New Books in Critical Theory

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Oct 8, 2024 • 34min

Frank R. Baumgartner, “Suspect Citizens: What 20 Million Traffic Stops Tell Us about Policing and Race” (Cambridge UP, 2018)

Frank Baumgartner, a political science professor at UNC Chapel Hill, discusses his groundbreaking research in 'Suspect Citizens,' which analyzes 20 million traffic stops to reveal unsettling racial disparities in policing. He sheds light on how the landmark case Terry v. Ohio has exacerbated these issues, especially for young men of color. Baumgartner emphasizes the role of political representation in mitigating bias and highlights successful reform efforts in Fayetteville, North Carolina, that foster community trust and equitable policing.
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Oct 7, 2024 • 56min

Natalie Wall, "Black Expression and White Generosity: A Theoretical Framework of Race" (Emerald Publishing, 2024)

In this engaging discussion, Natalie Wall, a researcher at King’s College London, unpacks her work, "Black Expression and White Generosity," which explores the complex dynamics of race and generosity. She critiques the notion of white saviorism, sharing insights from her personal experiences as a Black woman. Wall emphasizes the importance of storytelling in confronting systemic inequalities and connects historical narratives to modern experiences. Through her narrative, she advocates for a new framework in antiracism that celebrates Black creativity and expression.
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Oct 7, 2024 • 2h 37min

A Deep Dive on Karl Marx's "Capital"

Paul Reitter, a professor at Ohio State University, and Paul North from Yale University dive deep into Marx's 'Capital.' They discuss the book's lasting influence and renewed relevance, especially post-2008 financial crisis. The duo emphasizes the challenges in translating Marx while exploring the duality of use value and exchange value. They also highlight Marx's empirical approach and the rich emotional context behind his critiques. The conversation delves into complexities like surplus value and commodity fetishism, revealing the nuances in interpreting Marx's ideas today.
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5 snips
Oct 6, 2024 • 53min

Alan F. Blackwell, "Moral Codes: Designing Alternatives to AI" (MIT Press, 2024)

In this engaging discussion, Alan F. Blackwell, a Professor of Interdisciplinary Design at Cambridge, highlights the urgent need for improved programming languages over AI dominance. He argues that the current AI landscape often overlooks ethical considerations, and proposes a framework for better software that aligns with human creativity and fairness. Blackwell critiques the constraints of modern technology on communication and creativity, emphasizing the importance of moral codes in tech design. Insights from science fiction and the ethics behind AI development add depth to this thought-provoking conversation.
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Oct 5, 2024 • 41min

Kristina Kolbe, "The Sound of Difference: Race, Class and the Politics of 'Diversity' in Classical Music" (Manchester UP, 2024)

Kristina Kolbe is an Assistant Professor of Sociology of Arts and Culture at Erasmus University Rotterdam, focusing on diversity in classical music. She discusses the pressing need for the classical music industry to address systemic barriers faced by diverse musicians. Kolbe critiques the limited effectiveness of current diversity initiatives and highlights the challenges brought by the pandemic, which disproportionately affected marginalized artists. The conversation also dives into the tension between traditional elitism and efforts for inclusivity within opera houses.
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6 snips
Oct 5, 2024 • 59min

Michael J. Thompson, "Descent of the Dialectic: Phronetic Criticism in an Age of Nihilism" (Routledge, 2024)

Michael J. Thompson, a political theory professor, discusses his book on dialectics in a nihilistic age. He argues that modern societies prioritize economic management over human values, eroding critical consciousness. Thompson critiques how societal structures undermine creativity and individuality, particularly regarding gender and race. He emphasizes the importance of dialectical thinking for self-awareness and transformative actions. The conversation also examines the challenges posed by total institutions and advocates returning to foundational ideas to navigate contemporary nihilism.
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Oct 3, 2024 • 41min

Camille Owens, "Like Children: Black Prodigy and the Measure of the Human in America" (NYU Press, 2024)

Camille Owens, the author of "Like Children: Black Prodigy and the Measure of the Human in America," explores the complexities of childhood as a lens for understanding race and humanity. She highlights how childhood has been weaponized in white supremacy, particularly through the historical narratives surrounding Black children. Through stories of notable figures like poet Phillis Wheatley and pianist Blind Tom, Owens challenges societal perceptions of intelligence and identity, urging a reevaluation of the historical impact of race on childhood in America.
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Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 20min

Jon Michaels and David Noll, "Vigilante Nation: How State-Sponsored Terror Threatens Our Democracy" (Atria/One Signal, 2024)

Law professors Jon Michaels and David Noll dive into the alarming rise of state-sponsored vigilantism in America. They discuss how MAGA Republicans and Christian nationalists are subverting democracy through tactics like book bans and anti-abortion bounties. The duo examines historical parallels, highlighting how these movements echo the past struggles of the abolitionist and Reconstruction eras. Ultimately, they propose a playbook for action, offering 19 model laws to combat these threats and defend civil rights.
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Oct 2, 2024 • 43min

Julia Caterina Hartley, "Iran and French Orientalism: Persia in the Literary Culture of Nineteenth-Century France" (Bloomsbury. 2023)

Julia Caterina Hartley, an author exploring Iranian culture and French literary history, discusses the deep connections between nineteenth-century France and Iran. She highlights how new translations of Persian works reshaped France's literary imagination, showcasing influences from Victor Hugo to Judith Gautier. Hartley also examines the complexities of Iranian identity through the lens of French Orientalism and critiques Eurocentrism in literary narratives. Her insights reveal how cultural exchanges transformed artistic expressions in both literature and opera.
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Oct 2, 2024 • 40min

Brianna Nofil, "The Migrant's Jail: An American History of Mass Incarceration" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Brianna Nofil is an insightful author who delves into the intricate history of migrant detention in the U.S. She reveals how local jails have been entwined with immigration enforcement for over a century. The conversation uncovers the profit motives driving rural communities to detain migrants, and how historical events like WWII shaped current policies. Nofil critiques ineffective political strategies and highlights the troubling economics of incarceration, where local authorities benefit financially from detaining those seeking refuge.

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