
New Books in Anthropology
Sarah Lewis, "The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America" (Harvard UP, 2024)
Sep 21, 2024
In a captivating discussion, Sarah Lewis, an author and scholar renowned for her insights into race and representation in America, delves into her latest work. She exposes the historical lies underpinning racial hierarchies, revealing how the Caucasian War challenged dominant narratives. The intriguing impact of visual culture on racial discourse is explored, alongside the role of influential figures like Frederick Douglass in critiquing these constructs. Lewis also connects past racial segregation tactics to contemporary issues, highlighting the power of art in addressing societal inequities.
45:23
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast reveals how visual culture has historically manipulated perceptions of race, sustaining myths of racial hierarchy in America.
- A significant emphasis is placed on personal narratives to illustrate systemic injustices and explore the complexities surrounding race and visual representation.
Deep dives
The Role of Art in American Democracy
The speaker discusses the influential role of art and visual culture in shaping American democracy. They highlight that their interest in this topic originated from their early experiences as a curator, which provided insights into how visual expressions impact societal perceptions of race and justice. This fascination evolved into a broader inquiry about how art can be utilized to address societal failures, particularly regarding racial issues. The speaker emphasizes the power of creativity and the lessons learned from artists, entrepreneurs, and other figures who have transformed failures into opportunities.
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