Tara Isabella Burton, author of 'Self Made: Creating Our Identities from Da Vinci to the Kardashians,' joins Yascha Mounk to discuss the rise of à la carte spirituality, challenges of creating community, and pursuing self-creation while fulfilling our obligations as citizens of a liberal society. They also explore cultural appropriation, Kardashianism's impact on society, redefining religion and identity, and the need for models and guidance in constructing a worthwhile life.
The shift towards individual desires and self-creation has marginalized the role of external factors in shaping identity.
Cultural appropriation should be viewed in the context of more flagrant injustices, such as discrimination and exclusion.
Excessive focus on personal desires and self-creation hampers meaningful political engagement and compromises necessary for a strong sense of community.
Deep dives
The influence of New Thought on contemporary culture
New Thought, a proto-law of attraction ideology, gained influence during the Gilded Age. It emphasized the power of positive thinking and the belief that desired outcomes can be manifested through one's thoughts. While New Thought itself may not be widely understood today, the cultural influence remains, with over 50% of Americans believing in manifesting and 20% practicing it. The language and mindset of manifesting are still prevalent in current society.
The cultural shift in understanding identity
The modern understanding of identity has shifted from seeing it as primarily influenced by societal roles or membership in communities, to a focus on individual desires, dreams, and effective states as defining factors. This shift, which began during the Renaissance and has intensified in the post-internet era, emphasizes personal choice and self-creation as key aspects of identity. It also downplays the significance of external factors, such as community or traditional cultural ties, in shaping one's sense of self.
The challenges of cultural appropriation discourse
The concept of cultural appropriation has gained prominence but also sparked debate. While some argue that cultural appropriation is an injustice that perpetuates power imbalances and stifles cultural purity, others view it as a form of cultural exchange and reinterpretation. The author contends that cultural appropriation is not the wrong-making feature in these situations, but rather highlights more flagrant forms of injustice, such as discrimination and exclusion. By focusing on the offense caused by mocking and denigrating cultures, a clearer and more compelling understanding emerges.
The tension between individualism and community
The prevailing cultural narratives of individualism and identity synthesis often neglect the importance of community and shared responsibilities. The speaker expresses concern that excessive focus on personal desires and self-creation hampers meaningful political engagement and compromises necessary for a strong sense of community. The fragmented individualistic mindset prevalent in modern society makes it challenging to foster genuine solidarity and navigate complex moral obligations. Finding a balance between individual empowerment and communal cohesion is crucial for a thriving society.
Exploring a third way beyond individualism and identity politics
Navigating the complexities of personal identity and social cohesion requires reevaluating our understanding of individualism and identity politics. Instead of seeking an all-encompassing ideology or charismatic figure, the speaker suggests investing in hyper-local communities and civic infrastructure as a means to foster meaningful connections. By emphasizing neighborhood relationships and shared responsibilities, individuals can find a rich sense of community and engage in political life beyond identity-driven frameworks.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Tara Isabella Burton discuss the trend towards religious non-affiliation and the rise of à la carte spirituality; the challenges such a world presents for creating community and political solidarity; and whether we can pursue self-creation while also fulfilling our deepest obligations as citizens of a liberal society.
