New Books in Critical Theory

Ian Fleishman, inaugural Chair of Cinema & Media Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and author of Flamboyant Fictions, delves into the fascinating concept of 'failed passing.' He discusses its relevance in queer theory and how it reflects the complexities of identity and representation. With references to literary giants like André Gide and Jean Genet, Fleishman highlights the dual nature of flamboyance in both visibility and concealment. He argues that embracing failed passing challenges normative frameworks, enriching our understanding of mutable identities.

Iain D. Thomson, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of New Mexico, dives deep into Heidegger's complex ideas on death, especially in 'Being and Time.' He clarifies the challenging language surrounding death and its impact on human existence or Dasein. Thomson explores authenticity through metaphorical death, critiques misconceptions, and connects philosophy with modern challenges. He also examines interpretations from various philosophers, shedding light on ethical implications and the significance of mortality in contemporary life.

Houria Bouteldja, a passionate decolonial activist from Algeria, dives into the critical issues of Islamophobia and social justice in France. She reflects on her activism journey since 2004, confronting discrimination and the impact of colonial legacies. The conversation tackles the complexities of laicité and critiques of 'respectable racism.' Houria also highlights the media's sensationalism surrounding Muslim narratives and underscores the vital contributions of Muslim communities, especially during crises like the COVID pandemic.

Tao Leigh Goffe is an award-winning writer and theorist, and an Associate Professor at Hunter College, CUNY. In this engaging talk, she unravels the dark legacy of Columbus's arrival in the Caribbean and its connection to the climate crisis. Goffe discusses how historical exploitation, especially through guano mining, shaped both ecological and social injustices. She emphasizes the vital importance of Black thought in reshaping our understanding of climate issues and calls for a rethinking of policies through the lens of marginalized communities. Her reflections span personal journeys, resilience, and the urgent need for decolonization.

Gustavo Garcia Lopez and Yorgos Veligrakis, both members of the Undisciplined Environments Collective, discuss their groundbreaking book, 'Insurgent Ecologies.' They tackle the urgent need for system change in confronting environmental crises, emphasizing grassroots activism as essential for transformative progress. The conversation highlights global case studies, interlinking environmental justice with labor and sovereignty movements. They also explore the dynamic role of art in advocacy, showcasing how creativity fuels community engagement and resistance against ecological degradation.

Chris Voparil, co-editor of the collection showcasing Richard Rorty’s political essays, dives into Rorty's foresight regarding populism and societal inequalities. They discuss Rorty's call for a return to class politics and the urgency of social hope in today's climate. The conversation touches on navigating truth in a post-truth world and the moral dimensions of the climate crisis. Voparil highlights Rorty’s advocacy for inclusive global community-building through education, trade unions, and grassroots movements to foster democratic resilience.

Corinne Sugino, an Assistant Professor specializing in Asian American studies and cultural narratives, delves into her book, "Making the Human: Race, Allegory, and Asian Americans." They discuss how mainstream portrayals of Asian Americans perpetuate harmful stereotypes around meritocracy and progress. Sugino critiques narratives from popular culture, exploring their impact on identity and systemic racism. The conversation also highlights the need for solidarity across racial lines, drawing on insights from Black Studies to reframe anti-racism in nuanced ways.

Zahi Zalloua, a prominent professor of Philosophy and Literature at Whitman College, delves into the transformative power of ressentiment in his latest work. He reframes ressentiment from a personal frustration into a collective call for change, challenging conventional notions of identity and victimhood. Zalloua highlights the role of race and class in social movements like Black Lives Matter and critiques elite capture in activism. Through these discussions, he urges marginalized groups to unite their grievances, emphasizing the potential for solidarity in the fight against systemic injustices.

Seung-hoon Jeong, Assistant Professor of Cinematic Arts at California State University Long Beach, dives into complex themes in global cinema. He explores the tension between 'soft' and 'hard' ethical dilemmas tied to globalization, addressing how films reflect societal crises. Jeong critiques the superficiality of neoliberal multiculturalism while revealing how blockbusters and indie films intertwine narratives of identity and trauma. He also introduces the concept of abjection and its philosophical implications, challenging traditional views on human dignity and compassion.

In this engaging discussion, political theorist Davide Panagia from UCLA delves into his works exploring postwar French philosophy and cinema. He contrasts classical Aristotelian ideas with modern thinking, examining how influential figures like Beauvoir and Foucault redefined critical thought. Panagia also emphasizes film's role in political theory, advocating for viewing it as a medium that shapes cultural politics. He critiques traditional academic frameworks, calling for innovative, accessible approaches to understand modern complexities like fake news.