Catherine Liu

Catherine Liu, a UC Irvine professor and author of "Virtue Hoarders," explores the deep psychological impact of trauma and care in today's liberal discourse. She critiques the elitist moral panic surrounding identity and personal therapy as a response to social wrongs. The conversation reveals how infantilization in democracy stifles rational debate and promotes emotional overexpression. Liu also discusses wealth concentration's implications, the disconnect of the Professional Managerial Class, and the cultural significance of trauma within institutions.

In this chat, Catherine Liu, a professor at UC Irvine and author of 'Virtue Hoarders,' dives into the origins of trauma studies and the depoliticization of trauma in today’s narrative culture. She critiques the professional managerial class and its disconnect from the working class, examining how moral superiority shapes politics. Liu addresses the evolution of leftist thought, the impacts of neoliberalism, and the cultural implications of job precarity in the medical field. A fascinating exploration of class, authenticity, and the shifting landscape of American ideology!

Dr. Catherine Liu, a cultural critic and professor at UC Irvine, dives deep into the intricacies of trauma culture. She critiques how trauma is often commodified, losing its historical and political nuance. The conversation challenges the DSM's simplistic approach to trauma, advocating for authentic healing practices over surface-level solutions. Liu emphasizes collective action and community-building as antidotes, while exploring the erosion of public investment in education and the need for a shift from individual narratives to shared values in fostering genuine understanding and social change.

Traditionally within Marxist thought, there are two major classes, the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, or workers and capitalists. Within these two classes, however, there are many strata — and in this episode we take a deep dive into one particular stratum. The professional managerial class, or the PMC, is comprised of highly educated, often centrist or liberal leaning individuals who tend to uphold the systems and institutions of capitalist society while at the same time viewing itself as the virtuous vanguard of progress. And although this class falls within the working class, its allegiances and sympathies lie with capitalists. And indeed, in most ways, it does benefit from capitalism. To discuss the professional managerial class and its position within capitalism further, we’ve brought on someone who’s written an entire book about it. Catherine Liu is a professor of Film & Media Studies at UC Irvine and author of Virtue Hoarders: The Case Against the Professional Managerial Class. In this conversation we discuss who the PMC is comprised of, how this class emerged, and why it poses a unique threat to socialist and communist aspirations.  This episode of Upstream was made possible with support from listeners like you. Upstream is a labor of love — we couldn't keep this project going without the generosity of our listeners and fans. Please consider chipping in a one-time or recurring donation at www.upstreampodcast.org/support If your organization wants to sponsor one of our upcoming documentaries, we have a number of sponsorship packages available. Find out more at upstreampodcast.org/sponsorship For more from Upstream, visit www.upstreampodcast.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky. You can also subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Catherine Liu, a professor of Film and Media Studies at UC Irvine and author of "Virtue Hoarders," dissects the Democratic Party's ties to the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) following Kamala Harris's defeat. She explores how the PMC perpetuates class inequalities and critiques the party's disconnect from working-class issues. Liu also addresses the dangers of superficial branding in politics, data-driven strategies that neglect healthcare, and the necessity for the left to authentically engage with tangible voter concerns amidst rising economic insecurities.

Catherine Liu, a professor at UC Irvine and author of 'Virtue Hoarders,' critiques the professional managerial class and its disconnection from the working class. They discuss how the PMC, despite claiming to champion progress, often sidelines genuine worker needs in favor of superficial activism. Liu addresses the Democratic Party’s failures, the erosion of progressive ideals, and the need for unions to resist capitalism. Additionally, they explore the tensions between modern feminism and actual empowerment, advocating for community activism to bridge the disconnect.

Catherine Liu, a professor at UC Irvine and author of 'Virtue Hoarders,' dives into the failures of the contemporary Left. She critiques the Professional Managerial Class's disconnect from working-class interests and explores the pitfalls of vulnerability in politics. Liu discusses how 'wokeism' complicates discourse in academia, emphasizing the need for strong, collective ambitions over narrow individual grievances. Additionally, she tackles moral relativism and the implications of elitism in social justice movements, advocating for genuine engagement with marginalized voices.

Catherine Liu, a prominent cultural theorist and author, dives deep into the complexities of trauma culture and its links to the professional-managerial class. She critiques how personal suffering is often commodified, particularly in the context of capitalism. Liu examines historical and contemporary trauma narratives, highlighting the intersection of personal and collective experiences. She also warns against the infantilization in political discourse and advocates for maturity in conversations about trauma, challenging societal norms and the therapeutic industry's limitations.

Catherine Liu, a Professor of Film and Media Studies at UC Irvine and author of 'Virtue Hoarders,' engages in a lively discussion about her political evolution as a Chinese-American scholar. She critiques the left's failings, emphasizing the need for systemic change in feminism and class struggles. Liu highlights the dissonance in political authenticity and the Democratic Party's missteps, particularly regarding voter dynamics. Her insights on the intersections of trauma, capitalism, and the importance of open dialogue make for an enlightening conversation.

Catherine Liu, an insightful author and critical thinker, discusses her groundbreaking case against the Professional Managerial Class (PMC), revealing it as a significant barrier to working-class progress. She tackles the pressing issues in education reform, emphasizing the need for democratization and accessibility. Liu also examines the precarious future of higher education amidst economic turmoil, questioning the true value of education as it faces rising costs and institutional cracks. It's a compelling conversation about class dynamics and societal change.