Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Key Concepts
"Ideology and Utopia" - Karl Mannheim
Particular v. total ideology False consciousness Ideological v. utopian thought
Representatives of the existing order Label as utopian those ideas that threaten order, and thus, can never be realized. Ex. universal health care What is defined as ideology vs. utopia depends upon the interests of the judger. Depends on experience, social context. Both ideology and utopia transcend reality (are not accurate descriptions of the existing order).
Freudian psychoanalysis: we have deeply suppressed desires Weber: importance of ideology in social change; role of rationalization in social life and the iron cage
Historical context
Totalitarianism, bureaucracy on the rise Promises of Enlightenment unfulfilled Marxist predictions unfulfilled no class revolution Need for new explanations in modernity
economies of scale
e.g. big budget movies designed to appeal to millions
consumer needs
Art tends to express loss, with desire itself shown to be a mirage. Sublimation transforms basic everyday desires (sex, power, etc) into more complex registers.
The principles of amusement [pleasure] (389) 1. Amusement defends society To be pleased means to say Yes. 2. Amusement requires not seeing the big picture (insulation from the totality of the social process) 3. Amusement means not thinking deeply about anything, especially about forms of suffering (which might make the audience say no) 4. it is flight; not from a wretched reality, but from the last remaining thought of resistance.
H&As example: Romantic scripts produced and circulated in the entertainment industry/media shape our desires and dating practices.
Freedom of Choice?
Technological rationality increases in modernity Integration of people into capitalist consumer thought necessary for smooth functioning of one-dimensional society Mass consumer culture > Individuality Critiques of Enlightenment, meaning of liberation
Sublimation/Desublimation
Marcuse draws on Freudian logic: Social reality forces people to discipline their basic impulses (libido) and sublimate the impulses into acceptable activities (work, recreation, etc.) This tension is painful, causes discontent, yet can also be creative and liberating. Capitalist culture allows partial desublimation expression of our basic desires through consumption of cultural products.
One-dimensional man?
Advanced industrial capitalism instills in us a set of false needs via the mass media, advertising, education, etc.
Desublimation
Giving up our liberties in favor of material and sensory candy. Example: sexuality is a source of freedom and exploitation.
Happy Consciousness
Euphoric acceptance that the current system is as good as it gets.
Happy Consciousness!
The belief that the system delivers the goods (i.e. needs and happiness).
Cycle of Stupefaction
We work until were stupified, then relax with TV. Average American watches over 4 hours of TV per day Mass culture industry is designed to produce euphoria in unhappiness. Advertisements promote having fun, sexuality. Ex. Beauty culture, auto culture, white teeth smiles. Promote a Happy Consciousness a false, superficial, substitution for real happiness, satisfaction, and fulfillment.
Marcuses Liberation
Real human liberation based on creative sublimation, demands high degree of autonomy & comprehension. A return to Eros in all aspects of life: sensual, spontaneous enjoyment of life. Break the iron cage!
1) What is the paradox of cool? How does the film illustrate notions of: commodification; false needs; one-dimensional man; critiques of culture, freedom, individuality, authenticity? 2) Homogenization of culture: How are notions of masculinity, feminine beauty, sex, and cool mass produced? Record specific examples. 3) What is the giant feedback loop? Is there an escape, according to the documentary? According to the critical theorists? According to you?