American Dreams and Nazi Nightmares: Early Holocaust Consciousness and Liberal America,1957-1965 by Kirsten FermaglichReview by: Gregory SumnerThe American Historical Review, Vol. 112, No. 4 (Oct., 2007), pp. 1206-1207Published by: Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Historical AssociationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/40008534 .

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1206 1206 Reviews Reviews of of Books Books 1206 1206 Reviews Reviews of of Books Books

more more difficult difficult than than they they anticipated, anticipated, as as both both came came to to more more difficult difficult than than they they anticipated, anticipated, as as both both came came to to appreciate appreciate in in the the 1960s. 1960s. appreciate appreciate in in the the 1960s. 1960s.

The The Senate Senate Foreign Foreign Relations Relations Committee Committee was was less less The The Senate Senate Foreign Foreign Relations Relations Committee Committee was was less less important important in in the the 1950s 1950s than than it it had had been been earlier: earlier: this this was was important important in in the the 1950s 1950s than than it it had had been been earlier: earlier: this this was was illustrated illustrated when when eighty-nine-year-old eighty-nine-year-old Theodore Theodore Francis Francis illustrated illustrated when when eighty-nine-year-old eighty-nine-year-old Theodore Theodore Francis Francis Green Green (Democrat) (Democrat) succeeded succeeded Walter Walter George George as as chair- chair- Green Green (Democrat) (Democrat) succeeded succeeded Walter Walter George George as as chair- chair- man. man. Lyndon Lyndon B. B. Johnson Johnson engineered engineered the the tactics tactics for for per- per- man. man. Lyndon Lyndon B. B. Johnson Johnson engineered engineered the the tactics tactics for for per- per- suading suading Green Green to to stand stand down, down, although although the the generous generous suading suading Green Green to to stand stand down, down, although although the the generous generous tributes tributes paid paid to to him, him, arranged arranged by by LBJ, LBJ, almost almost convinced convinced tributes tributes paid paid to to him, him, arranged arranged by by LBJ, LBJ, almost almost convinced convinced the the venerable venerable senator senator to to stay stay after after all all (p. (p. 86). 86). The The re- re- the the venerable venerable senator senator to to stay stay after after all all (p. (p. 86). 86). The The re- re- vitalization vitalization of of the the committee committee was was the the achievement achievement of of vitalization vitalization of of the the committee committee was was the the achievement achievement of of William William J. J. Fulbright Fulbright (Democrat), (Democrat), particularly particularly when when he he William William J. J. Fulbright Fulbright (Democrat), (Democrat), particularly particularly when when he he emerged emerged as as a a vehement vehement critic critic of of policy policy in in Vietnam. Vietnam. As As emerged emerged as as a a vehement vehement critic critic of of policy policy in in Vietnam. Vietnam. As As Johnson Johnson shows, shows, a a congressional congressional revolt revolt over over foreign foreign aid aid Johnson Johnson shows, shows, a a congressional congressional revolt revolt over over foreign foreign aid aid preceded preceded the the congressional congressional revolt revolt over over Vietnam. Vietnam. This This preceded preceded the the congressional congressional revolt revolt over over Vietnam. Vietnam. This This included included surprising surprising alliances, alliances, illustrated illustrated in in the the cooper- cooper- included included surprising surprising alliances, alliances, illustrated illustrated in in the the cooper- cooper- ation ation between between Wayne Wayne Morse Morse (liberal (liberal Democrat Democrat and and a a ation ation between between Wayne Wayne Morse Morse (liberal (liberal Democrat Democrat and and a a former former Republican) Republican) and and Bourke Bourke Hickenlooper Hickenlooper (right- (right- former former Republican) Republican) and and Bourke Bourke Hickenlooper Hickenlooper (right- (right- wing wing Republican) Republican) over over policy policy toward toward Latin Latin America America in in wing wing Republican) Republican) over over policy policy toward toward Latin Latin America America in in the the later later 1950s 1950s (pp. (pp. 84-85). 84-85). The The autocratic autocratic conservative conservative the the later later 1950s 1950s (pp. (pp. 84-85). 84-85). The The autocratic autocratic conservative conservative Democrat, Democrat, Otto Otto Passman Passman (Louisiana), (Louisiana), inspired inspired fear fear or or Democrat, Democrat, Otto Otto Passman Passman (Louisiana), (Louisiana), inspired inspired fear fear or or hatred hatred in in many many of of those those who who encountered encountered him him during during hatred hatred in in many many of of those those who who encountered encountered him him during during his his chairmanship chairmanship of of the the Foreign Foreign Operations Operations Subcom- Subcom- his his chairmanship chairmanship of of the the Foreign Foreign Operations Operations Subcom- Subcom- mittee, mittee, which which dealt dealt with with the the foreign foreign aid aid program. program. Hav- Hav- mittee, mittee, which which dealt dealt with with the the foreign foreign aid aid program. program. Hav- Hav- ing ing just just become become president, president, LBJ LBJ thought thought he he had had squared squared ing ing just just become become president, president, LBJ LBJ thought thought he he had had squared squared Passman Passman only only to to discover discover that that the the latter latter refused refused to to com- com- Passman Passman only only to to discover discover that that the the latter latter refused refused to to com- com- ply, ply, leaving leaving LBJ LBJ to to denounce denounce Passman Passman (in (in private) private) as as a a ply, ply, leaving leaving LBJ LBJ to to denounce denounce Passman Passman (in (in private) private) as as a a "caveman" "caveman" from from the the "swamps" "swamps" of of Louisiana Louisiana (pp. (pp. 102- 102- "caveman" "caveman" from from the the "swamps" "swamps" of of Louisiana Louisiana (pp. (pp. 102- 102- 103). 103). Johnson Johnson confirms confirms how how powerful powerful obdurate obdurate individ- individ- 103). 103). Johnson Johnson confirms confirms how how powerful powerful obdurate obdurate individ- individ- uals uals of of both both parties parties could could be be when when challenging challenging execu- execu- uals uals of of both both parties parties could could be be when when challenging challenging execu- execu- tive tive authority, authority, especially especially when when combined combined with with holding holding tive tive authority, authority, especially especially when when combined combined with with holding holding important important chairmanships: chairmanships: Stuart Stuart Symington Symington (Demo- (Demo- important important chairmanships: chairmanships: Stuart Stuart Symington Symington (Demo- (Demo- crat) crat) is is a a good good example example in in his his later later career career as as a a scourge scourge crat) crat) is is a a good good example example in in his his later later career career as as a a scourge scourge of of the the Pentagon Pentagon (pp. (pp. 163-164). 163-164). of of the the Pentagon Pentagon (pp. (pp. 163-164). 163-164).

The The climax climax to to congressional congressional challenge challenge to to the the execu- execu- The The climax climax to to congressional congressional challenge challenge to to the the execu- execu- tive tive was was the the product product of of disaster disaster in in Vietnam, Vietnam, Watergate, Watergate, tive tive was was the the product product of of disaster disaster in in Vietnam, Vietnam, Watergate, Watergate, and and the the personality personality of of Richard Richard M. M. Nixon. Nixon. Critics Critics in in both both and and the the personality personality of of Richard Richard M. M. Nixon. Nixon. Critics Critics in in both both major major parties parties had had become become increasingly increasingly uneasy uneasy over over major major parties parties had had become become increasingly increasingly uneasy uneasy over over Vietnam Vietnam from from 1966, 1966, and and this this was was accentuated accentuated by by Ful- Ful- Vietnam Vietnam from from 1966, 1966, and and this this was was accentuated accentuated by by Ful- Ful- bright's bright's tenacious tenacious direction direction of of the the Senate Senate Foreign Foreign Re- Re- bright's bright's tenacious tenacious direction direction of of the the Senate Senate Foreign Foreign Re- Re- lations lations Committee. Committee. By By contrast, contrast, the the House House Foreign Foreign Af- Af- lations lations Committee. Committee. By By contrast, contrast, the the House House Foreign Foreign Af- Af- fairs fairs Committee Committee was was said said by by the the Washington Washington Post Post (July (July fairs fairs Committee Committee was was said said by by the the Washington Washington Post Post (July (July 20, 20, 1970) 1970) to to have have "been "been a a rubber rubber stamp stamp for for the the exec- exec- 20, 20, 1970) 1970) to to have have "been "been a a rubber rubber stamp stamp for for the the exec- exec- utive utive branch branch for for so so long long that that not not many many people people are are aware aware utive utive branch branch for for so so long long that that not not many many people people are are aware aware that that it it exists" exists" (pp. (pp. 179-180). 179-180). The The emergence emergence of of certain certain that that it it exists" exists" (pp. (pp. 179-180). 179-180). The The emergence emergence of of certain certain strident strident advocates advocates of of liberalism liberalism in in Congress Congress was was coun- coun- strident strident advocates advocates of of liberalism liberalism in in Congress Congress was was coun- coun- terbalanced terbalanced by by the the decline decline of of moderates moderates in in the the Repub- Repub- terbalanced terbalanced by by the the decline decline of of moderates moderates in in the the Repub- Repub- lican lican Party Party and and the the adhesion adhesion to to the the Republicans Republicans of of dis- dis- lican lican Party Party and and the the adhesion adhesion to to the the Republicans Republicans of of dis- dis- gruntled gruntled neoconservatives neoconservatives who who had had previously previously gruntled gruntled neoconservatives neoconservatives who who had had previously previously supported supported the the Democrats Democrats (p. (p. 226). 226). These These trends trends were were supported supported the the Democrats Democrats (p. (p. 226). 226). These These trends trends were were confirmed confirmed in in the the midterm midterm elections elections in in 1978 1978 with with the the de- de- confirmed confirmed in in the the midterm midterm elections elections in in 1978 1978 with with the the de- de- feat feat of of Senators Senators Joseph Joseph Clark Clark and and Thomas Thomas Mclntyre Mclntyre feat feat of of Senators Senators Joseph Joseph Clark Clark and and Thomas Thomas Mclntyre Mclntyre (Democrats) (Democrats) and and the the refusal refusal of of New New Jersey Jersey Republicans Republicans (Democrats) (Democrats) and and the the refusal refusal of of New New Jersey Jersey Republicans Republicans to to renominate renominate Clifford Clifford Case Case (p. (p. 240). 240). The The victory victory of of Ron- Ron- to to renominate renominate Clifford Clifford Case Case (p. (p. 240). 240). The The victory victory of of Ron- Ron- ald ald Reagan Reagan in in 1980 1980 saw saw the the Republicans Republicans securing securing con- con- ald ald Reagan Reagan in in 1980 1980 saw saw the the Republicans Republicans securing securing con- con- trol trol of of the the Senate. Senate. The The Senate Senate Armed Armed Services Services Com- Com- trol trol of of the the Senate. Senate. The The Senate Senate Armed Armed Services Services Com- Com- mittee, mittee, chaired chaired by by John John Tower, Tower, was was more more powerful powerful than than mittee, mittee, chaired chaired by by John John Tower, Tower, was was more more powerful powerful than than the the Foreign Foreign Relations Relations Committee, Committee, chaired chaired by by Charles Charles the the Foreign Foreign Relations Relations Committee, Committee, chaired chaired by by Charles Charles Percy. Percy. Indeed, Indeed, the the House House Foreign Foreign Affairs Affairs Committee Committee Percy. Percy. Indeed, Indeed, the the House House Foreign Foreign Affairs Affairs Committee Committee

was was more more prominent prominent than than its its Senate Senate counterpart counterpart in in the the was was more more prominent prominent than than its its Senate Senate counterpart counterpart in in the the early early 1980s 1980s (p. (p. 265). 265). early early 1980s 1980s (p. (p. 265). 265).

This This is is a a fascinating fascinating volume: volume: it it throws throws considerable considerable This This is is a a fascinating fascinating volume: volume: it it throws throws considerable considerable light light on on the the workings workings of of the the Constitution. Constitution. A A British British his- his- light light on on the the workings workings of of the the Constitution. Constitution. A A British British his- his- torian torian must must express express respect respect for for the the ability ability of of Congress Congress torian torian must must express express respect respect for for the the ability ability of of Congress Congress to to open open matters matters that that the the executive executive would would prefer prefer to to re- re- to to open open matters matters that that the the executive executive would would prefer prefer to to re- re- main main hidden. hidden. The The only only weaknesses weaknesses are are the the absence absence of of main main hidden. hidden. The The only only weaknesses weaknesses are are the the absence absence of of a a reflective reflective conclusion conclusion (the (the volume volume ends ends abruptly) abruptly) and and a a reflective reflective conclusion conclusion (the (the volume volume ends ends abruptly) abruptly) and and the the omission omission of of a a bibliography, bibliography, other other than than a a list list of of ar- ar- the the omission omission of of a a bibliography, bibliography, other other than than a a list list of of ar- ar- chives chives consulted. consulted. chives chives consulted. consulted.

Peter Peter Lowe Lowe Peter Peter Lowe Lowe University University of of Manchester Manchester University University of of Manchester Manchester

Kirsten Kirsten Fermaglich. Fermaglich. American American Dreams Dreams and and Nazi Nazi Night- Night- Kirsten Kirsten Fermaglich. Fermaglich. American American Dreams Dreams and and Nazi Nazi Night- Night- mares: mares: Early Early Holocaust Holocaust Consciousness Consciousness and and Liberal Liberal mares: mares: Early Early Holocaust Holocaust Consciousness Consciousness and and Liberal Liberal America, America, 1957-1965. 1957-1965. (Brandeis (Brandeis Series Series in in American American Jew- Jew- America, America, 1957-1965. 1957-1965. (Brandeis (Brandeis Series Series in in American American Jew- Jew- ish ish History, History, Culture, Culture, and and Life.) Life.) Waltham, Waltham, Mass.: Mass.: Bran- Bran- ish ish History, History, Culture, Culture, and and Life.) Life.) Waltham, Waltham, Mass.: Mass.: Bran- Bran- deis deis University University Press. Press. 2006. 2006. Pp. Pp. xii, xii, 252. 252. $29.95. $29.95. deis deis University University Press. Press. 2006. 2006. Pp. Pp. xii, xii, 252. 252. $29.95. $29.95.

There There was was a a time time in in our our national national life, life, less less constricted constricted by by There There was was a a time time in in our our national national life, life, less less constricted constricted by by pressures pressures to to conform conform to to the the civic civic religion religion of of American American pressures pressures to to conform conform to to the the civic civic religion religion of of American American "exceptionalism," "exceptionalism," and and before before the the orthodoxies orthodoxies of of iden- iden- "exceptionalism," "exceptionalism," and and before before the the orthodoxies orthodoxies of of iden- iden- tity tity politics politics gained gained predominance, predominance, when when social social critics critics tity tity politics politics gained gained predominance, predominance, when when social social critics critics felt felt free free to to plumb plumb the the meaning meaning of of Adolf Adolf Hitler's Hitler's de- de- felt felt free free to to plumb plumb the the meaning meaning of of Adolf Adolf Hitler's Hitler's de- de- struction struction of of the the Jews Jews during during World World War War II II for for its its uni- uni- struction struction of of the the Jews Jews during during World World War War II II for for its its uni- uni- versal versal lessons. lessons. Kirsten Kirsten Fermaglich Fermaglich argues argues that that there there was was versal versal lessons. lessons. Kirsten Kirsten Fermaglich Fermaglich argues argues that that there there was was a a moment moment of of relative relative openness openness and and liberal liberal reform reform op- op- a a moment moment of of relative relative openness openness and and liberal liberal reform reform op- op- timism, timism, a a period period she she identifies identifies as as "the "the turn turn of of the the 60s," 60s," timism, timism, a a period period she she identifies identifies as as "the "the turn turn of of the the 60s," 60s," catalyzed catalyzed in in its its beginnings beginnings by by Little Little Rock Rock and and Sputnik, Sputnik, catalyzed catalyzed in in its its beginnings beginnings by by Little Little Rock Rock and and Sputnik, Sputnik, when when Cold Cold War War rigidity rigidity relaxed relaxed and and it it was was considered considered when when Cold Cold War War rigidity rigidity relaxed relaxed and and it it was was considered considered legitimate legitimate to to use use the the (still (still recent) recent) experience experience of of Nazi Nazi legitimate legitimate to to use use the the (still (still recent) recent) experience experience of of Nazi Nazi mass mass murder murder to to investigate investigate the the pathologies pathologies of of Ameri- Ameri- mass mass murder murder to to investigate investigate the the pathologies pathologies of of Ameri- Ameri- can can "mass" "mass" society. society. can can "mass" "mass" society. society.

Fermaglich Fermaglich deftly, deftly, methodically methodically engages engages on on a a cohort cohort Fermaglich Fermaglich deftly, deftly, methodically methodically engages engages on on a a cohort cohort of of four four social social scientists scientists (loosely (loosely defined) defined) whose whose work, work, of of four four social social scientists scientists (loosely (loosely defined) defined) whose whose work, work, begun begun and and widely widely influential influential in in this this period period of of openness, openness, begun begun and and widely widely influential influential in in this this period period of of openness, openness, experimented experimented with with Nazi Nazi analogies, analogies, with with greater greater or or experimented experimented with with Nazi Nazi analogies, analogies, with with greater greater or or lesser lesser success, success, to to examine examine American American culture culture in in a a way way lesser lesser success, success, to to examine examine American American culture culture in in a a way way that that would would be be attacked attacked as as bad bad taste taste or or worse worse in in our our that that would would be be attacked attacked as as bad bad taste taste or or worse worse in in our our more more pinched, pinched, impoverished impoverished climate climate of of debate. debate. For For more more pinched, pinched, impoverished impoverished climate climate of of debate. debate. For For Stanley Stanley Elkins, Elkins, Betty Betty Friedan, Friedan, Stanley Stanley Milgram, Milgram, and and Stanley Stanley Elkins, Elkins, Betty Betty Friedan, Friedan, Stanley Stanley Milgram, Milgram, and and Robert Robert J. J. Lifton, Lifton, the the focus focus transcended transcended the the historical historical Robert Robert J. J. Lifton, Lifton, the the focus focus transcended transcended the the historical historical context, context, the the holocaust holocaust was was more more than than a a specifically, specifically, ex- ex- context, context, the the holocaust holocaust was was more more than than a a specifically, specifically, ex- ex- clusively clusively Jewish Jewish narrative narrative or or event. event. They They foregrounded foregrounded clusively clusively Jewish Jewish narrative narrative or or event. event. They They foregrounded foregrounded broader broader issues issues of of bureaucratic bureaucratic dehumanization dehumanization and and broader broader issues issues of of bureaucratic bureaucratic dehumanization dehumanization and and obedience, obedience, personal personal responsibility responsibility and and psychological psychological obedience, obedience, personal personal responsibility responsibility and and psychological psychological submission, submission, alienation alienation and and fragmentation fragmentation - - concerns concerns of of submission, submission, alienation alienation and and fragmentation fragmentation - - concerns concerns of of urgency urgency to to liberals liberals in in the the age age of of civil civil rights rights and and dooms- dooms- urgency urgency to to liberals liberals in in the the age age of of civil civil rights rights and and dooms- dooms- day day nuclear nuclear brinkmanship. brinkmanship. To To be be sure, sure, all all four four writers writers day day nuclear nuclear brinkmanship. brinkmanship. To To be be sure, sure, all all four four writers writers were were from from secular secular Jewish Jewish backgrounds, backgrounds, struggling struggling in in were were from from secular secular Jewish Jewish backgrounds, backgrounds, struggling struggling in in their their own own ways ways with with the the ambiguities ambiguities and and "existential "existential un- un- their their own own ways ways with with the the ambiguities ambiguities and and "existential "existential un- un- ease" ease" of of "insider "insider status status and and outsider outsider memory" memory" in in draw- draw- ease" ease" of of "insider "insider status status and and outsider outsider memory" memory" in in draw- draw- ing ing connections connections between between what what made made the the Nazi Nazi genocide genocide ing ing connections connections between between what what made made the the Nazi Nazi genocide genocide possible possible and and troubling troubling patterns patterns of of postwar postwar American American possible possible and and troubling troubling patterns patterns of of postwar postwar American American life. life. But But this this search search for for identity identity did did not not circumscribe circumscribe life. life. But But this this search search for for identity identity did did not not circumscribe circumscribe their their analyses. analyses. their their analyses. analyses.

Elkins's Elkins's sense sense that that he he was was "one "one of of the the lucky lucky ones" ones" Elkins's Elkins's sense sense that that he he was was "one "one of of the the lucky lucky ones" ones" impelled impelled him him to to write write his his landmark landmark 1959 1959 study study of of Amer- Amer- impelled impelled him him to to write write his his landmark landmark 1959 1959 study study of of Amer- Amer- ican ican slavery, slavery, in in which which (influenced (influenced by by Bruno Bruno Bettelheim) Bettelheim) ican ican slavery, slavery, in in which which (influenced (influenced by by Bruno Bruno Bettelheim) Bettelheim) he he examined examined the the ways ways southern southern slaves, slaves, like like concentra- concentra- he he examined examined the the ways ways southern southern slaves, slaves, like like concentra- concentra-

Amerjcan Amerjcan Historical Historical Review Review October October 2007 2007 Amerjcan Amerjcan Historical Historical Review Review October October 2007 2007

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Canada Canada and and the the United United States States 1207 1207 Canada Canada and and the the United United States States 1207 1207

tion tion camp camp internees, internees, underwent underwent a a process process of of "person- "person- tion tion camp camp internees, internees, underwent underwent a a process process of of "person- "person- ality ality disintegration" disintegration" that that reduced reduced them them to to dependent dependent ality ality disintegration" disintegration" that that reduced reduced them them to to dependent dependent children, children, passive passive participants participants in in their their own own victimiza- victimiza- children, children, passive passive participants participants in in their their own own victimiza- victimiza- tion. tion. Condemned Condemned with with the the emergence emergence of of late-1960s late-1960s tion. tion. Condemned Condemned with with the the emergence emergence of of late-1960s late-1960s black black and and Jewish Jewish nationalism, nationalism, with with their their celebration celebration of of black black and and Jewish Jewish nationalism, nationalism, with with their their celebration celebration of of narratives narratives of of "resistance," "resistance," Elkins's Elkins's line line of of inquiry inquiry none- none- narratives narratives of of "resistance," "resistance," Elkins's Elkins's line line of of inquiry inquiry none- none- theless theless left left a a legacy. legacy. It It provided provided support support for for the the kind kind of of theless theless left left a a legacy. legacy. It It provided provided support support for for the the kind kind of of "damage "damage liberalism" liberalism" ascendant ascendant in in the the Great Great Society Society "damage "damage liberalism" liberalism" ascendant ascendant in in the the Great Great Society Society years, years, with with its its "affirmative "affirmative action" action" initiatives initiatives that that have have years, years, with with its its "affirmative "affirmative action" action" initiatives initiatives that that have have since since raised raised such such controversy. controversy. Friedan's Friedan's (in)famous (in)famous since since raised raised such such controversy. controversy. Friedan's Friedan's (in)famous (in)famous characterization characterization in in The The Feminine Feminine Mystique Mystique (1963) (1963) of of the the characterization characterization in in The The Feminine Feminine Mystique Mystique (1963) (1963) of of the the suburban suburban home home as as a a "comfortable "comfortable concentration concentration camp" camp" suburban suburban home home as as a a "comfortable "comfortable concentration concentration camp" camp" similarly similarly explored explored ways ways in in which which middle-class middle-class women women similarly similarly explored explored ways ways in in which which middle-class middle-class women women internalized internalized a a sense sense of of dependency, dependency, powerlessness, powerlessness, ag- ag- internalized internalized a a sense sense of of dependency, dependency, powerlessness, powerlessness, ag- ag- gression, gression, and and inferiority inferiority that that paralleled paralleled the the experience experience gression, gression, and and inferiority inferiority that that paralleled paralleled the the experience experience of of the the camp camp inmate. inmate. Although Although later later repudiated repudiated by by the the of of the the camp camp inmate. inmate. Although Although later later repudiated repudiated by by the the author author herself herself as as fatally fatally exaggerated, exaggerated, most most early early readers readers author author herself herself as as fatally fatally exaggerated, exaggerated, most most early early readers readers did did not not dismiss dismiss Friedan's Friedan's thesis thesis as as taboo. taboo. did did not not dismiss dismiss Friedan's Friedan's thesis thesis as as taboo. taboo.

Milgram's Milgram's much-publicized much-publicized experiments experiments at at Yale Yale Uni- Uni- Milgram's Milgram's much-publicized much-publicized experiments experiments at at Yale Yale Uni- Uni- versity, versity, in in which which subjects subjects administered administered apparently apparently pain- pain- versity, versity, in in which which subjects subjects administered administered apparently apparently pain- pain- ful ful electric electric shocks shocks to to others others on on command, command, raised raised dis- dis- ful ful electric electric shocks shocks to to others others on on command, command, raised raised dis- dis- turbing turbing issues issues of of blind blind bureaucratic bureaucratic obedience obedience like like turbing turbing issues issues of of blind blind bureaucratic bureaucratic obedience obedience like like those those surrounding surrounding Hannah Hannah Arendt's Arendt's 1963 1963 study study of of a a those those surrounding surrounding Hannah Hannah Arendt's Arendt's 1963 1963 study study of of a a chief chief Nazi Nazi functionary, functionary, Eichmann Eichmann in in Jerusalem. Jerusalem. chief chief Nazi Nazi functionary, functionary, Eichmann Eichmann in in Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Haunted Haunted by by the the realization realization that that he he was was alive alive only only due due Haunted Haunted by by the the realization realization that that he he was was alive alive only only due due to to "an "an accident accident of of geography," geography," Milgram Milgram chillingly chillingly con- con- to to "an "an accident accident of of geography," geography," Milgram Milgram chillingly chillingly con- con- cluded cluded that, that, as as in in Hitler's Hitler's Germany, Germany, enough enough personnel personnel cluded cluded that, that, as as in in Hitler's Hitler's Germany, Germany, enough enough personnel personnel to to run run a a death death camp camp could could be be found found "in "in any any medium- medium- to to run run a a death death camp camp could could be be found found "in "in any any medium- medium- sized sized American American town" town" (p. (p. 114). 114). His His assertions assertions about about sized sized American American town" town" (p. (p. 114). 114). His His assertions assertions about about "destructive "destructive obedience" obedience" fed fed into into New New Left Left rhetoric rhetoric "destructive "destructive obedience" obedience" fed fed into into New New Left Left rhetoric rhetoric from from the the Berkeley Berkeley Free Free Speech Speech Movement Movement to to Nazi Nazi anal- anal- from from the the Berkeley Berkeley Free Free Speech Speech Movement Movement to to Nazi Nazi anal- anal- ogies ogies about about Vietnam Vietnam and and My My Lai. Lai. Finally, Finally, Lifton's Lifton's pi- pi- ogies ogies about about Vietnam Vietnam and and My My Lai. Lai. Finally, Finally, Lifton's Lifton's pi- pi- oneering oneering comparisons comparisons of of the the psychic psychic damage damage suffered suffered oneering oneering comparisons comparisons of of the the psychic psychic damage damage suffered suffered by by death death camp camp inmates inmates and and Hiroshima Hiroshima victims victims laid laid the the by by death death camp camp inmates inmates and and Hiroshima Hiroshima victims victims laid laid the the groundwork groundwork for for the the notion notion of of the the "survivor" "survivor" so so familiar familiar groundwork groundwork for for the the notion notion of of the the "survivor" "survivor" so so familiar familiar in in twenty-first twenty-first century century American American culture. culture. A A political political ac- ac- in in twenty-first twenty-first century century American American culture. culture. A A political political ac- ac- tivist, tivist, like like the the others others in in this this study, study, Lifton's Lifton's advocacy advocacy for for tivist, tivist, like like the the others others in in this this study, study, Lifton's Lifton's advocacy advocacy for for Vietnam Vietnam veterans veterans in in the the 1970s 1970s played played a a crucial crucial role role in in Vietnam Vietnam veterans veterans in in the the 1970s 1970s played played a a crucial crucial role role in in the the adoption adoption of of "post-traumatic "post-traumatic stress stress syndrome" syndrome" the the adoption adoption of of "post-traumatic "post-traumatic stress stress syndrome" syndrome" (PTSD) (PTSD) as as a a category category of of mental mental illness. illness. His His invocation invocation (PTSD) (PTSD) as as a a category category of of mental mental illness. illness. His His invocation invocation of of the the "Nuremberg "Nuremberg obligation" obligation" of of "bystanders" "bystanders" to to act act to to of of the the "Nuremberg "Nuremberg obligation" obligation" of of "bystanders" "bystanders" to to act act to to prevent prevent war war crimes, crimes, Fermaglich Fermaglich notes, notes, still still resonates resonates in in prevent prevent war war crimes, crimes, Fermaglich Fermaglich notes, notes, still still resonates resonates in in the the age age of of Abu Abu Ghraib Ghraib and and the the Iraq Iraq War, War, which which Lifton Lifton the the age age of of Abu Abu Ghraib Ghraib and and the the Iraq Iraq War, War, which which Lifton Lifton recently recently characterized characterized as as a a classic classic "atrocity-producing "atrocity-producing recently recently characterized characterized as as a a classic classic "atrocity-producing "atrocity-producing situation" situation" (p. (p. 172). 172). situation" situation" (p. (p. 172). 172).

Fermaglich Fermaglich laments laments that, that, by by the the latter latter 1960s, 1960s, as as the the Fermaglich Fermaglich laments laments that, that, by by the the latter latter 1960s, 1960s, as as the the New New Left Left splintered splintered into into angry angry ethnic ethnic and and ideological ideological New New Left Left splintered splintered into into angry angry ethnic ethnic and and ideological ideological particularisms, particularisms, the the space space for for such such analogies analogies and and exper- exper- particularisms, particularisms, the the space space for for such such analogies analogies and and exper- exper- iments iments closed closed dramatically. dramatically. In In the the wake wake of of the the bitter bitter iments iments closed closed dramatically. dramatically. In In the the wake wake of of the the bitter bitter Eichmann Eichmann debate debate and and the the Six Six Day Day War War of of 1967, 1967, holo- holo- Eichmann Eichmann debate debate and and the the Six Six Day Day War War of of 1967, 1967, holo- holo- caust caust consciousness consciousness ossified ossified the the event event into into "the "the Holo- Holo- caust caust consciousness consciousness ossified ossified the the event event into into "the "the Holo- Holo- caust caust with with a a capital capital H," H," simultaneously simultaneously sacred, sacred, "unique, "unique, caust caust with with a a capital capital H," H," simultaneously simultaneously sacred, sacred, "unique, "unique, incomparable incomparable and and incomprehensible," incomprehensible," and and exploited exploited as as incomparable incomparable and and incomprehensible," incomprehensible," and and exploited exploited as as a a political political football football by by right-wing right-wing Jewish/Israeli Jewish/Israeli nation- nation- a a political political football football by by right-wing right-wing Jewish/Israeli Jewish/Israeli nation- nation- alists. alists. This This cogent cogent and and brave brave book book reminds reminds us us of of a a more more alists. alists. This This cogent cogent and and brave brave book book reminds reminds us us of of a a more more fertile fertile time time in in American American intellectual intellectual history, history, and and should should fertile fertile time time in in American American intellectual intellectual history, history, and and should should be be read read by by anyone anyone interested interested in in Jewish Jewish studies studies and and in in be be read read by by anyone anyone interested interested in in Jewish Jewish studies studies and and in in the the complexities complexities of of American American culture culture and and politics politics in in the the the the complexities complexities of of American American culture culture and and politics politics in in the the 1960s. 1960s. Its Its recovery recovery of of an an alternative alternative postwar postwar discourse discourse 1960s. 1960s. Its Its recovery recovery of of an an alternative alternative postwar postwar discourse discourse about about the the Nazi Nazi period period warns warns us us today today that that "the "the more more about about the the Nazi Nazi period period warns warns us us today today that that "the "the more more

fragmented fragmented and and bureaucratic bureaucratic our our lives lives become become the the less less fragmented fragmented and and bureaucratic bureaucratic our our lives lives become become the the less less responsible responsible we we feel feel for for our our actions" actions" (p. (p. 117). 117). responsible responsible we we feel feel for for our our actions" actions" (p. (p. 117). 117).

Gregory Gregory Sumner Sumner Gregory Gregory Sumner Sumner University University of of Detroit Detroit Mercy Mercy University University of of Detroit Detroit Mercy Mercy

Stephen Stephen E. E. Kercher. Kercher. Revel Revel with with a a Cause: Cause: Liberal Liberal Satire Satire Stephen Stephen E. E. Kercher. Kercher. Revel Revel with with a a Cause: Cause: Liberal Liberal Satire Satire in in Postwar Postwar America. America. Chicago: Chicago: University University of of Chicago Chicago in in Postwar Postwar America. America. Chicago: Chicago: University University of of Chicago Chicago Press. Press. 2006. 2006. Pp. Pp. xi, xi, 575. 575. $35.00. $35.00. Press. Press. 2006. 2006. Pp. Pp. xi, xi, 575. 575. $35.00. $35.00.

Remember Remember the the early early 1960s 1960s joke joke about about the the black black Detroit Detroit Remember Remember the the early early 1960s 1960s joke joke about about the the black black Detroit Detroit minister minister whom whom God God entreats entreats to to do do His His work work in in Mis- Mis- minister minister whom whom God God entreats entreats to to do do His His work work in in Mis- Mis- sissippi? sissippi? With With much much trepidation trepidation the the minister minister agrees agrees to to sissippi? sissippi? With With much much trepidation trepidation the the minister minister agrees agrees to to go go if if God God goes goes too. too. Then Then comes comes the the word word from from on on high: high: go go if if God God goes goes too. too. Then Then comes comes the the word word from from on on high: high: "I'll "I'll take take you you as as far far as as Memphis." Memphis." In In grim grim times, times, laugh- laugh- "I'll "I'll take take you you as as far far as as Memphis." Memphis." In In grim grim times, times, laugh- laugh- ter ter was was hard hard to to come come by, by, though though it it could could offer offer relief, relief, ter ter was was hard hard to to come come by, by, though though it it could could offer offer relief, relief, consolation, consolation, even even a a kind kind of of inspiration. inspiration. Turned Turned out- out- consolation, consolation, even even a a kind kind of of inspiration. inspiration. Turned Turned out- out- ward, ward, laughter laughter provided provided a a political political weapon, weapon, as as satire, satire, ward, ward, laughter laughter provided provided a a political political weapon, weapon, as as satire, satire, parody, parody, or or travesty travesty mocked mocked power power and and order. order. A A few few parody, parody, or or travesty travesty mocked mocked power power and and order. order. A A few few books books such such as as comic comic writer writer Tony Tony Hendra's Hendra's memoir memoir Go- Go- books books such such as as comic comic writer writer Tony Tony Hendra's Hendra's memoir memoir Go- Go- ing ing Too Too Far Far (1987) (1987) and and Gerald Gerald Nachman's Nachman's Seriously Seriously ing ing Too Too Far Far (1987) (1987) and and Gerald Gerald Nachman's Nachman's Seriously Seriously Funny Funny (2003) (2003) have have recalled recalled the the protest protest and and conflict conflict of of Funny Funny (2003) (2003) have have recalled recalled the the protest protest and and conflict conflict of of the the 1960s 1960s as as the the incubator incubator of of new new styles styles of of humor humor - - the the 1960s 1960s as as the the incubator incubator of of new new styles styles of of humor humor - - "sick," "sick," vulgar, vulgar, acidic acidic in in its its assault assault on on hypocrisy, hypocrisy, bigotry, bigotry, "sick," "sick," vulgar, vulgar, acidic acidic in in its its assault assault on on hypocrisy, hypocrisy, bigotry, bigotry, injustice, injustice, and and political political deceit. deceit. Stephen Stephen E. E. Kercher's Kercher's is is injustice, injustice, and and political political deceit. deceit. Stephen Stephen E. E. Kercher's Kercher's is is the the first first thoroughly thoroughly researched researched history history of of the the comedy comedy the the first first thoroughly thoroughly researched researched history history of of the the comedy comedy with with a a social social and and political political edge edge that that emerged emerged after after with with a a social social and and political political edge edge that that emerged emerged after after World World War War II II and and crept crept into into the the mainstream mainstream by by the the mid- mid- World World War War II II and and crept crept into into the the mainstream mainstream by by the the mid- mid- 1960s. 1960s. Focused Focused on on "liberal "liberal satire," satire," Kercher's Kercher's richly richly in- in- 1960s. 1960s. Focused Focused on on "liberal "liberal satire," satire," Kercher's Kercher's richly richly in- in- formed formed and and insightful insightful account account describes describes the the writers writers (ex- (ex- formed formed and and insightful insightful account account describes describes the the writers writers (ex- (ex- cepting cepting novelists), novelists), cartoonists, cartoonists, actors, actors, theater theater cepting cepting novelists), novelists), cartoonists, cartoonists, actors, actors, theater theater producers, producers, and and film film directors directors who who provoked provoked political political producers, producers, and and film film directors directors who who provoked provoked political political laughter, laughter, and and the the ways ways they they interacted interacted with with audiences, audiences, laughter, laughter, and and the the ways ways they they interacted interacted with with audiences, audiences, media media companies, companies, and and government. government. media media companies, companies, and and government. government.

After After the the postwar postwar red red scare scare had had helped helped to to silence silence or or After After the the postwar postwar red red scare scare had had helped helped to to silence silence or or chasten chasten the the Popular Popular Front Front cartooning cartooning of of Bill Bill Mauldin, Mauldin, chasten chasten the the Popular Popular Front Front cartooning cartooning of of Bill Bill Mauldin, Mauldin, Theodore Theodore Geisel, Geisel, Al Al Capp, Capp, and and Walt Walt Kelly, Kelly, liberal liberal sat- sat- Theodore Theodore Geisel, Geisel, Al Al Capp, Capp, and and Walt Walt Kelly, Kelly, liberal liberal sat- sat- ire ire revived revived in in the the mid-1950s mid-1950s as as Jules Jules Feiffer's Feiffer's cartoons cartoons ire ire revived revived in in the the mid-1950s mid-1950s as as Jules Jules Feiffer's Feiffer's cartoons cartoons appeared appeared in in the the new new Village Village Voice, Voice, Mike Mike Nichols Nichols and and appeared appeared in in the the new new Village Village Voice, Voice, Mike Mike Nichols Nichols and and Elaine Elaine May May performed performed in in Chicago's Chicago's improvisational improvisational Elaine Elaine May May performed performed in in Chicago's Chicago's improvisational improvisational theater theater ensembles ensembles (prefiguring (prefiguring the the famous famous Second Second City City theater theater ensembles ensembles (prefiguring (prefiguring the the famous famous Second Second City City cabaret), cabaret), and and stand-up stand-up comic comic Mort Mort Sahl Sahl broke broke through through cabaret), cabaret), and and stand-up stand-up comic comic Mort Mort Sahl Sahl broke broke through through to to national national attention attention in in 1957. 1957. At At first, first, the the target target lay lay as as to to national national attention attention in in 1957. 1957. At At first, first, the the target target lay lay as as much much in in the the social social and and cultural cultural side side of of 1950s 1950s Ameri- Ameri- much much in in the the social social and and cultural cultural side side of of 1950s 1950s Ameri- Ameri- canism canism - - consumerism, consumerism, the the mendacity mendacity of of advertising, advertising, canism canism - - consumerism, consumerism, the the mendacity mendacity of of advertising, advertising, sexual sexual prudery prudery and and hypocrisy, hypocrisy, the the cheap cheap pieties pieties of of sexual sexual prudery prudery and and hypocrisy, hypocrisy, the the cheap cheap pieties pieties of of church church and and family family - - as as in in politics politics per per se. se. This This humor humor church church and and family family - - as as in in politics politics per per se. se. This This humor humor clearly clearly had had its its limits. limits. Driven Driven by by "modernist "modernist passions passions for for clearly clearly had had its its limits. limits. Driven Driven by by "modernist "modernist passions passions for for truth truth and and authenticity" authenticity" (p. (p. 3), 3), it it often often conveyed, conveyed, truth truth and and authenticity" authenticity" (p. (p. 3), 3), it it often often conveyed, conveyed, Kercher Kercher points points out, out, a a masculinist masculinist resentment resentment and and Kercher Kercher points points out, out, a a masculinist masculinist resentment resentment and and mockery mockery of of women women as as well well as as an an "aesthetic "aesthetic snobbery snobbery mockery mockery of of women women as as well well as as an an "aesthetic "aesthetic snobbery snobbery and and condescension" condescension" (p. (p. 220) 220) toward toward the the unenlightened unenlightened and and condescension" condescension" (p. (p. 220) 220) toward toward the the unenlightened unenlightened masses. masses. Sahl, Sahl, who who for for his his part part skewered skewered residual residual Mc- Mc- masses. masses. Sahl, Sahl, who who for for his his part part skewered skewered residual residual Mc- Mc- Carthyism, Carthyism, racial racial bigots, bigots, and and Eisenhower's Eisenhower's stand-pat- stand-pat- Carthyism, Carthyism, racial racial bigots, bigots, and and Eisenhower's Eisenhower's stand-pat- stand-pat- tism, tism, a a stance stance firmly firmly within within the the orbit orbit of of a a measured measured lib- lib- tism, tism, a a stance stance firmly firmly within within the the orbit orbit of of a a measured measured lib- lib- eralism eralism identified identified with with Adlai Adlai Stevenson Stevenson and and later later John John eralism eralism identified identified with with Adlai Adlai Stevenson Stevenson and and later later John John F. F. Kennedy, Kennedy, whom whom Sahl Sahl embraced embraced as as a a champion champion of of wit. wit. F. F. Kennedy, Kennedy, whom whom Sahl Sahl embraced embraced as as a a champion champion of of wit. wit.

By By the the early early 1960s, 1960s, the the mounting mounting civil civil rights rights move- move- By By the the early early 1960s, 1960s, the the mounting mounting civil civil rights rights move- move- ment ment and and distaste distaste for for Cold Cold War War militarism militarism helped helped give give ment ment and and distaste distaste for for Cold Cold War War militarism militarism helped helped give give liberal liberal satire satire a a sharper sharper political political edge, edge, while while newspaper newspaper liberal liberal satire satire a a sharper sharper political political edge, edge, while while newspaper newspaper and and magazine magazine critics critics hailed hailed the the "sauce "sauce and and sass" sass" (p. (p. and and magazine magazine critics critics hailed hailed the the "sauce "sauce and and sass" sass" (p. (p.

American American Historical Historical Review Review October October 2007 2007 American American Historical Historical Review Review October October 2007 2007

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