Social Democratic party. They preferred a dictatorship rule, but supported females and their leadership roles.
•German Democratic Party (DDP)
The German Democratic Party included a large population of middle class Protestants such as doctors, lawyers, and intellectuals. The DDP was a leftist party with Max Weber and Friedrich Naumann as prominent leaders. The party supported the Weimar Republic, resisted militarism, antisemitism and participated in the coalition of governments.

•German Nationalist People’s Party (DNVP)
Members of The German Nationalist People's Party were primarily Protestant landowners, industrialists, civil servants, and farmers followers land owners. Among the group were also white collar clerical workers and retail sales workers. The party upheld a militaristic view, resisted the republican government and opposed the terms of the Versailles treaty.

•German People’s Party (DVP)
Members of this party included small and middle size business owners, and some white collar workers. Members were also of Protestant faith and some Catholic. The party was a moderate nationalism and less antisemitism. Some of the members believe and supported the Weimar coalition government and helped Gustav Stresemann to remain party leader.  
•National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP-Nazi)
This was the German Workers party with Adolf Hitler in command. Members were primarily young men with military background who had difficulty adjusting to the German society and economic distress. Others mambers were low middle class citizens, shopkeppers, artisans, and some white collar workers. They opposed the Weimar Repulic, supported antisemitism and believed Jewish citizens were a threat to their society. The party was initiated through the Catholic church and gradully it gained the support and interest of females. In the end they had the largest group of female supporters with the largest legislative delegation.  
•Social Democratic Party (SPD)
Members from this party were primarily blue-collar trade union skilled workers and occasionaly some white-collar workers and intellectuals. Others include landless farm workers, working class women, and some Jews. The party believed in the reform of the Weimar society and hoped for a brighter future. They also strongly opposed antisemitism in society. Among group members the Protestant faith was more prominent than Catholic.

Assignment # 8 Weimar Constitution

Established in 1919 the Weimar Republic lasted for a short time until 1933. Although short lived it is one of the most studied and notable period of history for a failed democratic society (Linz 1978). The Weimar Republic represented a democratic experiment for the German people.
 

Article 83

Customs and consumption taxes are managed by the Reich administration.
When it comes to the management of Reich taxation by Reich offices, institutions have to be established which safeguard special state interests in the areas of agriculture, trade and industry.

      In the event of  the Germany's situation; Article 83 was implemented and enforced during the Weimar Repulic period of crisis (1919-1924). The "Period of Crisis", is the first period of the The Reich administration, it began after country had engaged in World War 1 and was forced to accept monetary and political responsibility and for the cause of the war. The country was faced with economic distress, increased inflation, and devalue of the paper money. The Reich administration like other nations did what they thought best and began protecting special economic state of interest such as: agriculture, trade, and industry. Applicable taxes were enforced and adjusted as the government deemed suitable. Taxes were added to imports and exports as a source of income to help rebuild the country. Similar to established companies and stable countries the daily day to day task of safegaurding the countries interest was of vital importance.

 Second Chapter : Life within a Community

Article 119
Marriage, as the foundation of the family and the preservation and expansion of the nation, enjoys the special protection of the constitution. It is based on the equality of both genders.
It is task of both the state and the communities to strengthen and socially promote the family. Large families may claim social welfare.
Motherhood is placed under state protection and welfare.

      Another aspect the Reich administration viewed as important and in need of protection was Article 119. This was established under the "Golden Period" from (1924-1929). The German society was rebounding from the economic stress of World War 1. During this period the importance of the family was recognized by the state and local communities and resulted in the implementation of Article119. The protection and preservation of the family stucture ensured the survival of the German nation. Marriage as the foundation for the family structure made everyone priviledge to constitutional protection under the law. Family unity is supported and promoted by the state and local community groups. Family with more members than the nuclear family are entitled to social welfare and assistance from the government. Knowing that the well being of children requires time, dedication, and patient the state and welfare department has granted special protection to motherhood. Both male and females are expected to be treated equally and fairly under Article 119.
      
Three differences found when comparing the Weimar consitution to the American Bill of Rights are:
1. Article 21

Members of parliament represent the entire nation. They have to follow nothing but their conscience and they are not bound to instructions.

2. Article 22

Members of parliament are elected in a general, equal, immediate and secret election; voters are men and women older than 20 years; the election is held according to the principles of representative election. Elections must be held on a sunday or public holiday.
Further details are determined by the Reich election law.

3. Article 26

Reichstag elects its president, his vice-president and his secretaries.
Reichstag establishes its rules of procedure.

There is no additional branch of government in the American Bill of Rights like the Reichstag; further more members of congress are selected from each state they represent and voting in the United States begins at age 18.

Weimar Republic - Paragraph 175

     "An unnatural sex act committed between persons of the male sex or by humans with animals is punishable by imprisonment; the loss of civil rights might also be imposed."

     In the light of the 1871 paragraph 175 a national German law, sex was prohibited between two men. Several homosexuals were arrested and prosecuted for their orientation. According to the Prussian code same sex acts were punishable by imprisonment of one to four years. A shift of power and control in Germany led to the rise of the Nazis who viewed sexual acts between two men as immoral and punishable by incarceration and murder. The Nazi leader Adolf Hitler saw gay men as weak, incapable of reproduction and undesirable as a social group.
     In the hope for change several activities rebelled against the law stating "men have a right to act as they choose so long as it is consensual and does not harm others". Same sex encounters were deemed unnatural and unacceptable by the German society. Ironically there are many citizens in our modern day society that support some of the same prejudice and biases. I view sexual preference as I do religious and political choices. As humans we have to appease ourselves with what makes us happy, if a same sex relationship works for the next person and fulfill their needs then kudos to them. In regard to sexual encounters with animals I strongly believe such individuals should receive intense mental interventions and punishment by imprisonment. Most animals are smaller than human beings and view us as care takers; therefore abuse of an animal is definitely not accepted.

http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/paragraph_175.html