why was the totalitarian state afraid of art and poetry?

Answer 1

Because the essence of art is creativity, and creativity is the highest form of human thought. It is at the top of Maslow's pyramid of needs.

Remember, in Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451," the government said that books contained " nonsense and conflicting theories that caused intense emotions in people which could pose a fatal threat to the stability of human civilization."

Literature makes people think, and that is dangerous to a totalitarian state.

Thank you for asking the question. I think you got a great response to it.

Answer 2

Totalitrian states are afraid of the arts because the arts are a form of speech. Many plays, novels, artworks, etc are protests and outrages incognito. And they tend to be very subtle. How is a totalitarion state to know that a certain new work out isn't actually an exposé on government "big brothery?" In order to curb such subversions, you curb the arts. That is why when a totalitarian state comes to power, the freedom of speech is usually the first thing to go.

Many totalitrian states do not eliminate the arts all together. The Nazis controlled the arts. The only allowed certain stuff to be seen. Propaganda, anyone?

Answer 3

A totalitarian state is a scared state!! They fear creativity, imagination and the human mind's capability!! Art and poetry can express many things in a concise form, without having to waste many words.
Of late, democratic governments are afraid of art and poetry, when they(the administration) acts against the will of the nation!!!

Answer 4

The totalitarian state is afraid of art and poetry, among other things, because art and poetry are worlds unto themselves, unable to be controlled or absorbed by other worlds, groups, etc... Art and poetry would have to co-exist and possibly compete with totalitarianism. Art and poetry require free thinking and creativity. Totalitarianism wishes to have a monopoly on free thinking and creativity along with other things free societies have and not allow others to co-exist and/or possibly compete with it. Art and poetry exposes the destructive nature of totalitarianism.

Answer 5

Which totalitarian state? Do you mean China, or Cuba, or which? Art and Poetry can lead to ideas and free thinking and is dangerous to a totalitarian state.

Answer 6

Art and poetry represents a tool makes people Peaceful, being a human...it contradict ideas of totalitarian regime of being hard headed primitive, no questions ask...Their ideas based on fear, makes people slaves..Art and poetry is a tool which freeing people within, and they start questioning "peace" of being within totalitarian environment.... It violates a "peace" offered by totalitarism, and those people subjected to totalitarian laws as a crime....All created societies whether "democratic" or totalitarian entitled to preserve a "peace" or what they call "peace" within its structures.

Answer 7

Totalatitarian regimes demand strict, blind, unwavering adherance to their commands, and thus they feel that the fine arts, like music and art and poetry, distract the people and encourage them to open their minds and think freely and abstractly. Free thought and original ideas have no place in Totalitarian states, and the leaders think that many artists and musicians are too liberal and are free thinkers and may encourage the people to question authority.

Answer 8

Because totalitarian states don't want the people to have ideas or thoughts of their own.Without ideas of their own their totalitarian state is safe.

Answer 9

i would guess, a totalitarian goverment would want it citizens not enlightened, And i think its a proven fact that art and poetry make people think. And i guess people thinking to a deeper level rather than just "plain words" would not help the goverment retain its power.