2) Discuss the relationship between nihilism and changing attitudes on sexuality. In what ways did traditional values place prohibitions on sexuality? Why did these prohibitions lose their power after the first World War? Using The Blue Angel and Dream Story as a reference discuss the new attitudes towards sexuality that developed during the 1920s and early 1930s
The nihilism era evolved during one of the most difficult time in the history of the world. After WWI traditional values began to lose their power and more corruption over took these nations without society realizing what was about to take place. Attitudes towards sexuality completely changed in where traditional values were no longer followed leading to irrational behavior. New changes began to overpower the government which eventually led to social destruction and violence. Many began to explore on their sexuality and sexual desires that eventually lead to the lost of moral values.
The striking nihilism era, changed the lives of many which led self and social destruction. Before this era sexuality was viewed as a private matter between two individuals which was conducted in the privacy of their home. During the nihilism era people began to lose their moral values as well as the concept of a monogamous relationship. Open ideas about sexuality began to develop and were reflected on their obvious behavior of the many men and women of the era. Throughout the era sexual attitudes changed and the women became promiscuous while the men explored outside their comfort zone and into other boundaries.
Throughout the era many traditional values prohibited most of these behaviors publicly and condoned those that acted upon on them. Many of these individuals were outcaste from their social groups and began to live their lives without any moral values. Traditional values were enforced by promoting the moral values of marriage and family as well as religion.
Many of social etiquettes and laws were lost and held absolute no value after World War I. Many became very upset with the inhumanities and brutal behaviors that were inflicted on innocent people. Since the government lost control of their people, society began to lose hope on the system which led to the destruction of their nation. As society began to realize that no positive changes were being enforced, they decided to disregard family and moral values and began living destruction live. By disregarding all values, these prohibitions began to lose the capabilities of keeping society in order.
In the 1920’s and early 1930’s a new attitude towards sexually was continuously growing having many thinking outside the box. These new behaviors can be recognized in the book “Dream” in where a new outlook on sexuality was beginning to develop and take over the minds of those who were curious. Many individuals, including the upper class elite began to frequent these illegal establishments in order to fulfill their inner desire of curiosity. During this time a new era evolved in where many began to think about sexuality and began exploring outside their comfort zone. People began to lose self respect, moral values and began searching for inner satisfaction of sex leading to social and self destruction. This type of behavior can also be depicted on the film “The Blue Angel” in where it was more common to see these locations that induced people to act in a shameful way. The new outlook towards sexuality can be interpret in Prof Roth behavior as he began to think outside the box and began to frequent the saloon where Lola was the main attraction. By this time these women were wearing less clothing attracting the average men to frequent these places and losing their moral values. This new behavior and lust for Lola led to his personal and professional destruction.
In conclusion it is to say that the nihilism era was by far one of the most destructive time of the early 20th century. As the world was evolving a new era was destroying many years of hope, respect, and social beliefs. This destruction pulled apart many government and societies which led to inhumane acts and self destruction.
4) Explain the statement, "boredom is nothing other than the dissolution of pain in time", (Jünger p. 13) and its relationship to nihilism
Thru evolution, the human race has learned how to cope with different levels of disappointments as well as emotional conflict. These types of feelings lead to frustration, pain and irrational actions. This emotional and at many times physical experience does not discriminate against social or economic status. The statement “Boredom is nothing other than the dissolution of pain in time” (junger pg.13) is related to nihilism in where it reflects a period in time where hope and moral values were lost as well as the desire to live and appreciate life. This statement can also be related to how pain was perceived during the nihilism era as well the emphasis on how pain is part of the human nature.
This particular statement reflects pain and deception of moral values that were encountered during the nihilism era. During this era the pain was conveyed thru the many atrocities that took place in the beginning of the 20th century. These atrocities lead to the lost of moral values and self respect among individuals, society, and their government. As time took its course in life, many decided to ignore the events that was destroying their society and eventually became part of the immorality adding more dissolution to life. Since these values were tarnished, society became numb to pain not just physically, mentally but also emotionally. The abuse proceeded to the taking lives of many innocent people which lead to World War II.
During Nihilism time, pain was perceived and handled in a very irrational way. Many were not able to cope with all the inhumane acts and eventually the citizens of these nations became accustomed to pain causing a chaotic environment. As time went on people became disgusted with their surrounding and their government and decided to revolt and began committing these delirious acts that supported the Nihilism Era. Many of these people began underground organization and changed their lives leading to unpractical behaviors.
As we know, pain is part of the human nature and as we have evolved from generation to generation people have found ways to disregard pain. During nihilism era, many were involved with human atrocities that lead to the loss of faith and self value. Their environment became a monotony as one disaster unfolded after another. Many began founding underground groups to escape their living conditions as well as their government rules. Many of these groups were constituted in illegal behavior while promoting sexuality outside marriage and prostitution. This is related to nihilism in where people did not care about themselves, society and their moral values, leading to a destruction of a different generation.
In conclusion the statement depicts how during this era nothing constructive or positive was going to change the events that were destroying these nations. Only time was going to allow the changes take place. During this destructive era many lost their lives, hope, and the ability to change not only their behavior but also their surroundings.
