The Long
Insurgency

Dossier · 1898–1979

Herbert Marcuse

Philosopher, teacher and political writer

Chronology

New Left reception 1968–1969

189819391979

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Date notes

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1968–1969

New Left reception

A named writer takes up the culture question

In 1968, Paul Buhle examined why American radical movements had often fallen short of their ambitions. He argued that culture shaped how people understood and accepted their lives. His discussion addressed advertising, mass media and the possibility that militant economic struggles might still seek accommodation within the existing social order.[6]

Near his conclusion, Buhle invoked Marcuse. His footnote directed readers to Marcuse’s culture essay [8] and to Adorno. This provides a specific instance of a writer using Marcuse in his own argument, with a text readers can inspect.[6]

One journal, more than one route

Radical America published Buhle’s article in July–August 1968. Its July–August 1969 issue carried Marcuse’s epilogue to Marx’s Eighteenth Brumaire , translated by Arthur Mitzman. That text opens another question: how political freedoms can give way to authoritarian rule.[7]

These episodes establish particular uses and publications. They provide beginnings for further research into readership and later application. The chapters develop the arguments while keeping the citations available.

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Marcuse and Buhle: why culture mattered