The Passing of the Great Race, a book by American environmentalist Madison Grant, was famously referred to by Adolf Hitler as his “bible.” This controversial work, published in 1916, promoted the concept of racial purity and advocated for eugenics. Hitler’s admiration for this book sheds light on his ideology and the influence it had on his policies.
It is important to note that Hitler’s views were not unique to him or Germany at the time. The United States, for example, had its own history of racial segregation and discrimination. African Americans were subjected to segregation, while Japanese Americans were interned during World War II. These actions highlight the flawed perspective of “functionalism,” which argues that policies were driven by practical considerations rather than intentional racism.
However, it is crucial to recognize that both intentionalist and functionalist perspectives fail to fully capture the complexity of the issue. The framing of this debate overlooks the inherent immorality and injustice of these actions. Rather than arguing over which perspective is better, it is essential to acknowledge the inherent wrongness of racial discrimination and work towards fostering a more inclusive and equal society.
In conclusion, Hitler’s admiration for The Passing of the Great Race highlights the dangerous influence of ideologies promoting racial superiority. The actions of the United States, such as racial segregation and internment, further demonstrate the flawed perspectives that allowed such discriminatory policies to occur. However, it is crucial to move beyond the intentionalist vs. functionalist debate and focus on dismantling systems of oppression and promoting equality for all..
Source : @ushchelye
Hitler’s “bible” (his words) was The Passing of the Great Race by the American environmentalist Madison Grant.
The US segregated African Americans and interned the Japanese, evidence the “functionalist” side is better than the intentionalist but ultimately the wrong framing. https://t.co/0tF6kgglLE
— C Echeverria (@ushchelye) November 20, 2023