New Books in Critical Theory

Author Bayley J. Marquez discusses 'Plantation Pedagogy,' exploring how industrial education linked slavery to land dispossession. The podcast delves into historical analysis of plantation pedagogy globally, its impact on Black and Indigenous education, and challenges linear narratives in historical analysis.

Author Christina M. García explores Cuban literature and art challenging body assumptions, emphasizing shared materiality and vulnerability. Topics include aesthetics vs. ethics, El Hombre Nuevo archetype, marginalized bodies, corporeal readings in art and literature, and marginalized voices in Cuban culture.

Joshua Schuster, author of 'What Is Extinction?: A Natural and Cultural History of Last Animals,' discusses the changing perceptions of extinction over time. He explores last animal photography, extreme biopolitics in the Third Reich, de-extinction technologies, and the development of new literary genres related to extinction. Schuster offers critical insights into how cultural forms shape our understanding of species finitude.

Dr. Shyam Ranganathan, a pioneer in Indian moral philosophy, discusses decolonizing Yoga, highlighting its precolonial roots and challenging the impact of Western colonialism on the practice. The podcast explores the role of different South Asian philosophies in Yoga, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and autonomy. It also dives into the subversive nature of yoga, promoting personal growth and relationship enhancement beyond physical exercise.

Salman Sayyid discusses post-Orientalism and the impact of Edward Said's work, challenging conventional knowledge production. Topics include reconstructing Islamic practices post-colonialism, deconstructing Orientalism's legacy, and reinterpreting historical narratives starting with Plato in relation to Caliphate. The conversation also explores Orientalism's effects on perceptions in and outside the Islamic world, urging for a reflective approach to counter Orientalist narratives.

Anthropologist Thomas Hendriks discusses power dynamics, masculinity, and labor in Congolese logging camps. He explores the complexities of capitalist extraction, emotional experiences in the rainforest, and racialized and gendered power dynamics. The podcast sheds light on existential vulnerabilities, colonial memories, and the precarious side of power in the rainforest environment. It also delves into the dynamics of whiteness, masculinity, desire, and the challenges of leaving academia for anthropology.

Jerry Rafiki Jenkins discusses human monsters in Black American horror fiction, focusing on White rage, respectability, not-ness, and serial killing. He explores anti-Black sadism and how these monsters represent ideologies of American anti-Blackness. Jenkins examines works by authors like Tananarive Due, Victor LaValle, Octavia Butler, and Nnedi Okorafor, offering resources to combat human monstrosity in society.

Author Matthijs Lok discusses the roots of European ideas, contrasting conservative and Enlightenment views. They touch on counter-revolutionary authors defending Europe, opposition to revolutionary principles, and the evolution of European society. The podcast explores conservatism's rise globally, the dark side of Enlightenment values, and German theorists' views on Europe as diverse. It also delves into lesser-known Enlightenment figures, the concept of the European Republic, and European conservatism during the Vienna Order period.

This podcast delves into the roots of racism in America from a psychoanalytic perspective, discussing defense mechanisms and the importance of white people listening to the Black experience. It explores projective identification in perpetuating racism and emphasizes the need for unity and understanding in combating inequality. The discussions also touch on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s relevance today and the role of psychoanalysts in addressing historical oppression.

Dr. Pinky Hota discusses the ethnonationalist conflict between Adivasi and Dalit communities in India, highlighting the anti-Christian violence incited by Hindu nationalists. They explore how caste, race, and religion intersect, revealing the exploitation of indigenous recognition to oppress Dalits. The podcast covers the complexities of identity politics, dynamics between Khandhas and Panas, impact of indigeneity on tribal groups, and challenges of claiming indigenous identity.