Project Director
LeMoyne, Terri M.
Department Examiner
Eckelmann, Susan; Eigenburg, Helen
Publisher
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Place of Publication
Chattanooga (Tenn.)
Abstract
In his book One-Dimensional Man, Herbert Marcuse argues that modern society has lost the ability to critique itself. Contradictions are hidden through manipulative language and protest is suppressed. As a result, Marcuse asserts that our society has become rational in its irrationality, so that contradictions appear logical and even beneficial. Though published in 1964, Marcuse's theory is still relevant today, and is seen in the All Lives Matter movement. As a response to Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter makes the seemingly rational claim that everyone in America is valued equally, and that racial prejudice is a thing of the past. However, these claims are not based on fact, as institutional racism and white privilege still exist. All Lives Matter is an example of uncritical thought that sustains white supremacy by denying its existence.
Degree
B. S.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Date
5-2017
Subject
Racism; Race awareness; Social movements -- United States -- 21st century
Discipline
Sociology
Document Type
Theses
Extent
27 leaves
DCMI Type
Text
Language
English
Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/
Recommended Citation
Newell, Elliot, "Irrational in its rationality: a critique of the all lives matter movement and one-dimensional society" (2017). Honors Theses.
https://scholar.utc.edu/honors-theses/105
Department
Dept. of Sociology, Anthropology, and Geography