"Czechoslovakia in the 1970s: Resisting Totalitarianism"
"Literature as Resistance: Recognizing, Unmasking, and Countering Totalitarian Tendencies" - Brad Miller's course at IPAK-edu.org
Introduction:
This essay is a response to my coursework from the thought-provoking course titled "Literature as Resistance: Recognizing, Unmasking, and Countering Totalitarian Tendencies" taught by Brad Miller and hosted by IPAK. IPAK, which stands for “Institute for Pure and Applied Knowledge" is ‘dedicated to empowering individuals through education, fostering informed and active citizens who can shape our collective future’.
Brad Miller, the instructor for this novel course, recently discussed the curriculum, the selected texts, and the broader implications of reading dystopian literature. In his video, he delves into the utility of studying works that provide insights into the human experience under totalitarian regimes, highlighting their relevance in understanding contemporary challenges.
In another insightful interview, Dr. Lyons-Weiler introduces the course and engages in a deep exploration of the texts chosen by Brad Miller for inclusion into the curriculum. These interviews shed light on the thought processes behind the selection of certain works while omitting others, providing a comprehensive view of the course's objectives and the critical importance of literature in fostering resistance.
As we journey through this essay or my loosely described ‘homework assignment’, I’ll draw from the wisdom imparted by literature, history, and the profound writings of figures like Vaclav Havel, all within the rich intellectual context of both Brad Miller’s and IPAK's commitment to knowledge as a catalyst for change. The short essay serves as an exploration of the past and present, uncovering the shared experiences of individuals under oppressive regimes and examining the emerging demands for conformity in our increasingly digitized world.
Through the lens of resistance, one can consider the enduring relevance of these lessons and their application in shaping a future that upholds individual agency and freedom of thought, a future where the collective power of informed citizens transcends the grasp of totalitarian tendencies.
"Czechoslovakia in the 1970s: Resisting Totalitarianism"
In the 1970s, Czechoslovakia witnessed a courageous resistance movement against totalitarianism, with key figures like Vaclav Havel at the forefront. Totalitarianism, characterized by the absolute control of the state, severed the relationship between individuals and the machinery of governance. The regime aimed to atomize the human experience, isolating citizens from one another to maintain control.
The Communist Party in Czechoslovakia promoted the idea that science and progress should be elevated, but only in ways that served the interests of the party. This instrumentalization of science and technology under the party's rule often meant that scientific advancements were used for state control and propaganda rather than the betterment of society.
Vaclav Havel, a prominent dissident and playwright, played a pivotal role in the resistance movement. His writings, including the famous essay "The Power of the Powerless," emphasized the importance of individual conscience and the moral dimension of political action. Havel and others challenged the dehumanizing effects of totalitarianism, calling for a return to authentic human values and a rejection of the soulless machinery of the state.
Indeed, this resistance movement, fueled by intellectual and moral opposition, played a pivotal role in the eventual collapse of totalitarianism in Czechoslovakia and the broader Eastern Bloc. Regrettably, it also paved the way for a novel post-totalitarian future, marked by the advent of technology and the immense power of social media. In this rapidly evolving landscape, ideas, both beneficial and detrimental, spread around the world with unprecedented speed. While this newfound connectivity holds the potential for positive change, it also presents challenges as society grapples with the consequences of this technological revolution, underscoring the complexity of our ever-interconnected world.
Certainly, in the context of Czechoslovakia, the Communist Party propagated the idea of "leadership with a human face" Havel Václav Wilson PR. The Power of the Powerless. London: Vintage; 2018 within its totalitarian framework. This concept aimed to portray the regime as more humane and approachable, despite its authoritarian nature. However, what was more troubling was the regime's adaptability, both in governance and individuals' personal lives.
Danger of Normalization
This adaptability led to a phenomenon known as "normalization," where many Czechs began to accept the new totalitarian governance structure as the new normal. As Vaclav Havel observed and wrote, there was a pervasive "crisis of contemporary technological society as a whole "…where individuals willingly enslaved themselves by not questioning who they were and what they should be doing within this system.” 1
In this context, the regime's ability to present a façade of humane leadership and its capacity to adapt to changing circumstances allowed it to maintain control while eroding individual freedoms and fostering a sense of complacency among the population. Vaclav Havel's writings and the broader resistance movement aimed to awaken individuals to this complacency and encourage them to question the true nature of their society and their role within it.
Indeed, Vaclav Havel's perspective evolved in the late 1970s, as he observed Western policy analysts and international relations experts attempting to categorize the Czech resistance movement into left-wing or right-wing groups, often focusing on the party ideologies of these factions. Havel sought to promote a novel way of thinking, one that transcended traditional political categorizations. Havel, 2018
Havel's vision emphasized a sense of responsibility that went beyond individual actions and political affiliations. He advocated for a more holistic approach inspired by complexity theory and notions of interconnectedness. In this view, individuals were not seen as separate entities but as integral parts of broader societal structures and organizations.
This perspective called for a deeper sense of responsibility that extended beyond party lines or ideological divisions. It urged individuals to recognize their role in shaping the collective destiny of their society and to act in a way that was mindful of the complex web of interactions and interdependencies that defined their world. This approach aimed to foster a sense of shared responsibility for the well-being and future of the entire society, transcending the limitations of traditional political thinking.
Then and Now-Music as Resistance?
One observation about the parallels between the Czech resistance movement during the totalitarian era and certain aspects of contemporary society is that Music and cultural expression have often been tightly controlled or censored by authoritarian regimes, and similar dynamics can be observed in various parts of the world today. Here are a few key points to consider:
Censorship of Music: Totalitarian regimes, including the one in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s, often sought to control the cultural landscape, including music. Approved music was promoted as a means of reinforcing state propaganda and ideology, while non-conformist or underground music was suppressed.
Artistic Resistance: Musicians and artists have historically played a significant role in resisting oppressive regimes. Underground music and art became a form of resistance, allowing individuals to express dissent and critique the conditions of society subtly. This was a way for people to maintain their individuality and identity in the face of conformity.
Parallel to Complexity Theory: The observation that individuals in such societies often "nodded in agreement" due to fear of social repercussions aligns with some aspects of complexity theory. Complex systems, including human societies, often exhibit emergent behaviors and patterns that are influenced by the interactions of individual components (in this case, people). Conformity, in the face of external pressures, can be seen as one such emergent behavior.
Contemporary Relevance: These parallels to the past are indeed relevant in today's world, where censorship, surveillance, and conformity pressures still exist in various forms. Artists and individuals continue to use their creative expressions as a means of resistance and dissent.
Understanding historical examples like the Czech resistance movement can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of authoritarianism, the power of cultural expression, and the enduring importance of individuality and resistance in the face of conformity.
Vaclav Havel's concept of "normalization" in the context of totalitarianism is indeed a crucial insight into how oppressive regimes function. As Havel described, in [i]normalization theory, “…ideology serves not as a unifying belief or an inspiring vision but as a mechanism that creates a buffer of excuses between the authoritarian system and the individual.”
This concept can be further elaborated as follows:
Buffer of Excuses: Under normalization, the ideology propagated by the totalitarian regime serves to rationalize and justify its actions, policies, and control over the populace. It provides a set of excuses or justifications for the regime's behavior, making it appear legitimate or necessary in the eyes of those subjected to it.
Individual Disempowerment: By framing the regime's actions through the lens of ideology, individuals are made to feel powerless and insignificant in the face of the state's authority. The ideology effectively discourages critical thinking and dissent, as it suggests that resistance is futile or misguided.
Dehumanization: Normalization can contribute to the dehumanization of individuals, as they are reduced to mere cogs in the machinery of the state. The focus on conformity and adherence to the ideology can erode individuality and genuine human connection.
Maintaining Control: The regime's use of ideology in this way helps it maintain control over the population by stifling dissent and suppressing any attempts to challenge its authority. It creates a climate where individuals may self-censor out of fear or a sense of resignation.
Havel's exploration of normalization underscores the insidious nature of totalitarianism and the ways in which it can manipulate the human experience. It highlights the importance of recognizing the role of ideology in sustaining oppressive systems and the need for individuals to break free from the excuses and justifications provided by such ideologies to reclaim their agency and humanity.
Stock Phrases
Stock phrases often referred to as "stock phrases" or "empty slogans," is a form of language manipulation used by authoritarian regimes to control and manipulate public discourse. These phrases are often taken at face value by those in power but are seen as hollow or ironic by those who understand their true meaning. Another example — “Safe and Effective” used to oversimplify complex medical realities.
Here are some additional insights related to this concept:
"I am obedient and accept others' definition of normality": Havel, 2018 This phrase, as it should actually be interrupted exemplifies how authoritarian regimes can force individuals to publicly endorse and normalize oppressive systems. The act of hanging out such a sign is not an act of empowerment but a demonstration of compliance and submission to the system's expectations.
Shared Experience of Irresponsibility: When individuals conform to such slogans and symbols, it can create a sense of shared irresponsibility within society. In essence, people are collectively avoiding taking responsibility for the consequences of their actions and choices, deferring that responsibility to the system or ideology they are upholding.
Moral Injury: The term "moral injury" is relevant here as it describes the psychological distress individuals may experience when they are forced to act in ways that go against their moral values or when they witness wrongdoing within a system. In the context here - individuals may be both victims and supporters of the oppressive system, which can lead to profound moral conflicts and psychological harm. Readers are encouraged to read Brad Miller’s discussion on this topic.
Along with any discussion of ‘moral injury’ — it's crucial to consider how institutions like the Department of Defense have, at times, sanctioned individuals for non-compliance with certain directives. In such cases, the consequences of non-conformity can extend beyond mere skepticism. Those who resist or raise questions may experience a form of moral injury, as they grapple with the ethical and moral conflicts imposed by the system. Paradoxically, this environment has forced out individuals who, based on their principles and even scientific evidence, chose not to conform to what some might describe as displaying the 'vaccine flag' or unquestioning allegiance to the regime. This illustrates how the pressures for conformity can have profound personal and ethical implications, further underscoring the complexities of resistance in a world marked by interdependencies and ever-evolving dynamics.
Irony and Subversion: Those who recognize the true meaning behind these stock phrases may use irony and subversion as forms of resistance. They may engage in subtle acts of non-compliance or dissent while appearing to conform on the surface, using language and symbols to communicate covertly with like-minded individuals.
Understanding the manipulation of language and the psychological toll it can take on individuals is essential for recognizing the mechanisms of authoritarian control and the need for individuals to reclaim their agency and moral responsibility. Vaclav Havel's description of totalitarianism as a society that helplessly watches a coldly functioning machine engulfing individuals and tearing them away from their natural affiliations remains profoundly relevant today. Havel, 2018
In the modern age of technology, especially the global social media network, people are indeed manipulated in subtle and refined ways that can be more insidious than the brutal methods used under communism.
Resistance
The role of resistance in this context is crucial. Drawing on the insights of complexity theory, it becomes clear that our understanding of history should not be linear, and our vision of the future should not be constrained by rigid organizational structures such as the formation of ‘boards, assigned roles’ and more linear organizational constructs.
Instead, we should recognize the interdependencies within society and remain adaptable, allowing for emergent solutions that contribute to a better humanity, rather than settling for a "low-rent" version of existence.
Resistance is not solely about the power of a few individuals challenging the machine; it's about collective awareness, shared responsibility, and the willingness to challenge the status quo. It's a call to embrace complexity, to value human connections and individual agency, and to work together to build a future that respects our instinctual connections and common human essence. We need to reevaluate the trite slogans like "for a shared future of every nation intertwined," which prefigure the rise of a biomedical surveillance state fueled by technology, often marketed under the banner of "for the benefit of all humanity!"
The lived experiences of those under totalitarian regimes are marked by fear, suppression, and the constant pressure to conform to the ideology imposed by the state. In such societies, individuals often endure a sense of powerlessness, as their freedom to express dissent or pursue their personal beliefs is severely restricted. The consequences of non-conformity can range from social ostracization to severe punishment, including imprisonment or worse.
Post-Totalitarian World and ‘Blind Automatism”
In a post-totalitarian world, a different kind of conformity is emerging, driven by the demands of modern technology and social media. The rise of digital surveillance and the relentless quest for conformity to various ideologies, be they political, religious, social, or cultural, is a concerning trend. Any deviation from ‘the’ approved narrative can be met with swift and often harsh consequences, as the system perceives such deviations as attacks on itself.
As Vaclav Havel astutely pointed out, this phenomenon reflects a blind "automatism" within the system, where self-preservation becomes subordinate to the system's drive for conformity and control2. Automatism
Participation in public life, personal expression, and even thought itself can be limited to what aligns with the approved direction of this "automatism of the system."
In this context, the struggle for individuality, freedom of thought, and the right to dissent remains paramount. It serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of defending personal agency and the right to question, challenge, and shape the world according to one's own values and convictions. In a world marked by increasing pressures for conformity, the call for critical thinking, empathy, and respect for diverse perspectives becomes ever more vital.
This essay is by no means complete.
In this essay, we've delved - briefly - into the profound impact of totalitarianism on the human experience, drawing parallels to contemporary challenges. We've examined how stock phrases, often used to oversimplify complex issues yet can be met with skepticism creating more turbulence in the system.
Through the lens of resistance, we've reflected on the enduring importance of literature, individual agency, and the imperative to recognize, unmask, and counter totalitarian tendencies in a world marked by increasing pressures for conformity.
This exploration reminds us of the critical role that informed citizens play in shaping our collective future, upholding the values of freedom and individuality, and navigating the intricate web of interdependencies that define our modern age.
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Thank you for your support and for venturing into this uncharted territory of thought with me.
Warm regards,
Dr. Crisanna Shackelford
[i] Havel Václav Wilson PR. The Power of the Powerless. London: Vintage; 2018.
Havel Václav Wilson PR. The Power of the Powerless. London: Vintage; 2018
Havel Václav Wilson PR. The Power of the Powerless. London: Vintage; 2018
Very intriguing. I particularly liked your inclusion of "artistic resistance."