Cura's Gift — Astra Taylor on The Age of Insecurity (Massey Lecture 1)
Jan 22, 2024
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Renowned filmmaker and intellectual Astra Taylor explores how capitalism shapes our lives through manufactured insecurity in this thought-provoking podcast. From the mythological origins of existential insecurity to the impact of capitalism on modern society, Taylor delves into the complexities of wealth, power dynamics, and the potential for collective transformation.
Existential insecurity is inherent in human existence, while manufactured insecurity by capitalism drives consumption and profit.
Insecurity in capitalism perpetuates societal divisions, urging a shift towards collective security through compassion and solidarity.
Deep dives
The Myth of Cura and Existential Insecurity
The podcast discusses the Roman myth of Cura, the embodiment of care and concern, reflecting human anxiety. This myth implies that humans are destined to exist in a state of existential insecurity as long as they are alive. It contrasts Cura's role of pondering and worrying with Prometheus' act of empowering humankind. The episode highlights the futile quest for ultimate security while acknowledging the intrinsic insecurity of human existence.
Manufactured Insecurity in Capitalism
The episode delves into how capitalism thrives on creating manufactured insecurity to drive consumption and profit. It connects the historical context of the enclosure movement in England with modern-day insecurities, showing how the system generates and perpetuates insecurity as a core attribute. Insecurity is portrayed as a desired product within capitalism, leading individuals to pursue unattainable ideals and fueling a relentless cycle of striving for security through material possessions and achievements.
The Social Implications of Insecurity
The podcast explores how insecurity extends beyond economic disparities and affects individuals' well-being and societal dynamics. It touches on the negative impacts of insecurity on physical and mental health, emphasizing how pervasive feelings of insecurity are irrespective of one's socio-economic status. The episode highlights how manufactured insecurity and the pursuit of individual security can contribute to societal problems and reinforce inequalities, urging a shift towards collective forms of security grounded in compassion and solidarity.
Reimagining Security Through Solidarity
In reimagining security, the episode advocates for viewing insecurity as an opportunity for connection and social change. It proposes an ethic of insecurity as a transformative framework to challenge existing systems and foster collective well-being. By recognizing and addressing shared vulnerabilities, individuals can build solidarity to confront societal challenges together. The episode emphasizes the importance of moving beyond individual pursuits of security towards creating a web of material supports and relationships that form the basis of true security and resilience.
Who was Cura and what's she got to do with how capitalism shapes our lives and psyches? In this year's thought-provoking CBC Massey lectures, renowned Canadian-American filmmaker, writer, political organiser, rock musician and self-described 'feral intellectual' Astra Taylor explores how our society is now driven by a 'manufactured insecurity'. Fundamental to the human condition is a sense of existential insecurity — the sense that we are all vulnerable and dependent on each other. But manufactured security came later, and Astra Taylor argues it needs an urgent rethink, for the sake of us all.
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