From: "R Pearson" <spectres-AT-innotts.co.uk>
Subject: M-I: Re: Das Argument (and underpants).
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 1996 19:23:39 -0000


Thanks for the comments on Das Argument from Chris and Anna-Sabine. 
I only know WF Haug from his work on 'Commodity Aesthetics', and I left the
work somewhat puzzled. On the one hand he has some very keen analyses of
commodification and creates a stimulating engagement with the issues from
both a philosophical and a political level.
For example Haug cites this quote from Das Argument:

"The masses are being manipulated while pursuing their interests.
Manipulative phenomena, therefore, still speak the language of real needs
even if it is as it were an alien expression of those needs which are now
distorted beyond recognition."
"The objective realities of happiness and unhappiness form the basis of
manipulation" [from Das Argument 5 1963]

All good stuff, nicely thought-provoking and neatly contraversial. But what
puzzles me is his comments on men washing and printed underpants! Haug
seems to think that frequent bathing and such follies as a pair of
underpants with a print on the front (and thus no fly hole) are baleful
influences on the working class. 
What I'd like to know is where the hell is he arguing from and whether his
comments in defence of East Germany are indicative?

Russell Pearson





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