New Books in Critical Theory

Lucia Soriano, an assistant professor specializing in women's, gender, and sexuality studies, dives into the burdens women face to embody cultural ideals in a neoliberal landscape. She explores how unpaid labor, driven by beauty standards from reality TV and social media, affects women's identities. Soriano discusses the historical shift of 'embodying normalcy' and how influencers shape societal expectations. She highlights the challenges of normative motherhood and the pressure on women to conform, revealing the complexities of self-presentation in today’s culture.

In this discussion, Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities at Queen Mary University of London and author of 'Coming Clean', tackles the pressing need for the left to engage in self-scrutiny. He argues that acknowledging historical injustices is crucial, but leftists must also confront their own past support for authoritarian regimes. Rich topics include the left's reaction to the Ukraine conflict, how identity politics shape modern discourse, and the complexity of historical narratives. Heinze pushes for a new brand of 'wokeness' that advocates for transparency and accountability.

In this engaging discussion, Myka Tucker-Abramson, an Associate Professor of American Literature at the University of Warwick, dives into her book on the road novel, questioning its typical portrayal as a nostalgic genre. She explores how the road novel challenges notions of U.S. hegemony, connecting it to global contexts from Eastern Europe to Palestine. Tucker-Abramson also critiques car culture's implications on colonialism and capitalism, revealing the genre's dual nature of both critiquing and reinforcing socio-political issues.

Robert F. Darden, an esteemed journalism professor and founder of the Black Gospel Music Preservation Project, teams up with Stephen M. Newby, a noted expert in Black worship and music composition. They delve into the profound legacy of gospel icon Andraé Crouch, examining his transformative impact on music and faith. The conversation covers his unique collaborations with legends like Michael Jackson, the challenges of documenting his life, and the enduring relevance of his powerful hymns. Together, they explore the blend of creativity and spirituality that defined Crouch's contributions.

Maron E. Greenleaf, a cultural anthropologist and political ecologist at Dartmouth, dives into the complexities of green capitalism in the Brazilian Amazon. She reveals how forest carbon offsets can commodify nature while also protecting it, illuminating the contradictions inherent in sustainable development. Their discussions cover the socio-economic impacts on local communities, the historical exploitation linked to rubber production, and the ongoing battle against deforestation. Greenleaf's insights challenge conventional views on environmental policies and capitalism in the Anthropocene.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Seulghee Lee, an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina, delves into his book 'Other Lovings.' He explores the rich interplay of love, race, and identity in African American and Asian American literatures. Lee discusses the transformative power of love against narratives of suffering, highlighting works by Amiri Baraka and Gayl Jones. The impact of Jeremy Lin's 'Linsanity' and the significance of graphic novels in redefining Asian American identities also take center stage, challenging conventional discourses on race and identity.

Join philosopher Jake Monaghan, Assistant Professor at USC, as he dives into the complex world of policing ethics in his new book, Just Policing. He challenges the traditional views on police discretion, arguing it's crucial in non-ideal circumstances. Monaghan critiques both police abolitionism and the legalist standpoint on justice. The conversation also touches on historical ties between policing and social norms, the tension between enforcing laws versus building community trust, and the stark differences in perceptions of street and white-collar crimes.

In this engaging discussion, Maïa Pal, a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Oxford Brookes University, dives into her groundbreaking work on imperial history. She explores the nuanced relationships between law, empires, and capital during the early modern period. Discussions center around jurisdictional accumulation, shedding light on the roles of sub-sovereign actors like Mediterranean consuls. Pal also connects historical legal frameworks to contemporary issues, revealing how past dynamics influence today's capitalism and imperialism.

Eunji Kim, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, explores how reality TV perpetuates the myth of meritocracy. She reveals how shows like American Idol and Shark Tank create a misleading narrative of success, obscuring systemic inequalities. Kim discusses how these programs foster complacency regarding income inequality and influence public perceptions of the American Dream. She also touches on the impact of partisan biases and evolving media consumption patterns in shaping beliefs about social mobility.

Ipek A. Celik Rappas, a scholar in film and media studies, discusses the intricate labor behind filming in European cities. She highlights the challenges of transforming spaces, like factories into war zones, to meet the demands of the streaming industry. The conversation uncovers the often-invisible work of location scouts and its socio-economic implications, as well as ethical concerns surrounding representation. Celik Rappas advocates for sustainable practices in media production and emphasizes the importance of giving voice to marginalized communities.