theory PETER SLOTERDIJK PANIC CIVILIZATION translation by PETER BEHRMAN DE SINÉTY Let us begin with a concise thesis: alternative groups today are the children of catastrophe. What differentiates them from previous generations and recommends them as prime candidates for a panic civilization is their expert eye for the potentialities of the catastrophes that surround them. Historically speaking, they are probably the first humans to have developed a non-hysterical relation to the possible apocalypse. For the first time, we no longer have to tempt fate and strain our eyes to read the writing on the wall. The situation itself has already adequately provided for this. The apocalypse calls attention to itself like neon signs on Broadway. With dry professionalism, it writes its own advertising copy. Apocalyptic warnings no longer require a religious tempest in the soul. Putting people on their guard against the coming decline no longer involves prophetic individuals proclaiming…