Walter Benjamin's Theory Of Aestheticization Of Politics

In 1936, German Jewish philosopher and cultural critic Walter Benjamin coined the idea of “aestheticization of politics”. This theory expresses the idea that life and affairs of living are made to be innately artistic and are thus related to politics in the same manner. This means that politics can be viewed as artistic and structured as that of an art form that corresponds with the concept that life is also to be seen artistically. Benjamin believed that this theory of aestheticization of politics was a vital aspect to Fascist regimes. The rise of fascism within Europe, and especially within Germany, was the epochal transformation during Benjamin’s time and also created a threatening connotation to Benjamin him self’s life as a Jew and as a radical during this time period. This being said, his views on Fascism in his home country are an important resource for people today to evaluate in that the direct relation Fascism had to Benjamin’s life and the real situations he experienced give him a wealth of background on the subject. Benjamin’s views were intended explicitly as an uncontrived account of …show more content…
The idea of turning politics into an art form and incorporating it into daily life was vital to the Fascist movement in Germany in the early-mid 1900s and it is vital today. Though cryptic, this idea can be easily spotted once a basic understanding is formed. The use of aesthetics in propaganda for the nazi party in rallies and marches, in signs and posters, through the speeches given by leaders, creates a means by which the public not only is drawn in by the beauty and spectacle of it all but also the message is spread to the masses. This idea has been seen throughout history and can still be seen in current times through social media, modern politics, and social culture as it is a powerful