It has begun...
I don't know where everyone else stands, but today I started reading Shadia Drury's Leo Strauss and the American Right, and all included quotes are from that book (Copyright 1997, St. Martin's Press, New York).
First, I can say that it is VERY accessible. I have had no trouble so far following the language or the ideas.
The first point I came across (and I've only made it seven pages in) is in regards to the dissemination of ideas.
From page 2:
In regards to the current "American Right", we've all seen examples of withholding information from the general public and of a sort of faith over logic approach. There has also been a lot of discussion (refer to Jon's Blog) of the Right not only discouraging thought, but also promoting a type of anti-intellectualism (ex: the Left is elitist and therefore not worth listening to)as well.
I also found it ironic that the very group that follows Strauss's ideas (the Right) are supporting (even CREATING) the very situation which Strauss feared in regards to democracy (as he believed it was a liberal democracy that allowed Hitler to take power in Germany (i.e. the Weimar Republic)).
From page 6-7:
While Drury does not agree that America is the same as Weimar Republic era Germany, the point is made that some of the very dangers that allowed Hitler to take power are present. I would argue that the demagogue has appeared. Using fear, prejudice and insecurity (potential terrorist attacks and anti-same sex marriage constitutional amendments??) to control people?? It's been frighteningly effective.
First, I can say that it is VERY accessible. I have had no trouble so far following the language or the ideas.
The first point I came across (and I've only made it seven pages in) is in regards to the dissemination of ideas.
From page 2:
The ridicule of the Straussians in the academy is connected to their unquestioning devotion to a set of ideas that they cannot or will not defend except to those who are already convinced. It is therefore not the case that they are simply being persecuted for thinking differently, it is for disseminating their views in a manner that is destructive of intellectual life itself. For they do not want their ideas discussed openly or even known to anyone outside the charmed circle of initiates.
In regards to the current "American Right", we've all seen examples of withholding information from the general public and of a sort of faith over logic approach. There has also been a lot of discussion (refer to Jon's Blog) of the Right not only discouraging thought, but also promoting a type of anti-intellectualism (ex: the Left is elitist and therefore not worth listening to)as well.
I also found it ironic that the very group that follows Strauss's ideas (the Right) are supporting (even CREATING) the very situation which Strauss feared in regards to democracy (as he believed it was a liberal democracy that allowed Hitler to take power in Germany (i.e. the Weimar Republic)).
From page 6-7:
I [Drury] am inclined to think that a democratic society is always vulnerable to the appearance of a demagogue who preys on the fears, prejudices, and insecurities of the people.
While Drury does not agree that America is the same as Weimar Republic era Germany, the point is made that some of the very dangers that allowed Hitler to take power are present. I would argue that the demagogue has appeared. Using fear, prejudice and insecurity (potential terrorist attacks and anti-same sex marriage constitutional amendments??) to control people?? It's been frighteningly effective.
posted by Schna at 3:26 PM
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