In Ali Smith's 'Gliff,' two children flee capture in an authoritarian near-future
Feb 11, 2025
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Ali Smith, a celebrated novelist and playwright, discusses her compelling new work, 'Glyph,' which centers on two children marked 'unverifiable' in a dystopian world devoid of libraries. She explores the implications of living in a society rife with authoritarianism and government surveillance. Smith delves into the appeal of authoritarianism, drawing parallels to her former life in advertising and the potent influence of slogans. The conversation also touches on the erosion of knowledge and the hopeful resilience of youth amidst oppressive circumstances.
The seductive nature of authoritarianism often presents itself as security, leading individuals to overlook the dangers of lost freedom.
The decline of libraries inhibits critical thinking, allowing citizens to accept oppressive systems while mistaking limited information for true knowledge.
Deep dives
The Seduction of Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism has a strong appeal, often presenting itself as a means to safety and order in society. This seductive nature can lead individuals to overlook the deeper consequences of living under such regimes, where freedom and individuality may be sacrificed for perceived security. The discussion highlights a troubling trend in the loss of libraries, emphasizing how the absence of access to diverse knowledge sources can engender complacency among citizens. Without the richness of libraries to foster critical thinking and independent thought, people can become reconciled to oppressive systems, mistaking information for knowledge while failing to recognize the underlying control at play.
The Power of Slogans and Tribes
The impact of advertising on human psychology is explored through the concept of slogans, which resonate with the tribal instincts inherent in people. Slogans, derived from a Scottish Gaelic term meaning 'war cry,' manipulate our emotions by tapping into a sense of belonging and collective identity. This connection reveals that the effectiveness of advertising lies not only in its language but also in its ability to evoke deeply ingrained cultural sentiments. Such insights suggest that understanding this tribal allure can illuminate both the mechanics of marketing and the mechanisms of authoritarian persuasion.
In Ali Smith's Gliff, two children wake up to find that someone has painted a red line around their home. They've been marked "unverifiable" and they're at risk of being captured. The dystopian near-future in which they live is a world of government surveillance and environmental destruction – and one without libraries. In today's episode, Smith talks with NPR's Scott Simon about the authoritarian themes in her novel. They discuss what makes authoritarianism feel attractive and safe, Smith's former career as an advertising copywriter, and the connection between slogans and tribalism.
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