Ritualism as a Practical Form of Aesthetisation of Politics

Abstract

The aesthetisation of politics is reflected not only in its propaganda exaltation (as expressed in the pathos of political rhetoric and symbolism), in the excess ceremonial and pomp, in the domination of rituals over the pragmatic, factual style of action, but also in enforcing the desired attitudes of loyalty, conformism, obedience through ideological conventionalisation and ritualisation of everyday behaviour. This trend can reach as far as greetings and farewells etiquette in daily human contacts. Forced uniformity of such behaviours is an effective tool for the appropriation of public space, as well as for indoctrination. An example of this is the “German greeting” - mandatory in the Third Reich.