From: PsycheCulture-AT-cs.com
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2002 22:30:44 EST
Subject: Re: Warfare as Submission



--part1_1bb.94ef95c.2b032164_boundary

In a message dated 11/3/02 7:05:26 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
npr4-AT-columbia.edu writes: 
> welcome Richard Koenigsberg's point that " The idea that the soldier acts 
> from a position of "domination" is one of the fundamental delusions 
> surrounding the institution of warfare."  This is a valuable corrective.  
> Nevertheless, it must be understood in relation to the systematic way in 
> which this delusion is inculcated into recruits.  Consider the following 
> account, which is interesting when read 
> side-by-side with Koenigsberg's.
> -Nate

       I suggest that the dynamic comes from both sides. The recruit is 
"inculcated" into the delusion of submission as domination by those in power. 
However the recruit also attaches to power in order to create within himself 
the fantasy of domination (that by submitting to power he will become 
dominant).

       I am suggesting that power is a human creation; that we create (and 
imagine) the idea that are persons "above us" in order to feel that there is 
something to bow down to.

       We "discipline and punish" ourselves in order to put ourselves under 
control. It is the fantasy or need that creates (is the source of/gives rise 
to) the reality, which then appears as a "thing" independent of our own will.

Best regards,

Richard K.

Richard Koenigsberg, Ph. D.
Director, Library of Social Science

--part1_1bb.94ef95c.2b032164_boundary

HTML VERSION: