Anti-Identity: Becoming-Woman and Becoming-Imperceptible in Deleuze and Guattari w/ Claire Colebrook
Sep 8, 2024
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Claire Colebrook, a prominent scholar in feminist theory and critical philosophy, joins to explore Deleuze and Guattari's concepts of 'becoming-woman' and 'becoming-imperceptible.' They discuss how these ideas challenge traditional feminist narratives and the recuperation of capitalism. Through engaging conversations, Colebrook critiques binary notions of identity, arguing for a more nuanced understanding that embraces complexities in gender and social movements. The implications for current global crises are also examined, signaling a significant shift in philosophical discourse.
The podcast emphasizes 'becoming-woman' as a complex philosophical movement that challenges traditional Western ideals and binary gender perspectives.
It critiques the romanticized notion of pure otherness in feminism, arguing for a recognition of the intertwined relationships with capitalism and humanism.
Deep dives
Understanding Becoming Woman
The concept of 'Becoming Woman' in Deleuze and Guattari's philosophy is explored as a significant movement away from traditional Western ideals associated with stability and foundationalism. This idea of becoming emphasizes fluidity, dynamic existence, and the rejection of a singular, male-centered perspective of knowledge and identity. Rather than viewing becoming woman merely as a counter to man through a simplistic binary lens, it suggests a more complex, impure nature of becoming that challenges the notion of purity in feminism and otherness. The podcast delves into how this perspective serves as a foundational key to all forms of becoming, revealing the intricate relationship between gender identity and broader philosophical discourses.
The Limitations and Challenges of Pure Otherness
The podcast critiques the romanticized notion of pure otherness often associated with feminism, indicating that it can oversimplify or misrepresent the intricate, entwined relationships between feminism, capitalism, and humanism. The focus is placed on the idea that there is no 'pure outside' to these systems, as they are interwoven into the fabric of societal stability, making true escape challenging. The discussion highlights that the attempt to find redemption in otherness must acknowledge the historical and cultural complexities that come with such concepts. Instead of framing feminism as a redemptive force, it is viewed as a means of exploring boundaries and initiating disruptions that may lead to transformational thoughts and actions within existing structures.
Essays on Extinction Volume 2: Sex After Life https://www.openhumanitiespress.org/books/titles/sex-after-life/
Who Would You Kill to Save the World?: https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9781496234988/who-would-you-kill-to-save-the-world/
Craig sits down with Claire Colebrook to discuss the basics of 'minor becomings' through the concepts of 'becoming-woman' and 'becoming-imperceptible' in the work of Deleuze and Guattari. How do becomings challenge notions of liberal feminism and unsettle the forces that recuperate capitalism? Can there be a 'becoming-man' in the minoritarian sense? What do Deleuze and Guattari's views on becoming mean for the current escalations global crises?