On the Obligation to KillJoy: Sara Ahmed on the Feminist Killjoy Handbook
Sep 13, 2023
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Sara Ahmed discusses her new book, The Feminist Killjoy Handbook, challenging the notion of complaining about bigotry as impolite. She explores the connection between happiness, violence, and state institutions, emphasizing the power of killjoy activism in dismantling oppressive structures and envisioning liberation.
Rejecting politeness in addressing social injustices is essential for feminist resistance.
Connecting with feminist elders and embracing their rebellious spirit fosters self-discovery and resistance.
Deep dives
The Concept of Feminist Killjoy and Its Reclamation
"Feminist Killjoy Handbook" explores the concept of a Feminist Killjoy as a stereotype that reclaims feminist identity from the notion of misery. The book emphasizes the willingness to cause unhappiness as a means to address social inequalities and violence. The author highlights the importance of reclaiming the figure of the Killjoy as a form of political solidarity, connecting with others to challenge oppressive norms.
The Influence of Aunt Gulsar and Building Connections
The author reflects on her influential aunt, Gulsar Banu, who embodied a non-conventional, feminist presence in her life. Aunt Gulsar provided early feminist conversations and modeled a different way of living that inspired the author. The discussion delves into the significance of connecting with feminist elders and building alternative pathways to self-discovery and resistance.
Dismantling as a Building Project and Resistance Tactics
The podcast discusses how dismantling oppressive structures is a form of building a new, more inclusive world. It challenges the notion that dismantling is purely negative, highlighting the creativity and inventiveness involved. The conversation explores tactics of resistance, such as repetition, citation, and resignation, to avoid reproducing harmful logics and institutions.
Creating Breathing Spaces and Building Relations
The conversation delves into the idea of creating breathing spaces within oppressive institutions by making room for dissent and complaint. It emphasizes how past complaints can inspire present actions, fostering connections and building relations across time and place. The vision presented is about finding common ground in refusal and creating a world where people who resist oppressive norms find solidarity and collective strength.
Today we talk with Sara Ahmed about her new book, The Feminist Killjoy Handbook. How and why is it that complaining about sexism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of bigotry, is considered impolite? How is civility uncivil, and the mandate to be “happy” a tool for silencing grievances? Sara Ahmed tackles all those questions, and gives us strength and courage to keep on killingjoy and speaking truth.
Sara Ahmed is an independent queer feminist scholar of colour. Her work is concerned with how power is experienced and challenged in everyday life and institutional cultures. Her first trade book, The Feminist Killjoy Handbook is coming out with Seal Press next month. Previous books (all published by Duke University Press) include Complaint! (2021), What's The Use? On the Uses of Use (2019), Living a Feminist Life (2017), Willful Subjects (2014), On Being Included: Racism and Diversity in Institutional Life (2012), The Promise of Happiness (2010) and Queer Phenomenology: Objects, Orientations, Others (2006). She is currently writing A Complainer’s Handbook: A Guide to Building Less Hostile Institutions and has begun a new project on common sense. She blogs at feministkilljoy.com
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