Liberal Fascism - Chapter Five

Deconstruction is the correct answer because it is a literary theory that was first coined by Nazi ideologues. It asserts that there is no single meaning to any text and that meanings are constantly shifting and unstable. Deconstruction emphasizes the importance of examining the underlying assumptions and contradictions within a text, challenging traditional interpretations and hierarchical structures. This theory has had a significant impact on literary criticism and has been influential in fields beyond literature, such as philosophy and cultural studies.

The significant connection between the leftist radicals of the 1960s and the historical fascisti is that they both subscribed to the cult of action. This means that both groups believed in taking immediate and forceful action to bring about their desired political and social changes. They rejected passive or gradual methods and instead advocated for direct and often violent means to achieve their goals. This shared belief in the power of action sets them apart from other political groups who may have favored more peaceful or diplomatic approaches.

The avante-garde fascists idealized violence as an end in itself. This suggests that they viewed violence as a desirable and valuable concept, rather than simply a means to an end. They may have believed that violence was necessary for achieving their goals or that it held inherent power and significance. This idealization of violence aligns with the extremist and radical nature of fascism, which often promotes the use of force and aggression to achieve its objectives.

In 1931, 60 percent of German university students supported the Nazi Student Organization. This suggests that a significant majority of students at that time were in favor of the organization and its ideologies. This high level of support may have been influenced by various factors such as political climate, propaganda, and societal pressures. It also indicates the extent to which the Nazi Student Organization was able to gain popularity and recruit members among the student population in Germany during that period.

In 1962, Tom Hayden stated that three out of four students believed that the USA needed a strong, fearless leader. This suggests that the majority of students at that time felt that the country required a leader who was capable, courageous, and unafraid to tackle the challenges and issues faced by the nation.

In 1969, Cornell University was taken over by a violent paramilitary leftist organization. This event, known as the Willard Straight Hall takeover, occurred when around 80 members of the Afro-American Society seized the university's student union building. The group demanded changes in the university's policies and programs to address racial discrimination and inequality. The takeover lasted for two days and ended peacefully after negotiations with the administration. This event had a significant impact on Cornell's history and the broader student activism movements of the time.

The Port Huron Statement was a significant document of the New Left movement. It was written in 1962 by Tom Hayden and other members of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). The statement outlined the group's principles and goals, calling for participatory democracy, social justice, and opposition to the Vietnam War. It became a rallying cry for the countercultural and anti-establishment movements of the 1960s. The Seneca Falls Declaration was a document advocating for women's rights, the Providence Manifesto and the Chicago Dictate are not relevant to the New Left movement.

The correct answer is 250. This suggests that the Weather Underground committed a significant number of attacks in 1969 and 1970. This indicates a high level of activity and suggests that the group was actively engaged in carrying out their agenda during this time period.

The radicals of the New Left sought to redefine human nature. This means that they wanted to challenge and change the traditional understanding of what it means to be human, including societal norms, values, and expectations. They aimed to question and transform the existing ideas about human behavior, relationships, and individuality, ultimately seeking a new understanding and perception of human nature.

The intellectuals of the SDS adhered to existential pragmatism. This philosophy combines the belief in individual freedom and responsibility with the practical approach of focusing on real-world problems and finding practical solutions. It emphasizes the importance of personal choice and action in shaping one's own life and society. This aligns with the principles and values of the SDS, which sought to bring about social change through activism and direct action.