File spoon-archives/marxism-theory.archive/marxism-theory_1997/marxism-theory.9711, message 53


From: LeoCasey-AT-aol.com
Date: Fri, 21 Nov 1997 20:38:02 -0500 (EST)
Subject: MT: Re: Goldhagen 


I too would have a problem with the characterization of Goldhagen as a
"neo-racist." As I understand his argument, it was that anti-Semitism was
such a 'normal' part of early twentieth century national German culture that
ordinary Germans were only too willing to be participants in the 'final
solution'. I do not know enough of the history of the period to be able to
evaluate the explanatory power and accuracy of G's claims, but the claim
itself is hardly racist, neo or paleo. A similar claim that racism was such a
normal part of Southern American culture that ordinary white southerners
could countenance and participate in murderous violence against
African-Americans would seem to me not only non-racist, but also correct. I
must also confess that I take with a grain of salt the claims of German
historians who do not simply dispute G's claims, but do so in the terms
described here. At the same time, I do find it bizarre, on the face of it,
that someone would try to resolve scholarly disputes with law suits, so
bizarre that I wonder if there is more to it than was presented in the
Finnish television discussion.

Leo


   

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