Expression & Property

The growing proleterianization of modern man and the increasing formation of masses are two aspects of the same process. Fascism attempts to organize the newly created proletarian masses without affecting the property structure which the masses strive to eliminate. Fascism sees its salvation in giving the masses not their right, but instead a chance to express themselves. The masses have a right to change property relations; Fascism seeks to give them an expression while preserving property. The logical result of Fascism is the introduction of aesthetics into political life. The violation of the masses, with its Fuhrer cult, forces to their knees has its counterpart in the violation of an apparatus which is pressed into the production of ritual values.

- Epilogue, The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Walter Benjamin