Totalitarian politics have been a topic of public discussion and debate in America in the past. In the 1930s and 1940s, news papers and prominent officials and popular media all thought about the possibility of totalitarian politics in America. Elements of totalitarian politics were creeping into the everyday life of Americans -- and those politics were supported by certain elements of the population. I used to assign It Can't Happen Here, which was originally published in 1935. It represents the fears of totalitarian politics that some people had. Famously, one character in the book says something like: "When fascism comes to America, it will be holding a cross and wrapped in the flag." That same book was re-released in 2005 and, similar to the late 1930s, people have once again started to discuss the possibility that American politics are becoming totalitarian [see this, this, this, this, this]. Some people are concerned that totalitarian politics unique to the American situation is creeping into everyday life.
Look over some of the weblinks above. Reflect a moment. Write a bit.
What do you think about this possibility? Is it possible that American politics are becoming totalitarian? If you think there is a possibility, what do you think totalitarian politics would look like? What are some examples you might look out for? Or, if you think that this is just crazy talk and that totalitarian politics are definitely not creeping into American politics, why not? What do you think prevents totalitarian politics from creeping in? Why do you think these other folks are miss-reading the situation in America right now?
I think that America could change into totalitarianism country, if people get dumber. People will always need a ruler rather it be strict or not. Politics may be becoming totalitarian, but in my life I don't feel like I am controlled by anyone. I believe it is crazy talk. Politics can't control a state. They can push some laws in our face, but they can't make us obey them. Humans do what they want. I belive they are miss reading because they just want to voice their opinion or try to get famous. Maybe even just make people mad.
ReplyDeleteSean Yarborough
PSCI 100
9:10-10
I do not think it is possible in the near future for America to be a totalitarian. We have three branches in government that have their own specific duties and they also limit each other. The branches are what prevent it from creeping it in along with the citizens of this country. I'm not sure why they are miss reading it, but not everyone views something the same way as others.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe it is possible that our nation could turn into a totalitarian government. People will always need some kind of guidance however there are different branches of government that we all follow and abide by.
ReplyDeleteErin Phelan
DeletePoli sci 100
I feel as if America will never become a totalitarian government. One being because as big as the United States is and the wide variety of culture which creates different opinions, will not allow everyone to believe the same thing and act the same way. The idea of an austere environment would not loom because, we are materialistic and rely on certain things that makes us happy. Not everyone can be manly or vigorous, even being in the military, some people snap. They just don't have it in them to perform the necessary duties of a totalitarian government. Praising a leader also would be a huge controversy, because worshiping a leader as a god will just be utter and complete disorder. Therefore, I firmly believe that this is craziness to believe that the United States would one become plunged by totalitarianism.
ReplyDeleteI think there are definitely some aspects of a totalitarian government already present in the United States, but I do not think it could ever become completely totalitarian.
ReplyDeleteThe most obvious aspect is the surveillance that government exercises on its people "in order to protect against foreign threats." Whatever the reason is, the government observes millions of its citizens and apprehends people on certain key words or discussions. A less obvious sign of totalitarianism is the 'molding of thought' which is implemented by the media. A vast proportion of the population (probably majority) are essentially TV addicts and get most of their news (and entertainment) from the tv as presented by the corporations that run the stations. These corporations aren't the government of course, but they are very large companies and have a distinct influence on policies via lobbyists. There are many people who blindly believe in what they see on TV without even realizing it.
That being the case, the very fact that the country is more or less under corporate control (indirectly) makes it very infeasible that a true totalitarian government, that having a dictator, could ever come to pass, however, a 'pseudo-totalitarian' one could materialize (if it hasn't already), in that a small group (or a 'corporate cartel') could control every aspect of our lives, without our knowing of it.
I agree with you here, that a 'pseudo-totalitarian' government as you said could become a reality in America. Lobbyists do have more power in the making of our laws than most people realize. As a capitalistic and consumer-minded society it certainly makes it very easy for companies to gain vast wealth and influence in all levels of our society, and it is celebrated and welcomed.
DeleteEmily Cooper, PSCI100, 9am
I defiantly think America can become totalitarian. It would just look normal and it really would not be any different that what your use to seeing. It could easily happen though. All it would take to happen is a tragedy and a guy to step up and a leader to tell the people what they want to hear. Kind of like Hitler.
ReplyDeleteShawn Dunford
PSCI 100:05
Based on what I personally have seen, and especially given what the general definition of 'inverted totalitarianism' means, I think it is entirely possible, if not almost inexorable, that America could become totalitarian. If you honestly think that it cannot, you are simply kidding yourself and buying into what the government wants. Every law passed that slowly chips away at our rights brings us one step closer to totalitarianism. You are regulated on how much water your toilet can use per flush. You are regulated on what kind of house you can build. You are regulated on what kind of guns you can own. So many things are so heavily regulated in this country, but yet we still believe we are so free. The average American just doesn't see it because the change has happened so slowly. People say the three branches are what keeps us from being totalitarian. I disagree and almost laugh at that. If you take a Poli Sci class about how the US government works, it's essentially a history class. The state of the American government is sad and pathetic, and is already on a slow decline into totalitarianism. Just remember every time a law is passed that limits a little bit more of what you are allowed to do, we are that little bit much closer to being totalitarian.
ReplyDeleteMost of the time when someone hears the word "totalitarian" he or she will assume Nazi Germany, Communist China, or North Korea.. But they never even think to notice that we are governed with such high force. We have millions of laws and regulations that add up every day. We aren't really the land of the free and we don't have all the liberties that we think. I defiantly think that very slowly we could potentially see fascism appear. People in power make more laws and make them tighter every year. For example: did you know that all over the United States cities have passed laws that actually make it illegal to feed the homeless? Did you also know that in Oregon, it is illegal to collect rainwater that falls on your own property? Our lives are getting farther and farther away from what we think "freedom" is. .
ReplyDeleteI believe that the United States will never turn to be totalitarian only because our government has limiting powers along with the states that coincide with one another preventing the country to have total control over the people. We may have a flag for our country and a national anthem, but so does every other country. We are a diverse country with people from other countries who speak foreign languages. You cannot have just one language for everyone to speak because that would be not only difficult, but very time consuming. That is what makes the United States differently and beautiful because we have so much diversity that if we took Mussolini's totalitarianism ways, America would not be so unique as it is today. We would be working backwards instead of forwards back to our ancestors days with everyone believing in one thing, speaking one language, and living a certain way. That to me is boring and I do not believe the United States would ever move to being totalitarian.
ReplyDeleteTess Hyre
PSCI 100, 9:10-10:00
I feel like America could become a totalitarian country. I feel this way because as citizens most of us are oblivious to what is going on in our government and what is happening around us anyway. I feel like We often times do not even realize the laws that are put into place and how they affect us. Basically, if Americans do not start being more aware of what is going on in society we could become a totalitarian country, however I also feel like it would be a difficult transformation for them to make and that it would take much time.
ReplyDeletePSCI 100-05 MWF 10:10-11
Aspects of totalitarianism are already present in American society. The United States is highly nationalistic, and school-aged children are taught to believe that we are somehow "exceptional" when it is clear that what we experienced has occurred elsewhere in the world. American flags are a common sight as well as figures of former politicians on our currency. What really surprises me though is that Americans believe that totalitarianism could never come here. In history, like mentioned in class, leaders such as Mussolini and Hitler were elected. How such radical leaders were able to win is because of the poor state of the economy. For example, in Germany debt was a huge problem because of the Treaty of Versailles. Once people's wallets start getting affected, they are more likely to seek extreme help. During the Great Depression, FDR tried packing the courts so his agenda wouldn't be ruled unconstitutional. That sounds like something a dictator would do. So if the economy gets bad enough, I would not be surprised if totalitarianism infiltrated the US more heavily.
ReplyDeleteAshley Tomlinson
PSCI 100:05
"Politically, the implementation of the euro-zone’s stability pact has been largely left in the hands of unelected bureaucrats—the so-called “Troika,” in particular the IMF and European Central Bank, operating out of institutions that are devoid of any kind of democratic legitimacy. They implement “fiscal rules” on the basis of some arbitrary numbers that have no foundation in economic theory or reality... We came up with the 3% figure in less than an hour. It was a back of an envelope calculation, without any theoretical reflection."
ReplyDeleteQuoted from: http://www.salon.com/2013/11/20/could_austerity_give_rise_to_american_fascism_partner/
I find it hysterically funny that Europe still hasn't learned the lessons from WWII, if it weren't for the dire implications that this could have on everyone else who is affected...
"Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it?" In Europe's case I think it's more of using history to bash on one another over and over again (the beginning of the 'Euro' Civil War this time?). How many times has Europe fought itself?
F.M. Sperry
PSCI100
"Authority always wants more authority."
ReplyDeleteQuote taken from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-astore/american-fascism_b_3930406.html
I've heard something similar, that "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely."
If "We, The People" don't pursue our rights and respect other's, then we deserve neither, and this country and all it has stood for will fall, it's only a matter of time. The United States is the most powerful country on the planet and we have no unity of purpose (in many ways). Therefore we're fighting ourselves as much as we are anyone and anything else which is weakening us internally and, like the Roman Empire before, we will fall if we don't get our act together, but who can overcome the greedy financial powers that be that are really running this country???
F.M. Sperry
PSCI100
I think the below article is a great piece and provides an excellent argument. The owners of these corporations have rights, but why does a company have more power than an American citizen (besides the power that their money can buy, eh)? Where does a company have rights? I can understand their owner having rights, but not their company (besides the contractual-business-law type of right, which is civil anyways). I'm sure that this is an interesting debate and would love to hear other's opinions of the "Rights of Business" and why they should be allowed to write laws governing their industry?
ReplyDeleteAnyways, this is one of the problems in this country in my opinion. Corporate America has successfully undercut the government's responsibilities, allowing them more freedom to reign over us economically, environmentally, politically and socially (not to mention others that I probably haven't thought of yet) and their wealth and power has allowed them to hurt everyone globally (when the U.S. housing market bubble burst, the entire planet's economies were seriously affected). Just some thoughts....
"Corporations Are Citizens"
http://www.truth-out.org/archive/item/87770:corporations-are-citizens--what-are-we
F.M. Sperry
PSCI100
"Representative institutions no longer represent voters. Instead, they have been short-circuited, steadily corrupted by an institutionalized system of bribery that renders them responsive to powerful interest groups whose constituencies are the major corporations and wealthiest Americans. The courts, in turn, when they are not increasingly handmaidens of corporate power, are consistently deferential to the claims of national security. Elections have become heavily subsidized non-events that typically attract at best merely half of an electorate whose information about foreign and domestic politics is filtered through corporate-dominated media. Citizens are manipulated into a nervous state by the media's reports of rampant crime and terrorist networks, by thinly veiled threats of the Attorney General and by their own fears about unemployment. What is crucially important here is not only the expansion of governmental power but the inevitable discrediting of constitutional limitations and institutional processes that discourages the citizenry and leaves them politically apathetic."
ReplyDeleteVery true, though I'm more concerned with corporate power because who oversees them? At least our government has an institutional system of oversight (even if not always well done). Who keeps a company from destroying you, an individual, when they can break politicians?
Quote from http://www.thenation.com/article/inverted-totalitarianism#
F.M. Sperry
PSCI100
"Or another example of the inversion: Under Nazi rule there was never any doubt about "big business" being subordinated to the political regime. In the United States, however, it has been apparent for decades that corporate power has become so predominant in the political establishment, particularly in the Republican Party, and so dominant in its influence over policy, as to suggest a role inversion the exact opposite of the Nazis'. At the same time, it is corporate power, as the representative of the dynamic of capitalism and of the ever-expanding power made available by the integration of science and technology with the structure of capitalism, that produces the totalizing drive that, under the Nazis, was supplied by ideological notions such as Lebensraum."
ReplyDeleteQuote from http://www.thenation.com/article/inverted-totalitarianism#
When a business owner is economically powerful enough to create an organization (it might have been a Political Action Committee, I can't remember) that turns around and creates another organization with the express purpose of controlling the political debate of a given issue, that's important to them (I wish I could remember where I saw the video news article at that discussed this), where's the balanced and fair election at? This individual literally bought whole markets of media advertising to get his way / frame the debate, in a recent election (about 2 - 3 elections ago). I mean, it must be nice to be able to do that but isn't that too much influence over political policy?
F.M. Sperry
PSCI100
Since I've already posted enough comments (imo), I'll just say this, I found so many interestingly accurate insights in the below story that I figured that I'd just "endorse it."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.globalresearch.ca/inverted-totalitarianism-a-new-way-of-understanding-how-the-u-s-is-controlled/9031
F.M. Sperry
PSCI100
I believe that not only is the US capable of sliding into Fascism, but it's already begun.
ReplyDeleteTake the 2008 elections. At the time, Bush was fairly reviled for his actions - the war on Terror, the massive expansion of the US Government's power, and several others. Obama came in, and for a time, we all believed that things would change. Gitmo would close, the war would end, drone strikes would stop. Hell, the man even got a Nobel Peace Prize for talking about undoing what happened during the Bush Presidency.
Now we have a Government that was given further power, the renewal of the Patriot Act (which gave the NSA the authority [under some interpretations] to do what they're doing), an increase of Drone strikes and an increase of troops in Afghanistan.
Despite Ideological differences, both parties have increased the power of the government and have taken more control. The mainstream news has become highly biased and politicized, to the point where it becomes difficult to find a news source that tries to remain relatively neutral.
Campaigning has been relatively unchecked, between the Congressional and Presidential elections, it's hard to watch TV or listen to the radio without hearing the Republicans lambasting the Democrats and vice-versa, over saturating the citizenry with political issues. It's especially worse during the year or so leading up to the Presidential election, where nothing you can do -short of becoming a hermit- can prevent politics from encroaching on your daily life multiple times a day, sometimes within an hour. If you watch TV a few months before election day, you'll watch dozens of political ads within an hour.
Tim Graham
PSCI 100.04
MWF 0900-1000
I think totalitarianism is a possibility and I think it can happen to our society, economy, and politics sooner rather than later. I used being in a sorority as an example in class. We had to take an oath. We wear letters which is kind of like a uniform. We vote on things that's best for the collective. And there are more than just sororities and fraternities out there that do things like that. What if we are already a totalitarian system, but because it's in each individual groups we don't realize it or it doesn't count? But there are some things that Americans still lack. We're not all party minded and definitely not patriotic until about a week before the 4th of July or we're going to a "Merica" themed party. To prevent a total take over we have to exercise our rights, as the Huffington Post article says, because that's the best way to retain them. We can't fall to the fear and violence of the authoritarian mindset. Those who think otherwise or are miss reading the situation probably don't know enough about the topic. I didn't even know anything about it until this class, and it's eye opening and scary to look at America now and think of totalitarian as a "way of life" in the future.
ReplyDeleteCassidy Rao
PSCI 100.5
MWF 10:10-11
I think totalitarianism could be a possibility in our future. I think it creeps its way into our society without many of us knowing it. It's apart of our society in a few way by saying the pledge, what is appropriate to say, paranoia, the social norm, etc. I think the totalitarian politics will have to be created slowly overtime though. It will be little things and then grow into something bigger. For example, maybe having a curfew starting with the younger generation. Start with the youth and the old will go away eventually. However, I also hope it doesn't happen. I feel American people might be to open minded and not docile enough to be controlled to that extent. Hopefully, people will become more aware of with is "true freedom" and what is just "we are free".
ReplyDeletemaddy manfull
psci
mwf 9:10-10
I do not think that our government could turn into a totalitarian government. Just as many others says, there are the limiting powers in the three branches that hopefully would allow it to happen. The scary thing about past totalitarian governments is that the leader was usually elected. They worked their way to the top and then took complete control. We will never know what some of the people in the government are doing, but I hope America never comes to that.
ReplyDeleteI believe that a totalitarian government will not ever work in America. One because the way our government is set up, we need to vote to pass laws and I don't think that anyone would vote to give one person total control. Two, because Americans do not like being told what to do. Yes, we do have chains but if you look at other countries around the world they can't do as much as we can, which I think would make Americans rebel if the government tried to turn totalitarian. A totalitarian government would take a lot of time and brainwashing in order to come into America. I understand why people may fear it because the government is forcing us to buy Obama Care and they do control some of what we do on the daily; but we are so use to life the way it is and can deal with our chains. If someone tried to make a dramatic change like a totalitarian government, I think people would rebel and it would not go over well in America.
ReplyDeleteFelicia Hall
PSCI 10:10-11
I disagree, for several reasons. One, 'the people' do not vote on laws or the presidency, Congress and the electoral college do that. If Congress wanted one person to be in complete power, then the only way to change that would be for the people to riot and kill. Two, Americans do not like to be told what to do to an extent. We certainly love being told what to buy and what to consume. And we love being told that we are free. Third, totalitarian politics does not happen dramatically. It is a slow and gradual, so that we become "used to life the way it is and can deal with our chains." That's when it's too late to change it or get out.
DeleteCall me a conspiracy theorist, but it honestly would't surprise me if America started leaning towards being a totalitarian government. There are so many things that our government does behind our backs. They say that they are doing things for the people, but only if it is what's best for them first and foremost. We start out as small children saying a pledge to a flag every day. This seems harmless, but if people are completely fine with that, whats to say other things won't creep in slowly. Our government has pushed it's way more and more into our lives and I don't think it will stop. If we don't like the way things are now, I believe it's only going to get worse. Yes it would take many years for it to change, and it may never reach something as extreme as Nazi Germany, but I do think it will start moving more and more towards a totalitarian government. Maybe it won't since people are starting to become more aware of things.
ReplyDeleteI can be a bit of a conspiracy theorist at times. I personally believe that American politics are becoming a bit totalitarian. It is seen in what the news is allowed to air, “let’s talk about the popular and not the detrimental”. It is also seen in the contradiction of, you can wear what you want to, but when in school you can wear that because it is possibly offensive to some. My example of the clothing choice it the fact that I had to bring my son a different shirt to school one day because the one he was wearing was not appropriate. It was a “Save the TaTas” shirt. It was for supporting breast cancer, but the school didn’t like it. I wanted to let him wear his “My two moms rock” shirt to school and dare them to send him home or change his shirt, just for fun.
ReplyDeleteIt is not crazy talk, we are told that we are free, but with a large grey area. Like it’s your body to pierce and tattoo, but if you are you won’t get hired or allowed into the military. Everything comes with a down side.
First of all, I would like to say that I think it is possible that we could become totalitarian, but I find it unlikely also. Some of the signs are here in America. Many people in this country do not truly understand what is going on in our country. A cause of this reason, is because the media doesn't always tell the people everything. I believe that the media only tells what they are allowed to tell. A sign that America would be headed to a totalitarian government would be if people are forced to start dressing one way. Even though I brought up that is a possibility, I do find it unlikely or hope this doesn't happens. I do feel that it would be unlikely, because we have 3 branches that balance each other out. Just like with anarchy and libertarianism, there are signs of totalitarianism in America. I just feel that a couple of signs does not guarantee that we will turn into a full totalitarian government, but there is always a possibility for anything.
ReplyDeleteGrant Davis
PSCI 100:05
MWF 10:10-11:00
I do not think that America is in danger of becoming a totalitarian state but I do think that totalitarian ideas are creeping into today’s politics. A totalitarian government watches every aspect of its people’s lives and America has the power to watch our activity on the computer through the NSA. Their is a lot we do not know about how much the government watches over us and most people are not aware that the government is watching us at all. If we lived in a totalitarian state we would have to show allegiance to the singular national party, in America we have two major parties who both want control of the government. Even though the two party system is flawed, it does help insure that this country does have choices.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that America is going to become a totalitarian government. Anything is possible but I just don't see it happening.However, I do think that aspects of totalitarianism have started to intermix in some things in American government. The biggest example is Obamacare. No matter what you think about the law there are some things in it that can be associated with totalitarianism. The president has the unilateral authority to change parts of the law without any congressional assistance and oversight. He has already single handedly changed parts of the law twenty-nine times. That's a huge issue with a lot of people and reflects totalitarian elements.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I will not rule out the possibility of totalitarianism overtaking America because it is honestly hard to tell. Just from listening to the discussions we have had in class about totalitarianism--the patriotism, the vigilance, the surveillance. Those things are already such huge parts of our lives as Americans whether we choose to recognize them or not. To this point, I really liked that the Huffington Post article mentioned how militarized we have become since 9/11, and how we are certainly less free with the Patriot Act, NSA surveillance, and Americans citizens being murdered by drones overseas. Although I can see ways in which the country seems slightly authoritarian, we are no where near the state of North Korea like Hyok Kang outlines in his novel. I also found it interesting that the Salon article talked about left and right mainstream parties failing to deliver relief to the people, and extremists then seize the opportunity to assert themselves. I can definitely see a situation like that come close to plaguing the United States. I certainly hope that our government would be able to come together for its people before it's too late, though. It is a scary thing to think about, but I definitely think it is something that needs to be thought about. You truly never know what is coming for you, and I think it is important to consider possibilities that might sometimes seem impossible.
ReplyDeleteEmily Daniels
PSCI 100.04
9:10 - 10:00
I could see why people talk about totalitarianism creeping into our country. Yes, as a nation, we are very patriotic and also have two main parties. We are also very watchful, especially since the government is able to watch anyone they want to at any given time. We fear our enemies, and we are basically a disciplined country. As you can see, we have many characteristics that a totalitarianism government has. But we are also very different from that type of government, and personally I don't think our country would turn to that. A Totalitarianism country devotes all of their time and thoughts to the leader of the country, even though the US is patriotic, I don't see us focusing all of our time to our president and our homeland. Like I mentioned earlier, I do see how people think we have some of the same characteristics as a totalitarianism country, I think they might be over reacting though.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the United States is headed toward totalitarian government. I do not think that the people will let that happen. There are so many objections to government controlling everything already, and it is minor compared to how it could be. The surveillance by the NSA and when SOPA threatened the free use of the internet are two examples of when the public was outraged, petitions were circulated, and actions were taken against these organizations. While the US government seems to favor the idea of expansion, if not physically then by spreading the idea of democracy, more and more people are opposing war and want the troops to be withdrawn from outside countries. The people are largely not on the same page as the government, which is the exact opposite of a totalitarian regime. However, fascism has largely been the alternative option to when things are completely out of control. When people are lost, they seek guidance, which is the case of how Nazi Germany came to power. It was a time of utter turmoil, and Hitler's ideas offered a solution, which became more "dramatic" over time as he gained followers and power. If the worldwide revolutions somehow influence Americans to protest against our own government, I feel like a stricter government could manifest itself over time.
ReplyDeleteDanielle Gesford
PSCI 100:05
At this point, I don't think the United States could transform into a purely totalitarian country, as our current system has too many checks and balances for this to occur any way but incredibly violently, but I do sometimes see shades of totalitarianism in the heavy emphasis on patriotism that our culture tends to place at times. Sometimes politicians will be accused of not loving their country as much as they should, making them unfit for public office, and that does certainly strike me as at least somewhat totalitarian.
ReplyDeleteMike Morris
PSCI 100
MWF 10:10-11:00
To start with those webpages seemed entirely bios in their point of view...
ReplyDeleteNow back to the questions, it is possible and the political realm is getting stronger. I think it would look alot like the movie Demolition Man in the way even cursing is a fine. I believe controlling health care and internet are the two biggest steps since toward totalitarian since social security started in 1935.
KennethBlosser
PSCI 100
9:10-10
I do agree. It is possible, and there are already many movies about the possibilities that are not that far fetched.
DeleteI think that in some ways, American society is similar to that of a totalitarian society, especially in the way children are brainwashed from a young age to recite the pledge of allegiance in school and sing the national anthem and to respect the flag. I think that it is always possible for a nation to become totalitarian, unless people are educated enough to not accept it. If children never learn about the holocaust or Mussolini then how will they know that totalitarianism is harmful? I think as long as the public is educated about past totalitarian governments which have done harm, then a totalitarian government will not arise.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to image America evolving into a totalitarian government, but nothing ever stays the same and history can prove that. We’re starting to see these totalitarian characteristics creep into our society, and the most dangerous aspect of that is that the ideals creep very slowly. The ideals creep so slowly that the current generation knows nothing of a time before to have any idea to question the existence of power. When the NSA surveillance became public, I didn’t have a concern about it because I didn’t have anything to hide from the government, but I now see the danger in it. America may never reach a full totalitarian government, but change is happening in our government. These characteristics of totalitarian government include patriotism and vigilance. Americans are taught to respect and honor these symbols of our country all through school, and therefore correct others that don’t show the same respect. We are also encouraged to be vigilant out in the public and be on the lookout for the enemy.
ReplyDeleteChristiana Hess
PCSI100:04
9:10-10:00
I think that asking if America *can* become totalitarian is a silly question. Theoretically, any government can become totalitarian. Over time, a government can slowly integrate more regulations and can definitely create a totalitarian grip on society. In light of this, it's definitely possible that America can become totalitarian. Whether it IS become totalitarian is another issue.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if anyone can actually say whether America is becoming totalitarian or not. They would have to know the intent of the people who run our government, and obviously that is unlikely. I do, however, think that America has a frightening inclination to totalitarianism. Saying that it's headed towards there may be extreme, but realistically I think that we are favoring it.
Some of the absurd regulations in America definitely favor totalitarian. Having to have special permission and permits to do things on your own property is a fairly simple example. The government's ability to seize your property, k-9 searches in your vehicle, the ability to regulate tv and news--even saying the pledge of allegiance.
I suppose that a way to prevent totalitarian politics would simply be to initiate the opposite policies. Less regulations and restrictions, less federal power, more individual and state contribution, etc. Honestly I highly doubt our government is ever going to give up power though. There's not much you can do about the situation.
Nanette Yessler
PSCI 100:04
9:10-10:00
Thinking about America becoming a totalitarian government doesn't seem like much of a change than what we already live in. The government already watches our every move. Many people live in fear and we all show "respect" a leader, who is our president. I don't see America going to the extreme of putting pictures of our leader in every home and making sure we respect that picture. Nor do I think the government would make executions live and available to watch on TV or in the streets of major cities. A lot of the characteristics of a totalitarian government are a bit extreme and I couldn't imagine going through some of the things these people go through, especially in North Korea. Reading this book "This is Paradise," wakes me up to many things about how much I take my life for granted.
ReplyDeleteAmber Myers
PSCI 100:05
America seems to be going through a lot of changes that people wouldn't have expected 50 years ago. Back then, Americans didn't have to worry about the government watching our every move or save every phone/email conversation we have and store it somewhere. America has become so violent in many different ways that no one is safe anymore. We can't trust anyone. That is why the states seem to want to be a totalitarian state because they want to set their own rules different from the government. In some ways this may be a good thing, but in other ways, it could be worse. If America could just all be on the same page about things, and the government would open their eyes and see the destruction going on around us, they would drop the act and take a stand to try and help the people of America.
ReplyDeleteI feel as if America has some signs of totalitarianism, but then again it really isn't going to an extreme. As Americans we don't know much what is going on behind our backs and within our government. One the other hand, since we aren't made to do certain things like abide by different calenders, wear certain clothes, and have a different flag; I feel as if it wouldn't be possible for this to even happen. We also have 3 branches of government and 2 different political parties which keep things in check.
ReplyDeleteChris Grove
MWF
10:10-11:00
This country all ready IS somewhat totalitarian. We have a populace controlled and ruled by police and the fear of government punishment. When we can't even live our lives without government intervention in our privacy, then I would say we are going that way fairly quickly. Hell, they've been toying with the idea of using drones for police forces, and are even testing them. It will be pretty damn ridiculous when we can't even walk the streets without police drones watching us for our "safety". I guess there are ideological peoples that think this country is all free and knowing, but we are quite the opposite.
ReplyDeleteNathan Lewellyn
PSCI 100.04
I don't believe America will ever become a totalitarian government. Im not sayig it isn't possible it would just be really hard to accomplish. Our government is set up with three branches and each branch has their limits and if one branch tries to exceed those limits then another branch will stop them. Our government does share some aspects of a totalitarian government though. Such as our government uses different ways of survaliance that is used to "protect" us. Also, there are some things our government forces us to do even though we dont want to. I do believe that we are a less free state than we use to be but in some aspects I think it is for our protection but then on the other hand it could very well be for the government's own gain.
ReplyDeleteKirstyn Greenwalt
Psci100-05
10:10-11
i do not think a totalitarian government would be a successful government in our society. our government is set up with 3 different branches that balance one another out.
ReplyDeleteTre Anderson
PSCI100
9:10-10
That is how it is on paper, and overall. But even those three systems can be overturned and changed.
DeleteAt one point i feel that America will never become a totalitarian country and then another point i can see it happen. We are basically controlled by the government at everything we do. If it does happen in the near future America wouldn't be as bad as most totalitarian countries are. As in public slayings and hangings America would never become that extreme
ReplyDelete-Lavonte Hights
PSCI 10:10-11
I don't see a straight-up fascist totalitarian government forming in America in the near-ish future. What could happen is a kind of 'inverted' totalitarianism, where we still have the freedom to go about our business (as long as that business isn't against the many rules) but we are always being watched. A staple of this kind of governing is surveillance on the major and minor scales. Cameras record what you do, and so do the neighbors and townsfolk. We see that happening in America now, and it can get even worse and normal in the future.
ReplyDeleteOne of the problems with fascism is the extreme conformity required. That probably won't happen in America, for a very long time at least. The essence of the USA is diversity. Is there a constant struggle in our society to define 'truly American' and spreading that ideal? You bet, and if the government can come up with a solution to that and enforce it in our culture then most will welcome our new totalitarian leaders, because they would have to be either very powerful or very smart to actually accomplish that.
If America were to become completely totalitarian, then I think the world would definitely suffer from it. Totalitarian America would take over the world, or do it's absolute best to do so. In the end the world would not come out of that struggle without serious apocalyptic consequences. Let's hope that doesn't happen.
Emily Cooper, PSCI100, 9am
I believe that the United States will not become a totalitarian country. No matter how nationalist we are we will never conform to behaving as North Korea does. We are so accustomed to this belief that we are free. These freedoms bestowed upon us through the bill of rights which is the foundation of this land certainly cant be taken away. Even as children we became to embrace these rights. For example we would say whatever we want and follow it by its under the "Freedom of Speech" (first amendment). I believe if these rights were to be taken away complete chaos would arise. These bill of rights are what makes us American. Without them we surely wouldnt be "Americans."
ReplyDeleteI don't think that we as whole will ever go completely totalitarian as our govn't. We do already have a few ways of totalitarian, for example one form of thought control that is over the people of the USA is that we can be put in jail for say that we want the President to die. There are many other examples that could be given. In the bigger pitcher we are not as free as we think we are our govn't just does a better job of hidding it.
ReplyDeleteLuke Everhart