Getting let down by the 'Great Expectations' of electoral politics
Mar 20, 2024
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Explore the emotions of hope and despair in American politics through a discussion on the novel 'Great Expectations'. Delve into the intersection of faith and politics, the symbolism in American political history, and the impact of political messaging and cognitive dissonance in contemporary life. Reflect on navigating political realities and collective movements post-Obama era.
Optimism in 2008 election cycle fueled by belief in hopeful change and disruption.
Exploration of intertwining themes of politics, race, and faith shaping political landscapes.
Deep dives
American Optimism during the 2008 Presidential Election
The narrative captures the stark contrast between the optimistic atmosphere of the 2008 presidential election cycle and the current sense of malaise and dread. Despite ongoing crises in 2008, there was genuine hope fueled by the historic candidacy that challenged perceptions of race in America. The optimism was symbolized by the belief in hopeful change and the correlation between past struggles and present potential for disruption or mitigation.
Belief and Faith in Politics
The book delves into the intertwining themes of politics, race, and faith, drawing parallels between literal faith and civic faith that characterized the hopeful and transformative discourse of the 2008 elections. It explores the concept of America as a literary text with narratives culminating in symbolic events. The protagonist's journey mirrors the nation's search for something to believe in amidst political uncertainties, emphasizing the role of belief in shaping political landscapes.
The Fantasy of Paternalism in Politics
The discussion delves into the book's examination of father figures in politics, reflecting on the complexities of relationships with patriarchal symbols. It challenges notions of strong leadership and paternalistic charisma, critiquing the messianic qualities associated with political figures. The conversation navigates the intersection of belief, cognitive dissonance, and the evolving political landscape, highlighting the shifting dynamics of faith and disillusionment in contemporary politics.
This episode is brought to you by our play cousins over at NPR's It's Been A Minute. Brittany Luse chops it up with New Yorker writer and podcast host Vinson Cunningham to discuss his debut novel Great Expectations. It's a period piece that follows the story of a young man working on an election campaign that echoes Obama's 2008 run. Brittany and Vinson discuss American politics as a sort of religion - and why belief in politics has changed so much in the last decade.