Andrew Culp, a professor at the California Institute of the Arts, shares his insights on radical politics and digital culture. He discusses transitioning from activism to academia, critiquing the political landscape under Trump and the challenges within universities. Culp explores the creation of accessible manifestos and revolutionary rhetoric, intertwining Deleuze's philosophy with contemporary issues. He reflects on his journey to anarchism, tackling themes of inequality and the implications of communication in governance. Upcoming projects promise to dive into war representation and cybernetics.
Andrew Culp emphasizes the nuanced relationship between academia and activism, arguing that academia fosters deeper political exploration free from traditional constraints.
The shift towards neoliberal funding in education is critiqued for compromising academic integrity while simultaneously empowering new activist identities among younger generations.
Culp's book 'Dark Deleuze' advocates for confronting societal darkness as a means to catalyze genuine transformation beyond simplistic optimistic narratives.
Deep dives
Background and Academic Journey
The speaker discusses his academic background, focusing on his current position at the California Institute of the Arts and his previous teaching roles. He highlights the interdisciplinary nature of his studies, which include cultural studies, media studies, and heterodox economics, complemented by a keen interest in radical politics. His journey began with philosophy and theory, which initially led him to skepticism about politics, but a radicalization during college propelled him into campus activism. This blend of academic study and real-world political engagement shapes his current work and research interests.
Navigating Academia and Political Activism
The speaker contrasts his academic life with traditional political activism, asserting that academia allows for a more profound exploration of political ideas while enjoying academic freedom. He reflects on past frustrations with the limitations imposed by employer-employee dynamics in activist organizations, which often lead to compromises that sacrifice personal beliefs. Anecdotes of student activism, like coordinated hunger strikes, illustrate the complexities and pressures that can arise when institutional interests clash with activist goals. This tension highlights the potential for academia to serve as a haven for more radical thought compared to conventional organizational structures.
Recognizing the Neoliberal Academic Landscape
The discussion shifts to the impact of neoliberalism on educational institutions, particularly how public universities are increasingly funded through student tuition rather than state support. This funding shift has led to prioritizing campus amenities over classroom needs, prompting concerns about academic integrity and the quality of education. The speaker argues that while neoliberal trends pose challenges, they have also created opportunities for younger generations, particularly Gen Z, who view themselves as activists. This new wave of activist identity may align with the speaker's own academic work and radical perspectives.
Dark Deleuze: A Call for Transformation
The speaker reflects on his book, "Dark Deleuze," emphasizing its intent to provoke thought and dialogue about societal change. He articulates a desire for a departure from optimistic narratives, advocating instead for recognizing and confronting the structural challenges of contemporary politics. Drawing from Guy Debord's concept of a "perpetual present," he critiques surface-level changes in society that fail to deliver genuine transformation. The book posits that acknowledging the need for darkness and destruction is essential for building an alternative future that goes beyond mere optimism.
Engaging with Power: Utopian Ideals and Anarchist Foundations
The speaker explores the notion of anarchism and anti-politics, suggesting a withdrawal from established political systems while actively challenging their structures. He reflects on the importance of direct engagement and confrontational voices, valuing emotional investment in political discourse. The speaker emphasizes the distinction between political friendships and enemies, advocating for a perspective that prioritizes external transformations rather than traditional power dynamics. By invoking the concept of 'barbarians' as those who refuse to accept the dominant power structures, he underscores the necessity of alternative pathways for radical change.
Welcome to 2020! We kick off the year with a long-overdue conversation with Prof. Andrew Culp. We talk about his great book "Dark Deleuze" but we cover a lot of ground and many topics. Enjoy the episode!
Andrew Culp's website: http://www.andrewculp.org/
Nico Buitendag: https://linktr.ee/undisciplined
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