Hannah Arendt＇s 1963 study ＂Eichmann in Jerusalem＂, based on the former Nazi＇s 1961 trial, broached two highly controversial topics： The first was her theory of the banality of evil--the uncomfortable moral scena...Hannah Arendt＇s 1963 study ＂Eichmann in Jerusalem＂, based on the former Nazi＇s 1961 trial, broached two highly controversial topics： The first was her theory of the banality of evil--the uncomfortable moral scenario that leads ordinary individuals, for the most trivial and arbitrary reasons, to commit heinous atrocities; and the second was her fierce condemnation of Jewish collaboration with the Nazis. This paper argues that the novelist Jonathan Littell＇s critically acclaimed best-seller The Kindly Ones （2010） provocatively revalorizes and builds upon these two aspects of Arendt＇s study： Firstly, it posits her theory of banality as a challenge to the comforting presupposition that terrible evils can only be committed by a minority of monstrous individuals, by suggesting instead that ＂normal＂ readers share the same capacity to commit atrocities as Nazis such as Eichmann. Secondly, the novel nuances Arendt＇s damning indictment of Jewish collaboration by regarding it as the inevitable consequence of the terrible predicament faced by Jews at that time. Finally, the paper concludes with Littell＇s consideration of banality as a phenomenon that not only invites an uncomfortable moral self-analysis, but also legitimises a return to a justice system based on the ancient Greek model.展开更多
In the digital era,social media platforms such as Facebook,Twitter,and Weibo have transcended their roles as mere communication tools,emerging as pivotal arenas for the expression and amplification of banal nationalis...In the digital era,social media platforms such as Facebook,Twitter,and Weibo have transcended their roles as mere communication tools,emerging as pivotal arenas for the expression and amplification of banal nationalism.This paper explores how these platforms embed subtle nationalistic sentiments within the everyday online interactions of millions,thereby enhancing and reinforcing users’sense of national identity.Through qualitative analysis of various social media posts and a comprehensive literature review,this study investigates the mechanisms through which these digital platforms perpetuate nationalistic narratives.Additionally,the paper employs visual data analysis of social media content to demonstrate the prevalence of national symbols and narratives,particularly during significant national events.The findings indicate that social media platforms not only reflect but actively shape societal trends through algorithm-driven content curation that promotes emotionally charged nationalistic posts.This paper underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of how digital environments influence national identity construction and the subtle ways in which they foster a digital form of banal nationalism.展开更多
文摘Hannah Arendt＇s 1963 study ＂Eichmann in Jerusalem＂, based on the former Nazi＇s 1961 trial, broached two highly controversial topics： The first was her theory of the banality of evil--the uncomfortable moral scenario that leads ordinary individuals, for the most trivial and arbitrary reasons, to commit heinous atrocities; and the second was her fierce condemnation of Jewish collaboration with the Nazis. This paper argues that the novelist Jonathan Littell＇s critically acclaimed best-seller The Kindly Ones （2010） provocatively revalorizes and builds upon these two aspects of Arendt＇s study： Firstly, it posits her theory of banality as a challenge to the comforting presupposition that terrible evils can only be committed by a minority of monstrous individuals, by suggesting instead that ＂normal＂ readers share the same capacity to commit atrocities as Nazis such as Eichmann. Secondly, the novel nuances Arendt＇s damning indictment of Jewish collaboration by regarding it as the inevitable consequence of the terrible predicament faced by Jews at that time. Finally, the paper concludes with Littell＇s consideration of banality as a phenomenon that not only invites an uncomfortable moral self-analysis, but also legitimises a return to a justice system based on the ancient Greek model.
文摘In the digital era,social media platforms such as Facebook,Twitter,and Weibo have transcended their roles as mere communication tools,emerging as pivotal arenas for the expression and amplification of banal nationalism.This paper explores how these platforms embed subtle nationalistic sentiments within the everyday online interactions of millions,thereby enhancing and reinforcing users’sense of national identity.Through qualitative analysis of various social media posts and a comprehensive literature review,this study investigates the mechanisms through which these digital platforms perpetuate nationalistic narratives.Additionally,the paper employs visual data analysis of social media content to demonstrate the prevalence of national symbols and narratives,particularly during significant national events.The findings indicate that social media platforms not only reflect but actively shape societal trends through algorithm-driven content curation that promotes emotionally charged nationalistic posts.This paper underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of how digital environments influence national identity construction and the subtle ways in which they foster a digital form of banal nationalism.
