New Books in Critical Theory
Nicole Seymour, "Glitter" (Bloombury, 2022)
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Plastic-based glitter comprises less than 1% of environmental microplastics, highlighting the need to reexamine its environmental impact compared to other sources like clothing fibers and tires.
- Glitter serves as a powerful tool for marginalized communities, enabling self-expression, visibility, and political activism.
Deep dives
Glitter: More Than Just Shiny
Glitter has been subject to a backlash in recent years due to its potential as a pollutant, but this controversy deserves scrutiny. Plastic-based glitter actually makes up less than 1% of microplastics in the environment, with the majority coming from other sources like clothing fibers and tires. The focus on glitter may be more of a cultural clickbait than a true environmental concern. Furthermore, glitter holds deep significance for marginalized communities, such as the queer community and communities of color, who use it as a form of self-expression and visibility. Glitter is also a powerful political tool, as seen in glitter bombings where activists throw glitter on homophobic politicians. Its accessibility and harmless nature make it an effective tactic. While there are eco-friendly alternatives available, glitter's place in an era dominated by plastic is still evolving and shaping our perceptions of adornment.
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