Repressed unhappiness can be mobilized as political support for domination
Evidence
In the light of the cognitive function of this mode of sublimation, the desublimation rampant in advanced industrial society reveals its truly conformist function. This liberation of sexuality (and of aggressiveness) frees the instinctual drives from much of the unhappiness and discontent that elucidate the repressive power of the established universe of satisfaction. To be sure, there is pervasive unhappiness, and the happy consciousness is shaky enough—a thin surface over fear, frustration, and disgust. This unhappiness lends itself easily to political mobilization; without room for conscious development, it may become the instinctual reservoir for a new fascist way of life and death. But there are many ways in which the unhappiness beneath the happy consciousness may be turned into a source of strength and cohesion for the social order. — Herbert Marcuse, One-Dimensional Man, 337
Categorization
- XREF: Connects directly to the reader’s attention/consumption-economics purpose: manufactured contentment as control mechanism. — connects to: False-need satisfaction reinforces the rat race and profitable domination. — Herbert Marcuse, One-Dimensional Man: Studies in the…, 841; Frustrated civilization resentment is canalized and fused with authoritarian submissiveness; A sense of personal grievance can turn a quiet gentleman into a political fighter — Robert A. Caro, The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the…, 818 (+2 more)