The attempts at self-transformation turned collectives into a violent
groups with an almost savage emotional atmosphere. The group criticism
sessions inevitably led to hurt feelings and smoldering grudges. The
attempt to overcome traditional niceties led to exaggeratedly crude
behavior. People became stiff, unnatural, afraid they would be attacked,
and perhaps even purged, if they were found lacking in commitment to
the revolution. Many Weatherman became nervous, high-strung and
emotionally unstable.
groups with an almost savage emotional atmosphere. The group criticism
sessions inevitably led to hurt feelings and smoldering grudges. The
attempt to overcome traditional niceties led to exaggeratedly crude
behavior. People became stiff, unnatural, afraid they would be attacked,
and perhaps even purged, if they were found lacking in commitment to
the revolution. Many Weatherman became nervous, high-strung and
emotionally unstable.
The military aspects of the training—karate, target shooting, practice
in street fighting and, later, the making of bombs—suffered in the
chaotic atmosphere of the collectives where everyone was always
overtired and underfed.
in street fighting and, later, the making of bombs—suffered in the
chaotic atmosphere of the collectives where everyone was always
overtired and underfed.
Diana’s commitment was to the revolution. Her loyalty to her friends and
her determination to repress all “bourgeois hang-ups” led her to
participate fully in everything, but friends say she was deeply upset by
much that was happening. A gentle woman who preferred staying with one
man at a time, Diana questioned both the sexual excesses and the
emphasis on violence and was brutally criticized as a
result. Nevertheless, she was often the one who pressed for a rest
during the long, highly chafed meetings and she tried, largely without
success, to prevent the collectives from becoming excessively cold and
brutal.