Sunday, September 25, 2011
Totalitarian Politics
Over the next couple of weeks we are going to talk about totalitarianism. We'll talk about the origins of the word, the conditions out of which totalitarians forms of government emerge, its goals and features, the relationship between the government and the citizen, and a number of other interesting topics related to this type of political arrangement.
Like socialism, the state government plays an important role in a totalitarian political arrangement. But, in a totalitarian system, the power and presence of the state is intensified well beyond that of a well functioning socialist democracy like Norway.
In a totalitarians system, like in North Korea or what is emerging in Iran, the state and its charismatic leadership become omnipresent features of peoples' everyday lives. Indeed, in the most extreme cases, the aspects of your life that you usually call "private" (e.g. life in the house, emotional and intimate relationships, business transactions, etc.) practically disappear. The state government becomes a feature of most every aspect of one's life. For instance, in Iran, there is a moral police who enforce a public dress and appearance code. It is illegal for men to wear necklaces and certain kinds of hair cuts are outlawed. Also, at Iranian universities, men and women may be separated.
During the 1930s and 1940s, many Americans started asking publicly: Can America become a totalitarian state? With the rise of Japan, Germany, Italy, and Spain under totalitarian governments, some Americans were concerned that in the case of a nuclear threat from a foreign enemy the US Constitution would be streamlined -- civil liberties would be curtailed and Americans' lives would be totally mobilized against the foreign threat.
Below are some features of populations governed by a totalitarian regime.
1. Party Minded -- the individual person sees their selves as an instrument of the political party.
2. Patriotic -- there is an intense love, affection, and loyalty for one's country, historical myths, and political leadership.
3. Collectivist -- the individual's own private prerogatives, goals, aspirations, enjoyments are downplayed, while the public goals of the collective are the most important.
4. Vigilant -- the enemy is seen as dangerous, everywhere, and camouflaged. So, there is a more or less permanent sense of readiness to uncover the activities of the public enemy of the people, the state, and its leadership.
5. Hate filled -- the enemy of the people, the state, and its leadership are the object of this hate, which is matched by a strong sense of patriotic love of the one's country.
6. Love work and political activism -- contemplation and reflection is shunned, while positive political action and work that benefits the community is celebrated.
7. Disciplined -- people easily obey figures of authority and curb their own private desires for the betterment of the collective.
8. Modest and puritan -- there is an emphasis on self sacrifice, self denial, self discipline and, in general, taming individual desires and wants.
What do you think?
Do any of these eight features associated with totalitarian governments resemble aspects of life in our political system? Which ones? Can you describe how they resemble aspects of our political system?
Or, alternatively, do none of these eight features of a totalitarian system resemble our own system of government? Is our system and a totalitarian system opposites with nothing in common? What do you think are the key differences between our system and a totalitarian system?
Do you think it would be possible for totalitarian politics to emerge in the US? Why or why not?
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I think our political system resembles some of the eight aspects. For example, our political system is disciplined. If a cop is in sight, people will become nervous and quickly make sure they are not doing anything wrong. I do not feel the majority of us are patriotic; at least I do not see it. But I do believe we will eventually become a totalitarian country because the government will soon want to do what the other totalitarian countries do (Japan, Germany, Italy..), and behave in the same manner.
ReplyDeleteTaylor Frankenberry
PSCI 100.03
mwf 11-12
While I do believe our government may exhibit some traits described above, I think it would be nearly impossible for the US to become totalitarian. To be a totalitarian nation the country must unite (or forcefully be united) under one charismatic leader. I believe no one currently in any political office is capable of over taking this country through love or fear. Look at how divided our country is just by republicans and democrats. How could one person control such varying political views?
ReplyDelete-Colleen Boyle
MWF@11 PSCI 100.3
There are some aspects that are seen in both systems. Patriotism is one of the most obvious. Americans are very proud of their country and some even die defending it. I think Americans are also disciplined. We obey people with a badge. If we don't, there are consequences. I can't see our country turning into a totalitarian government. I see Americans as too strong willed. There would be riots and distruction if our government was no longer democratic.
ReplyDeleteCorbin Clark
PSCI 100.03
MWF 11-12
I think that there are similarities and also differences in the features if the Totalitarian Government. I believe that they are in common with the features of patriotism, discipline. I believe that the rest of the features are differences. Especially the eighth one about being modest and puritan. Some people don't think about others needs and are only concerned about themdselves.
ReplyDeleteTiffany Didawick
PSCI 100.04
I think our politcal system resembles some of the 8 aspects listed above. I know that the U.S is a very patriotic system of government since 9/11 I feel like there has been a rise of patriotism in the U.S and one shows loyalty against any enemies. I also feel as if the U.S displays a very disciplined kind of lifestyle..based on information we have learned before the U.S serves as a self policing country, I notice it more now that I have learned about the issue if police are in sight people immediatley look to obey the rules. However, I dont see the U.S becoming a totalitarian government I believe what collen has said above, however the leader may have the power to overtake the country there are enough people even against our own leaders belief to not follow our presidents wishes and commands. Americans are too strong willed and would do anything in their power, whether they would riot in their own country just to eliminate the possibility of a totalitarian government from happening.
ReplyDeleteJenna Hoffman
MWF 1110-12
PSCI 101
Our political system def. resembles some of the 8 aspects of a totalitarian system. I however feel that our country is not very patriotic. We have a lot of illegal immigrants and immigrants in general that are from other countries who do not care for our country as much as they do theirs. Discipline is another factor that "most" of us obey or are scared of, however, obviously not everyone has the same fear as some.
ReplyDeleteWhile I want to believe the US would never become a totalitarian country, it most definitely could become one. In class we went over how some of us believe in certain aspects but none of us said we would do anything about it. Therefore, what's going to make us want to do something about it if our government changes to a totalitarian. (Interesting how people say one thing in class and a different thing on here)
Rose Walker
PSCI 12:25 T Th
I don't think the eight features of populations governed by a totalitarian regime completely fit. Some may apply, but not all. There is strong patriotism throughout the country. There is a disciplinary system in place that is supposed to be followed. It is hard to say we follow these features exactly, when their is such a difference in all people.
ReplyDeleteI want to say that the U.S won't turn into this, but there is always a chance. I feel it would be hard though. I feel it would be hard because it would go against a lot of guidelines that have been in place for many years. To give everyone such SET boundaries when we have the Bill of Rights would be hard. If it were to happen it would have to be a long gradual process.
Amber Kollar
PSCI: 100:03
MWF, 11:10-12
In todays society people have shown signs of following the eight features associated with totalitarian governments.Political restrictions in the US may not be as severe as those in other countries but as far as the way people interact in todays society they follow these eight features. The features mainly deal with praising sociey,patriotism, and hating those who appose their governments views. Americans are highly patriotic (national anthem,supporting our troops).They also hate people who are against our government(terrorists). I believe it is possible for the US to become totalitarian but it most likely won't happen because we have laws in place to protects our rights.
ReplyDelete.Amanda Etube.
PSCI.100.03
I think the United States resembles a few of the 8 features that are associated with the totalirarian government. Our patriotism (since 9/11) is much stronger than what is was before the incident. I also think that as a country, we are disciplined well. People who do wrong things usually get what they deserve (whether that is jail time, community service hours..etc). We are a little hate filled because we did unite as a whole after the terrorist attack, and I do think that our country wouldnt back down if we were ever in that situation. Howevver, I do not see our country ever becoming anything like a totalitarian government because there would be so much changing that would have to occur to make this happen.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Shank
PSCI
Tues/thurs
12:25-1:40pm
I believe the United States has become very patriotic ever since the 9/11 attacks. we have also become a very hate-filled country after what those people did to our country. They took many lives and destroyed alot of families.
ReplyDeleteKayla Myers
PSCI 100.03
MWF 1110-12
The problem with Totalitarian Governments is that the people are blind to the rest of the world. So they have no choice but to follow their leader into whatever he demands. Like a Nuclear assult on other countries of the world. Which is why the country shifted in their seats when North Korea, and Iran started researching Nuclear weapons. A government like that is alot like a bee hive. Doing what is best for the colony and the queen blindly. Chad Watson
ReplyDeleteI think in America, patriotism and party-minded are two that are seen. Many politicians these days mention "I love America" or "We/I can change America" or "What's best for America is.." Also, America is becoming more political party focused. I have noticed people are more into what party someone is than what their policies and platforms are. Like we discussed in class, totalitarianism comes gradually and usually no one sees it coming, so I guess it could happen here.
ReplyDeleteAmanda Lundstrom
Poly Sci 100:04
TR 12:25-1:40
I believe that the United States Does resemble some of the 8 points for instance,our system is political disciplined, and patriotism. We have a lot of people that will and have died for this country. We are a very patriotic country. I believe that we could not have a Totalitarian Government there would be to many changes to make to what we already have put in place. I also think that if our government that we have now was gone that there would be lots of fights and riots every where.
ReplyDeleteKatie Reeg
Poly Sci 100:04
TR 12:25-1:40
I think it’s important to remember history and how it has a way of repeating itself. America does have similarities with these 8 points. We are well disciplined and easily are hate filled with anything; race of people or country that is threatening to us. We are looking for an answer to solve our economic struggle and this could be a door way for a dictator to take power. The people of Germany did this with Hitler. Although we do have checks and balances to keep this from happening it is important to never say never.
ReplyDeleteJessica Bailey
psci 100:04
T TR 12:25
I believe America does have some similarities to these 8 points. Americans love their country just like in the 8 points of totaliterism. our country is very disciplined, for the most part. When people see law enforcement they stop what they are doing and make it look like they were obeying the law. Even simple things like students in school know they need to obey the rules. Our government makes the people know rules are important, rules all the way down to manners and family rules. I think one day in the future our government could change. For right now america reflects off of the 8 points.
ReplyDeleteLexie Kun
Psci 100: 03
MWF 11:10-12
I feel like a lot of the 8 aspects are reflected in our government but in a sort of secret under the table way. We are all expected to live up to the way our country would like to have our image perceived by the global world. It is the way each generation is raised to fairly closely follow those 8 "rules". Really the only difference is that these are unwritten.
ReplyDeleteAbbie McMullen
Psci 100: 03
MWF 11:10-12
So, this is my third time answering this because my comment has been erased every time I have hit post comment, so this answer will be much shorter than previously. (I apologize)
ReplyDeleteSo basically yes our political system and we as people reflect a few of the aspects given. Examples for numbers 7 and 8 are we self discipline ourselves just as much as we are disciplined by others. From day one we are taught to obey our elders, teachers, officials, etc. and we're not suppose to act out against what we're told. An example of discpline as used before is self policing when we're speeding and see a cop we slow down immediatley because we know we are breaking the law and will be disciplined for doing so. Number 1 is also shown all over the Us because a lot of people get very involved in their political party and it turns into their life and runs it and everything that they do. They back anything and pretty much everything that officials of their party have said, stated, or done. But all in all, and I hate to say it but I feel that it is a possibility that if we don't change things in our govt soon we could end up where we really don't want to be.
Brianne Fisher
TR PSCI 12:25-1:40
I do not believe that it would be possible for America to become a totalitarian country. We do exhibit some of the traits listed above, but they are displayed in moderation. For example, many people have a strong sense of patriotism toward the United States, but not the US Government. The trait of. Vigilance is common, but that is a direct result of the past terror attacks on the US. I also believe that there are too many safety mechanisms in place that would prevent the totalitarian state from forming. One person does not have the authority to alter the constitution, it is the collective work of many different government officials. That would require a majority of people in the government to be on board with the idea of the totalitarian rule. Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? Certainly not.
ReplyDeleteGreg Matthews T Th 12:25- 1:40
There are some aspects that are the same such as discipline and patriotic. Discipline is the biggest, we look at the people above us and know that they are there for a reason and majority of the time we do what they say. We know that they are there to help and protect us because of that, we are a disciplined society. Being patriotic has come a long way I think since 9/11. Before 9/11 not nearly as many people have been as patriotic as they are today. Everyone today 'loves our country so much and are proud to be Americans' although a lot of people probably dont really know what they mean when they say it. But do I think that it is possible to have a totalitarian government? Anything is possible, but I dont think that it will ever happen. There are a lot of big changes that would have to occur and I dont see that happening in our country.
ReplyDeleteKyra Fox
100.04
T.TH 12:25-1:40
I do believe that the government in this country has some of the same characteristic as a totalitarian government when it comes being patriotic. In every classroom in America, in the courtyards across America and along the streets of DC flies the American flag. The use of that very flag can land you with fines and jail time if defamed in any way. Children are taught the Pledge of Allegiance as early as the age of four and recite it every morning when they arrive at school. Every sporting event across the nation is also stared in the same fashion. So yes, in a way we are forced to be patriotic in some sense. The government has become very vigilant of certain cultures and countries since 9/11. We hear every night on the news about Al-Qaeda and their new tactics and plots to exterminate us all. They have fed us so much about these people that every time we see a man with a turban on, we assume he is a terrorist. By no way am I defending Al-Qaeda for their behavior, they die for what they believe. I guess saying this; the American government has filled us with hatred, for an entire race of people, regardless of affiliation. As far as discipline, we are all taught that as soon as we are able to walk and talk. We all realize that despite your desires to do certain things, there are consequences for things that the government finds unlawful in their eyes. So, I do believe that the government has some totalitarian traits, as scary as it may seem. I am still not “sold” on the government becoming fully totalitarian any time soon.
ReplyDeletePatricia Claude
PSCI 100.03
I think that a totalitarian system could absolutely emerge in the United States. Like you said in class, Hitler didn't just seize power, he was elected. If we continue to give up our rights for whatever "greater good" the politicians we vote for are professing, then I think there is a very real chance that our government will turn.
ReplyDeleteBrendan Darby
PSCI T R 1225-1340
The rate we are going we will become a totalitarian government. There is a lot of people in office that dont need to be having so much power because in my opinion they are abusing the power and making decisions for what they want. They want to spend money they want to increase taxes. Its never about how the citizen (the person who voted for you into office to make a better society). We voted you in to make this country a better place.
ReplyDeleteChris Smith
I think America resembles a few of the 8 features that are associated with the totalirarian government.For one, our patriotism ever since 9/11 is much stronger than it has ever been before the incident.I also believe that as a country, we are disciplined accordingly. People who do the crime pay their time.I don't believe our country will ever become anything like a totalitarian governmentfor the simple fact there would be so many changes tht would need to take place in order to make it possible, and bottom line our country doesn't do well with change.
ReplyDeleteAmber Collis
PSCI 100:03
MWF 11:10-12:00
There are several of these features that I feel the U.S. shares with totalitarian government. For instance, the country is vigilant. We are always ready for another attack and feel that the enemy is hiding within our own ranks. This is understandable to an extent. The country does seem to be taking a shift towards a totalitarian society, but it is going so slowly that some people do not realize it.
ReplyDeletePSCI 100.03
MWF 11:10-12:00
I think every political system has some of those characteristics including the US. For example, Americans are very patriotic, but I don't think the US could become a totalitarian government because republicans and democrats are so split that it seems impossible that someone could unite everyone for one cause.
ReplyDeleteSteven Lesko
PSCI 100-04
TR 12:25
I do believe that the U.S. does have some of these characteristics, but I believe the min difference is that the U.S. does not 'enforce' these characteristics. I also believe that it is possible for the U.S. to become totalitarian, but highly unlikely due to our system of checks and balances (or at least I'd like to think that this is true).
ReplyDeleteMichael Citro
PSCI 100-03
Yes, America have most of these characteristics however not to such extremities with how a Totalitarian works. these features are essential for any country to run smoothly as it gives order to the people.
ReplyDeleteIf these features are taken to the extremes then it would allow the government to possess a greater power over it people making it a totalitarian system. There should be a consensus between an American Citizen and the state to love their own country and that we should responsible for maintaining it.
In a democratic society, the government's main role is to provide safety and order while the citizen's role is to provide necessities for him/herself by working while practicing his/her individuality. in contrast, in a Totalitarian society, the government provides every necessity a citizen's needs in exchange for his/her individuality, that every action should be done in the name of the government.
Still, America doesn't resemble much of the features in a Totalitarian government. despite being taxed for a significant amount to keep the government running, it is a lot better than having totalitarian government exchange your liberty in place of taxes.
-LESLIE URI ACUESTA
-PSCI 100
-MWF 11:10-12:00
When viewing our country and its government, there is a resemblance of the 8 aspects. As citizens, each of us know there are laws set by our government for which we are to abide. Even though our private personal actions are not for public view, we base these actions off the laws set by our government. In conclusion, I feel our country resembles some of the totalitarian system aspects, just not as rigid or demanding. In the future, do I see the United States becoming 100% totalitarian? No; I do not see our government putting such rigid demands on its citizens creating more frustration and aggravation.
ReplyDeleteMegan Manuel
PSCI 100.04 T-R
I think that there are a few features of which the people of the United States exhibit. Patriotism, discipline, and the idea of being party minded. Most citizens in the US claim that they are patriotic and would do anything for our country. If you look at how most people act we are very disciplined in the US- we will self police ourselves so we don’t have to come in contact with the law. And, I think we are a party minded country. You are a democrat, republican, or an independent and you stick with what your party is doing. I cannot say if the US will ever turn into a totalitarian country but I will say that we are almost half way there in respects to the features that we already practice. I do think it could happen if we the right person with the right answer to the problems of the US, the people want answers and would follow someone who could present them in a way the people want to hear. Once that person would have their attention and loyalty that person could slowly do whatever they wanted.
ReplyDelete~Sara Balog
PSCI 100-04
TR 12:25-1:40
Some of the ideas of a Totalitarian system are somewhat present in America's Democratic System today. Patriotism is a big deal and started after 2001. If a person says publicly they are against America going to war with other countries then there could be consequences for that person or that person is shunned from the community as a communist. Number 4 on that list can be seen in America. I think that the government does all it can to sniff out potential terrorists and even if that means going against people's rights. The government is on its heels since 2001 but sometimes I dont blame them for that because I would also if our home was hit by a foreign country. Totalitarianism would be a bad idea because I believe that if a person had total control of a country, many riots would appear and more damage would be done then good.
ReplyDeleteTroy McNeill
PSCI 100
MWF 11:10-12
I believe that some of the totalitarian ideas are present in our current political system. I believe that there is a specific ruling party even though we are allowed to add our own opinions. The president has the last say and most time whatever his parties ideas are about the subject are the ideas that are followed. I also believe that there is a strict doctrine because we do everything based off of the constitution. I also believe that the government has control of all means of armed combat because they control if we go to war, when we go to war, who we fight in war, and when we retreat from war.
ReplyDeleteSara Reese
PSCI 100
MWF 11:10-12
America certainly takes upon some of these 8 aspects. Many politically active citizens today consider themselves to be party minded in that they see themselves and devote themselves to their particular political party. Many Americans today also still have a taste of that patriotic rush that came from the 2001 terrorists attacks that put our whole country into a patriotic stage. We are also somewhat hate filled in that we have so much hate towards the terrorists and the countries who attacked our nation on September 11th 2001, and by reason of the attacks, our country is so patriotic. There is also a sense of modest and puritan characteristics in Americans in that we have given up and sacrificed many rights and privileges that we had before Sep 11th. For example, today if you were to travel on an airplane, passengers have to go through substantial amounts of security precautions and some may even have to be patted down. Most Americans don't tend to argue or complain about having their personal space being bothered because they would rather be searched down and to go through extreme security procedures than for their plane to be hijacked and crashed.
ReplyDeleteI don't see America in the condition that it is in today to ever becoming totalitarian simply by reason of the polarization in the major political parties in that I don't see how one party could majorly prevail on the other without the other not being able to stop it, or that I don't see how any compromises could bring the two parties together on the same terms in order for a totalitarian government system to take place.
The aspects of totalitarian government that resemble our government in the U.S. would definitely be Patriotic, Vigilant, and Hate Filled. I would never expect the U.S. to become a united totalitarian state. Though we are constantly under surveillance and the government does control most aspects of lives. However, most individuals would not allow direct surveillance within the home and other personal areas; still wanting to hold their "rights". Indirect surveillance happens all the time but Americans do not tend to think about it unless confronted. I also believe there is a major disconnection between direct groups of individuals to unite under one figure and to stand behind that figure with no question. In totalitarian points you can't even think the government is wrong."American Rights." give you the "Liberty" to stand up and have a voice this would never work in this system even though the electoral college really chooses our leader.Lets face it America likes to debate and voice many opinions not the single voice of one individual with total power.
ReplyDelete-Jimmy Hanback
I think they most Americans like to think that they fall under most of them feautres but in reality they dont. And I am glad they dont because if they did we wouldnt see all the other points of views people have that help us out and fiure out what we need to do to have the best possible country we can.
ReplyDeleteMegan Frazer
11-12
mwf
I think that many of the 8 stated points are shown in the US although, patriotism stands out to me. For instance, many who join the military do it out of love and respect for their country and those in it. Also, many Americans are so situated in the idea of living in America that they couldn't view themselves living anywhere else. They feel a sense of belonging here.
ReplyDeleteKirsten Dorosh
PSCI 100
MWF 11:10-12
I believe some of these 8 features are present in the United States like patriotism and discipline. Most Americans have great pride in their nation and obey police and other authority but I do not think a totalitarian system would work in the US because the thing most Americans like about their country is that they have individual freedoms and as long as they are not breaking the law can basically do what they please. Many people in this country already think the government has too much power and giving the government total control would not go over well.
ReplyDeleteGarrett Hess
PSCI 100-03
11:10-12
Dr. Stump has repeatedly mentioned how our society are just cogs in a machine, how none of us really fight back. SO I really do believe that we could possibly start heading in that direction. For example the people in "It Can't Happen Here" don't realize they are heading toward a totalitarian regime, yet they are all so head strong about electing Windrip into office. So I feel like America could by chance start heading in that direction if we don't start fighting back, and analyzing exactly what the politicians are throwing at us.
ReplyDeleteChristina Folkers
MWF 100.03
11:10- 12:00
yes some of these features are alike in america like numbers one two and seven. number one people in this country identify them selves as one of a certain party or another and sometimes vote that party instead of their own interests. number two their has and always will be a patriotic feeling in America and on occasion this feeling can be magnified and make people do things they would not normally do. Still number two, supporters of Presidents in office or of political candidates can sometimes be a little over zealous. Number 7, you listen to laws and even if you want to shoot out your neighbor you don't so the news trucks dont show up at your house and make you look crazy. yes it is possible for a totalitarian government to emerge in america,recently movements known as occupy wallstreet and occupy DC have supported the Relection of Obama, a Totalitarian Leader, and use of force against anyone they don't see as "moral"
ReplyDeleteZachary Moore
PSCI 100-3
mwf 1110
I believe America does have some of these features but I also think it is lacking in some areas. For example, when driving on the interstate do people always go the speed limit and not one mph over? No. This has to do with discipline. As soon as you see a cop you slow down to the speed limit until he is out of sight. But on the other hand i think Americans are for the most part pretty patriotic. So i think a totalitarian government could possibly emerge in America.
ReplyDeleteDru Sutherland
PSCI 100.03
MWF 11-12
I do believe that the United States could rather easily merge into a totalitarian type of govorning but at the same time i do not believe that the majority of people in the U.S could be classifyed into the eight catagories of people listed above. This is because most people of the U.S are selfish and self centered, most people are too foucused on themselves to be so involved and heartfelt for their govornment. The biggest difference in a possible emerging totalitarian govt in the United States compared to other countries with the same govorning is that the citizens of the United States wont be tricked or forced to give up there rights, but we will give them up with out question bc most are too busy with what is happening in that second to see whats happening in the bigger picture.
ReplyDeleteI believe that some of these eight features associated with totalitarian governments resemble aspects of life in our political system but not all. Americans definitely show their patriotism during 9/11 and Independence Day. Also, we are pretty disciplined with our laws, for the most part. I do not feel that totalitarian politics will emerge in our country. However, it is possible that we may resemble more features in the future.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the United States has some of the eight totalitarian features, however I can't see us ever becoming a totalitarian government. After the terrorist attacks, we as a country became more united and we show off our patriotism and independence everyday. We might show features of this totalitarian system, but I believe that we will not become a totalitarian government.
ReplyDeleteDanny Kremen
PSCI 100-04
TR 12:25 -1:40