Shamefaced Concepts

The various meanings of the peculiar term “manifesto” all refer primarily to public declarations formulated clearly and directly, revealing one’s stance. A manifesto uncovers, lays bare, reveals, displays, makes accessible, but no doubt the best word to define what it in fact engages in is “betrayal.” The authors of manifestos betray their own views, but also betray the ones(s) to which they owe their allegiance – in betraying the “new” vision, they thus betray what is “old” – tradition. (...)