New Books in Critical Theory

Dayna Bowen Matthew, Dean of the George Washington University Law School and author of "Just Health," discusses the intertwining crises of racism and public health in America. She shares a poignant personal story about her father's struggle with poverty and prejudice, illustrating systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups. The conversation challenges the myth of the American Dream, emphasizing the urgent need for policy reforms to combat structural inequalities. Matthew advocates for community engagement and comprehensive solutions to create a more equitable healthcare system.

Sabrina L. Hom, an associate professor of philosophy at Georgia College, dives into the intricate world of mixed race identity. She discusses how dominant narratives shape perceptions and the importance of acknowledging mixed race experiences to disrupt these views. Hom critiques societal structures and explores the intersection of kinship, race, and privilege, advocating for a broader understanding of identity that includes diverse social experiences. Her insights challenge listeners to rethink conventional notions of belonging and the impacts of colonial legacies on contemporary identity.

Triauna Carey, a scholar in rhetoric and ethnomusicology, dives into the powerful intersection of music and resistance in her new book. She discusses how songs like Childish Gambino's "This is America" and Lizzo's body positivity anthem serve as rhetorical tools for social change. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of rhetoric in the digital age and the impact of technology on artistic expression. Carey also examines the complexities of country music's rise amid cancel culture and the nuances of misogyny in rap, emphasizing music's role in cultural discourse.

Renay Richardson, an author and podcaster dedicated to making history accessible, teams up with Arisa Loomba, a PhD candidate focusing on migration and imperial history. They discuss the unexpected legacies of slavery in everyday items like gym treadmills and denim jeans. The conversation dives into how influential figures in science relied on exploitive systems while highlighting biases in modern maternal health. Tying it all together, they expose the connections between prominent football clubs and the transatlantic slave trade, urging listeners to rethink history's hidden narratives.

Elizabeth Popp Berman, a scholar from the University of Michigan, discusses her book exploring how economic reasoning reshaped U.S. public policy. She highlights the shift from equality to efficiency from the 1960s to the 1980s, detailing its impact on healthcare, antitrust, and environmental policy. Berman links this shift to military influences and critiques the limitations of cost-benefit analyses in shaping social programs. With rising progressive movements, she offers insights into navigating policy debates for more ambitious change.

Michael Patrick Lynch is a Provost Professor of the Humanities and an expert on the philosophy of truth and democracy, authoring 'On Truth in Politics.' He delves into the concept of bullshit in politics, analyzing its impacts on democracy and public discourse. Lynch discusses the dangers of misinformation and the urgent need to defend truth against authoritarianism. Highlighting how digital algorithms influence our understanding, he emphasizes the importance of awareness in combating political bullshit and engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Noëlle McAfee, a Professor of Philosophy at Emory University, discusses her book, exploring how fears of societal breakdown affect democracy. She highlights the challenges of emotional engagement in political discourse and the necessity of embracing uncertainty. McAfee emphasizes the importance of honest communication in fostering intimacy and bridging divides, while also tackling the psychological relief that comes from overcoming fear and demonization. Additionally, she critiques traditional psychoanalytic theories surrounding mourning and its chaotic intertwining with human destructiveness.

Carl Rhodes, Professor of Organization Studies at the University of Technology Sydney, critiques the myths surrounding billionaires in his latest work. He dismantles the narratives that portray them as ‘heroes’ and ‘generous benefactors,’ examining how these falsehoods perpetuate economic inequality. Rhodes emphasizes the alarming parallels between today's billionaires and historical feudal lords, urging for political action toward justice. The discussion also touches on the fragility of democracy and the troubling transformation of platforms like Twitter into tools of division.

In this conversation, Robert G. Morrison, Professor of History of Science at Bowdoin College, sheds light on his book about the vibrant intellectual exchanges between the Ottoman Empire and Renaissance Europe. He reveals how multilingual Jewish scholars acted as crucial intermediaries, facilitating the flow of knowledge in astronomy, astrology, and philosophy. Morrison discusses the economic value of manuscripts and how this transactional exchange shaped scientific and cultural advancements, creating a rich tapestry of diverse Renaissance thought.

Jyotsna G. Singh, Professor Emerita of English at Michigan State University, dives into the intersection of Shakespeare and postcolonial theory. She discusses how colonial narratives shape interpretations of Shakespeare's works, particularly through characters like Caliban. Singh reflects on her journey as an Indian scholar and explores racial diversity in early modern London. She also highlights the impact of Indian cinema on Shakespearean themes, illustrated by adaptations like 'Haider,' showcasing the rich cultural dialogue that redefines these classic narratives.