Noreen Masud, a lecturer in Twentieth Century Literature, and Kirsty Sinclair Dootson, a film and media lecturer, dive deep into the concept of escapism. They discuss how travel, cinema, and literature serve as both a refuge and distraction in our lives. The conversation touches on how identity influences our need for escape and the socio-political implications of cinematic art, especially during tough times. They also explore the philosophical significance of dreams and the complexity of opinions in a fast-paced world.
The podcast examines how personal escapes, like Jules' move to Costa Rica, often lead to new identities and attachments rather than pure liberation.
Noreen highlights the difference between genuine escape, which aids problem-solving, and escapism that distracts from real-life challenges, particularly in literature.
Kirsty discusses how cultural productions serve as escapism while reflecting societal issues, demonstrating the political implications of narratives in films and literature.
Deep dives
The Nature of Escape and Its Realities
The concept of escape is explored in relation to personal experiences during the pandemic, where many sought to leave behind their situations for something new. One guest, Jules, unintentionally transformed a temporary escape to Costa Rica into a long-term life change, highlighting that escapes can evolve into permanent life circumstances. His story illustrates a common theme: initial attempts to flee often lead to new forms of attachment and identity, complicating the notion of pure escape. Ultimately, this leads to a nuanced understanding that true escape may require confronting the underlying issues that persist, regardless of location.
Escapism in Literature and Media
Escapism is examined as a concept in literature, particularly in genres often dismissed as lacking depth such as romance or fantasy. Noreen discusses how certain genres provide a safe space for readers, offering predictable outcomes and reducing risks. While there is value in these narratives, it is important to differentiate between genuine escape, which can prompt problem-solving, and escapism, which may act as a diversion from real challenges. This leads to a critical reflection on how also individuals gravitate toward particular media forms to cope with the complexities of modern life.
Cultural Reflections and Political Discourse
The discussion encompasses how cultural productions, like films and literature, can serve as vehicles for escapism while simultaneously reflecting deeper societal issues. Kirsty brings attention to the historical context of escapist films like 'The Wizard of Oz,' suggesting they function as both a retreat from the harsh realities of their time and a medium to confront them. This duality invites a conversation around the political implications of escapism, particularly regarding representation and agency within narratives that risk becoming purely entertaining. The implication is that while these media can provide reprieve, they also hold power in shaping the discourse around societal aspirations and identities.
The Role of Identity in Expat Experiences
Expat living often showcases the complexities of identity and belonging, intertwined with the motivations behind relocation. Jules' transition to Costa Rica surfaces the theme of seeking liberation from prior life circumstances, yet it also highlights new attachments and expectations that arise in different cultural contexts. The conversations reveal that expatriation can offer newfound freedom, yet those who migrate may still carry their past selves, resulting in a blend of liberation and continuation of past challenges. This nuanced exploration raises questions about whether escape leads to renewal or a recurring cycle of seeking the next refuge.
Engagement with Self and Collective Action
The podcast engages critically with the challenges of individualism, especially concerning contemporary socio-economic systems that shape personal identities. Noreen suggests a shift away from focusing solely on individual aspirations towards embracing collective action as a means to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. This idea pushes against the backdrop of capitalism, where personal branding often overshadows communal ties, instead promoting a vision wherein shared goals could offer true escape from current realities. With such changes, the discussion contemplates whether escapism can evolve into a more profound engagement with community and self that fosters genuine resilience against societal pressures.
Travel, reading, cinema and psychedelic drugs are all means people have used to try to escape. But do they ever really lead us where we want them to? With the election looming, Glastonbury in full swing and lists of beach read suggestions starting to appear -
Matthew Sweet discusses the difference between escape and escapism with
Noreen Masud, Lecturer in Twentieth Century Literature at the University of Bristol and author of the memoir A Flat Place
Kirsty Sinclair Dootson, Lecturer in Film and Media at University College London, author of The Rainbow's Gravity
Jonathan White, Professor of Politics and Deputy Head of the European Institute at the London School of Economics and author of In The Long Run: The Future as a Political Idea
Jules Evans, writer, historian of ideas and practical philosopher whose books include The Art of Losing Control, and Philosophy for Life and other dangerous situations.
Plus, Maximillian de Gaynesford, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Reading, on the philosophical significance of dreams and dreaming from Descartes and Freud to Norman Malcolm.
Jules, Noreen and Kirsty are all New Generation Thinkers on a scheme run by the BBC and the Arts and Humanities Research Council to share academic research on radio.
Producer: Luke Mulhall
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