In relation to the genuineness of humankind, let's look at the genuine aspects of what humans produce: ART
Walter Benjamin, “The Work of Art in the Age of Its Technological Reproducibility”- Speaking to the creation of art and the progression of art production possibilities, Walter Benjamin writes about how the twentieth century brought the technology to produce. Consequently, leading readers to the discussion that “we would do well to study the impact which its two different manifestations-the reproduction of artworks and the art of film- are having on art in its traditional form” (pg. 102). An essence, almost a spirit, is found within art in its traditional form as it was created based on the artist/s artistic vision but alas reproducing art, especially in this technological age, loses this essence. Reproducing by hand is different as it still is created through the artistic process, but Benjamin claims technological reproduction has more distance from the originality of the art. Further in the paper we are introduced to the political ramifications of art reproduction as credible information can be manipulated for fascists to progress their agenda. This is supported by art being used to “aestheticize” political life as used by, for example Hitler, in duplicating and sharing propaganda for the Nazi regime. Additionally, this is a personal topic for the author as he wrote this piece during his time in exile after witnessing what the Nazis are capable of firsthand-bringing us to his claim that the politicization of artwork through these means of romanticizing politics leads to conflicts and war.