Days of Rage: America's Radical Underground, the FBI, and the Forgotten Age of Revolutionary Violence (Bryan Burrough)
Sep 4, 2024
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Bryan Burrough, a noted author on American radicalism, delves into the forgotten era of Leftist violence in the 1970s. He explores how radical movements like the Weathermen and the Black Liberation Army emerged, driven by ideals tied to racial justice. Burrough discusses the internal fractures within these groups and the complexities of documenting their underground activities. The conversation shifts to the legacy of violence from these movements and contrasts public responses to terrorism then and now, provoking thought on how history shapes today’s societal fears.
The podcast explores the radical left's violent campaign in the 1970s, emphasizing its stark contrast to the romanticized narrative of the 1960s.
It highlights the ideological motivations behind the extremists' actions, revealing their belief in creating a utopian society despite historical failures.
Deep dives
The History of Left-Wing Violence in America
The episode delves into the historical context of radical left-wing violence in America during the 1970s, highlighting a coordinated campaign that resulted in thousands of bombings, notably with two thousand occurring in just 1972. The discussion emphasizes that these actions were seen by many radicals as a means to instigate revolutionary change, despite historical evidence suggesting such tactics rarely lead to significant societal transformation. The narrative challenges the mainstream memory of the 1960s, which is often romanticized within leftist circles, contrasted starkly with the violence that unfolded in the next decade. It suggests that while the left has continued to dominate certain cultural narratives, the reality of their violent tactics remains largely obscured in historical accounts.
Key Players and Actions in the Movement
The podcast identifies influential groups within the leftist movement, such as the Weathermen and the Black Liberation Army, as well as key individuals like Sam Melville, a drifter turned bomber. It discusses Melville's early bombings, igniting a series of violent acts among disillusioned radicals who viewed these actions as a path to revolution, though many of these bombings intentionally aimed to cause property destruction rather than casualties. An interesting note is made about the Weathermen's leadership, who emerged from the Students for a Democratic Society and demonstrated a willingness to embrace violence to achieve their ideological goals. While some operatives sought fame and martyrdom, their actual effectiveness remains questionable, digging into the paradox of an organized movement that ultimately struggled to maintain cohesive participation and drive.
The Impact of Ideology on the Underground Movement
The episode examines the underlying ideological commitment that fueled such extremist actions, emphasizing how radicals, despite their violent methods, often believed they were striving for a greater good, namely, the realization of a utopian society. It comments on how key ideology-driven figures, including George Jackson and the dynamics of black revolutionary leaders, influenced the narrative and motivations of participants in the radical underground. A striking juxtaposition is made between the fervor of past radicals and their disappointing legacy in terms of political impact, suggesting they were prisoners of an illusion that revolution was within immediate reach. This exploration reveals the complex relationship between ideology and action, where the unwavering beliefs of individuals led them into a cycle of violence attempting to enact change.
Modern Reflections on Revolutionary Violence
The discussion extends into contemporary comparisons, questioning why radical acts, such as those seen in the 1970s, are still appealing to some factions of the left today despite historical failures. It wrestles with the notion of whether modern society's reactions to political violence have shifted, citing how the public today may react with more immediate fear to phenomena that resemble the radical acts of the past. The episode presents a critical view on how history has often been re-written to fit narratives that favor leftist agendas while downplaying the failures and destructive outcomes of their revolutionary pursuits. Ultimately, the reflections draw attention to the repetitive cycle of ideology, action, and subsequent failure that characterizes the ongoing legacy of revolutionary violence in the United States.
A unique history of an episode that has been deliberately memory-holed: the massive Left violence in the 1970s, directed at catalyzing a revolution in America. And, as always, what that history means for today.
The written version of this review can be found here (https://theworthyhouse.com/2024/09/04/days-of-rage-americas-radical-underground-the-fbi-and-the-forgotten-age-of-revolutionary-violence-bryan-burrough/)