Catherine Liu, a professor at UC Irvine and author of 'Virtue Hoarders,' dives deep into the evolution of trauma studies and critiques the professional managerial class. She explores how media shapes our narratives of trauma while shedding light on the disconnect between elitist academies and working-class politics. Liu discusses the allure of far-right ideologies and the surprising rise of humor in leftist politics, as well as the challenges faced by social movements in a neoliberal context. Her insights reveal the complexities of modern identity and class dynamics.
Catherine Liu critiques the professional managerial class for its elitism and disengagement from working-class struggles, which hinders meaningful leftist politics.
The podcast explores the shift in trauma studies from collective narratives to individual experiences, raising concerns about depoliticizing communal suffering.
Liu argues that American institutions are in decline, emphasizing the need for credible alternatives rooted in historical materialism to foster political engagement.
Deep dives
The Concept of Elite Capture
The discussion sheds light on the notion of elite capture, which refers to the tendency of leftists in America to minimize their audience intentionally, thus creating vanguard movements that are exclusive. This phenomenon promotes an environment where disagreement, especially around family structures or traditional values, is labeled reactionary. The dialogue raises the question of whether diverse viewpoints within leftist ideologies can coexist or if such diversity is strictly rebuffed by the prevailing elite mindset. The challenge lies in reconciling fundamental leftist principles with the realities of political inclusivity and broad appeal.
The Evolution of Trauma Studies
The exploration into trauma studies reveals its origins in academia during the 1980s, influenced by deconstruction and psychoanalysis. Key figures like Kathy Carruth and Shoshana Feldman evolved the discourse around trauma primarily in relation to literature, particularly focusing on experiences like the Holocaust. Catherine Liu connects the rise of trauma studies to cultural phenomena, notably the media representations of abuse and a societal response molded by figures like Oprah Winfrey. This ongoing cultural engagement with trauma highlights how personal suffering has transitioned from a collective narrative to a more individualized one.
Individual vs. Collective Trauma
The conversation delves into the shifting perceptions of trauma from a shared historical experience to personal narratives, illustrating a possible drift from collective understanding. Liu reflects on how trauma studies can often lead to radical decontextualization of personal experiences, effectively isolating individuals from their broader communal ties. This individualization of trauma often furthers a depoliticization of suffering, reducing complex social issues to mere personal stories. The tendency to frame trauma in terms of individual narratives raises important questions about the implications for understanding collective social suffering.
The Role of the Professional Managerial Class (PMC)
Liu introduces the concept of the professional managerial class (PMC), depicting this group as highly credentialed individuals tasked with managing others while often disengaging from the struggles of the working class. The PMC, particularly in academia and creative fields, is critiqued for its tendency to dominate political discourse and limit the scope of meaningful leftist politics. This class finds itself navigating a complex power dynamic where they are simultaneously protectors and exploiters of class interests. The increasing segmentation of the PMC from the working class exacerbates a disconnect that stifles potential revolutionary movements.
Governmentality and the Collapse of Institutions
The current discussion highlights the perception that American institutions are in decline, resulting in a profound sense of ungovernability. Liu articulates a vision where citizens are yearning for authenticity and reliability in their political and social institutions, which appears increasingly unattainable. The collapse of legitimacy across sectors raises concerns over the advancement of a coherent leftist alternative that actively engages with historical materialism. There’s an argument made for the necessity of rigorous critique and the re-establishment of credible institutions to bolster a more meaningful political discourse.
The Complicity of Academia in Current Discourse
The conversation addresses how academia has often become a vessel for elite capture, straying from Marxist roots into abstract discussions about identity and cultural inflations. Liu argues that the absence of materially-driven dialogue in academia limits the understanding of working-class struggles and fuels the rise of conspiracy theories among the public. Furthermore, the disconnect between elite thinkers in university settings and everyday social realities feeds into the current divisive political climate. The critique suggests a reformation of academic fields to be more inclusive and engaged with real-world contexts rather than mired in abstract philosophical discussions.
My guest is Catherine Liu, professor of film and media studies at UC Irvine. She is the author of 'Virtue Hoarders: the Case Against the Professional Managerial Class'. We discuss the origin of trauma studies, self branding on social media and the ideology of the professional class. Liu has an unwavering commitment to historical materialism and a fierce critique of elitist academies. She explores the intense moralism of our times as it relates to the Freudian super-ego.
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