New Books in Critical Theory
Jordan S. Carroll, "Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right" (U Minnesota Press, 2024)
Nov 22, 2024
Jordan S. Carroll, author of "Speculative Whiteness: Science Fiction and the Alt-Right," dives deep into the intersection of speculative fiction and white supremacy. He discusses how alt-right figures interpret sci-fi as a space for white male dominance and envision dystopian futures filled with Aryan ideals. Carroll highlights the ideological battles within the genre, addressing the complexities of whiteness and post-humanism. He warns against leveraging science fiction for exclusionary politics and calls for a more inclusive narrative that represents all identities.
47:08
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Quick takeaways
- The far-right's interpretation of science fiction promotes the dangerous idea that only white individuals can envision a progressive future.
- The podcast underscores the necessity for critical vigilance against the co-opting of science fiction narratives by right-wing ideologies.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Whiteness and Futurism
The discussion highlights the notion that certain factions of the far right perceive whiteness as being intrinsically linked to futurism and speculative imagination. This perspective suggests that only white individuals possess the capability to envision the future, which leads to racially charged ideologies that exclude others from future scenarios. The podcast elaborates on how these beliefs are not new, as historical narratives have long depicted people of color as incapable of rational planning or progress, reinforcing a dangerous myth that associates whiteness with advancement. By examining these pervasive ideas, the podcast emphasizes the need to critically analyze how speculative narratives have been used to advance racist agendas.
