More Blood
A friend gave me an essay written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, On Stupidity. Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor, a leader of the “confessing church” opposing the policies of the Nazis. The Nazis aimed at eliminating Jews, promoting the ideology of Aryan purity. Bonhoeffer’s essay seems germane to our situation now, the rise of Trumpism, and the difficulty of the “liberal-left” to mount an effective counter response, to take back public opinion. The essay deserves serous attention as the words were penned while Bonhoeffer was held in prison for his role in an attempt to assassinate Hitler. He was executed on April 9, 1945.
I read his description of the viewpoint of one who has given themselves over to stupidity.
…reasons fall on deaf ears, facts that contradict one’s prejudgment simply need not be believed — in such moments the stupid person even becomes critical… In all this the stupid person, in contrast to the malicious one is utterly self-satisfied…
Bonhoeffer’s assessment strikes a chord of familiarity. The seeming autonomic repeating of rightist talking points, the racist bent of attitude, minds impervious to reasoned discourse are compulsory for all who find acceptance within the politico-religious orbit of Trump.
Perhaps this has been long in development. I ask myself whether the methodical consumer, the devotee of acquisition, those who feel compelled to acquire the latest edition of Apple’s iPhone, the largest available television screen, – is he/she also a victim of stupidity? Is stupidity a feature of self-confessed capitalist society?
Bonhoeffer does not offer a ready, optimistic cure for stupidity. He writes that only “liberation” holds promise for individuals, herd-like, in thrall to stupidity. External and internal liberation go hand in hand. What is external liberation? Does he mean that the economic and sociological guardrails of society must shift, that is, how and to what end power is exercised? That is, change needs be made so that stupidity no longer pays?
When remembering what Michel Foucault wrote about historical knowledge without blinders (knowledge made for cutting), I think that I am still bleeding.
Bonhoeffer’s prognosis: to modify capitalism. A capitalism that does not maximize profits by cultivating stupid customers.
I turn these ideas over in my mind. My clothes are stained with fresh blood.
