233 - Judith Butler: Trump & Harris | Israel & Palestine | Sex & Gender
Nov 3, 2024
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Judith Butler, a Distinguished Professor at UC Berkeley and a pioneer in gender theory, dives deep into contemporary issues. She discusses her upcoming book, "Who’s Afraid of Gender?", exploring the intricate dynamics of sex and gender. The conversation also delves into the political landscape of the 2024 election, focusing on candidates Trump and Harris. Additionally, Butler tackles the complex relationship between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, questioning prevalent narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advocating for equality and self-determination.
Judith Butler's latest book, 'Who’s Afraid of Gender?', explores the intricate dynamics of sex and gender alongside their political implications.
The political discourse surrounding the 2024 election reflects a concerning societal trend of rejecting rational accountability in favor of emotional narratives.
The discussion on anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism highlights the complexity of historical Jewish perspectives, underscoring the need for nuanced understanding.
Deep dives
Belief in Falsehoods and Political Thrill
Many individuals willingly accept falsehoods in political discourse, particularly surrounding figures like Trump, suggesting a desire for liberation from societal constraints. This acceptance may stem from a thrill associated with enabling irrational behavior and expressing hatred without consequence. People find exhilarating the ability to reject evidential truth and embrace a narrative that aligns with their emotional or ideological desires. The response to such figures reflects a deeper societal issue of a yearning for freedom from rational accountability, illustrating a concerning trend in contemporary politics.
Philosophical Foundations of Gender
The discussion surrounding the philosophical foundations of gender reveals a transition from analytic to continental traditions, showcasing how personal experiences shape intellectual pursuits. The dialogue explores how early encounters with existential questions and ethical dilemmas form one's philosophical standpoint. Additionally, the intersection of gender and philosophy illustrates the complexity of belief systems, where individuals reconcile their identity with academic pursuits. The blending of various philosophical traditions demonstrates the evolving nature of thought and the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding gender.
Current Cultural Landscape on Gender
The societal perception of gender has shifted dramatically, leading to significant opposition from right-wing groups who label gender studies as ideology or a threat to societal norms. This backlash illustrates a misunderstanding of the term 'gender,' which now carries diverse meanings and implications beyond traditional definitions. The fear and anxiety stoked by these groups often coalesce into a broader cultural movement against equality and justice for various gender identities, perpetuating harmful narratives. Understanding these cultural dynamics is crucial for navigating the complexities surrounding gender discourse and the resulting implications for marginalized communities.
The Intersection of Gender and Politics
The political landscape is profoundly impacted by debates surrounding gender, with movements against gender studies often aligning with broader anti-democratic sentiments. Politicians who espouse anti-gender ideologies frequently utilize this discourse to galvanize support, framing gender as an existential threat to societal values. This strategy merges fascist passions with political campaigning, manifesting in policies that directly harm trans and gender non-conforming individuals. The critical observation of these developments illustrates the pressing need to defend constitutional democracy amid rising authoritarian tendencies fueled by anti-gender rhetoric.
Views on Anti-Zionism and Historical Context
Anti-Zionism is often conflated with anti-Semitism, but this assertion oversimplifies a complex historical narrative filled with diverse Jewish perspectives. Historically, significant debates within Jewish communities have questioned the validity and implications of Zionism, reflecting the variety of viewpoints that have developed over time. Acknowledging this complexity is essential to fostering a nuanced understanding of contemporary political dynamics surrounding Israel and Palestine. By exploring the discussions that have shaped the discourse on Zionism, one can better appreciate the implications of current events and the diversity of thought within Jewish communities.
Judith Butler is Distinguished Professor in the Graduate School and formerly the Maxine Elliot Chair in the Department of Comparative Literature and the Program of Critical Theory at the University of California, Berkeley. In this episode, Robinson and Judith discuss three broad topics. First, they talk about Judith’s latest book, Who’s Afraid of Gender? (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2024). In particular, they touch on the dynamics of sex and gender, as well as their political dimensions. Second, the conversation turns to the 2024 presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Finally, they broach the topic of Israel and Palestine, with particular attention to the questions of genocide and anti-semitism.
Who’s Afraid of Gender?: https://a.co/d/beDcQ1S
OUTLINE
00:00 Introduction
01:03 Judith’s Introduction to Philosophy and Gender Studies
11:00 Who’s Afraid of Gender?
22:11 On Trans and Intersex Olympics Controversies
26:09 Is the Man/Woman Binary a Fantasy?
35:17 Are Putin and Orban Transphobic?
41:49 How to Change One’s Gender
47:25 Language and Gender
52:16 On Psychoanalysis
58:49 On Gender Issues and the 2024 Election
1:04:30 On Trump 2024
1:06:14 On Harris 2024
1:10:39 Is Anti-Zionism Anti-Semitism?
1:18:51 Is Gaza a Concentration Camp?
1:20:49 How Will the War in Israel and Palestine End?
Robinson’s Website: http://robinsonerhardt.com
Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, historians, economists, and everyone in-between.
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