one question

[mei]

Hi,

Could any one help me with the following underlined clause? I don't quite understand?


The last thing that tabloid journalism produces is a believing subject. One of its most characteristic tones of voice is that of a secptical laughter which offers the pleasures of disbelief, the pleasures of not being taken in. This popular pleasure of 'seeing through' them (whoever constitutes the powreful them of the moment) is the historical result of centuries of subordination which the people have not allowed to develop into subjection.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Tdol]

It means that people have been in a position of inferiority, but have not allowed that to break them or make them sunservient. Humour is one way of dealing with this- the poor have lots of good jokes because they need to laugh. ;-)