New Books in Critical Theory

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

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Aug 30, 2024 • 54min

Ronnie Grinberg, "Write like a Man: Jewish Masculinity and the New York Intellectuals" (Princeton UP, 2024)

Dr. Ronnie Grinberg, an insightful author, explores post-World War II Jewish masculinity within New York's intellectual circles. She delves into how figures like Norman Mailer and Hannah Arendt embodied a unique American Jewish machismo, marked by verbal confrontations and aggressive argumentation. Grinberg discusses the delicate balance between these men's identity and the evolving feminist landscape, the pivotal role of Lionel Trilling, and the roots of neoconservatism shaped by Midge Dector, all while tracing a vibrant intellectual history.
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Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 5min

Bhaskar Sunkara, "The Socialist Manifesto: The Case for Radical Politics in an Era of Extreme Inequality" (Basic Books, 2020)

Bhaskar Sunkara, the editor of Jacobin magazine, dives deep into the roots and relevance of socialism today. He shares his immigrant upbringing and how public libraries shaped his Marxist views. Sunkara discusses the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America and the need for radical politics to combat extreme inequality. He critiques historical leftist movements and emphasizes the importance of balancing individual freedoms with workers' rights. The conversation explores socialism's potential to create a more equitable society and the necessity for engaging local communities in political processes.
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Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 6min

Ludovico Silva, "Marx's Literary Style" (Verso, 2023)

Ludovico Silva, a Venezuelan poet and philosopher, delves into the literary style of Marx, revealing how understanding his unique expression clarifies many often-misunderstood concepts. Silva discusses the interconnectedness of poetry and dialectics, emphasizing the importance of metaphors in explaining ideas like alienation and ideology. He highlights Marx's architectonic structure and examines the diverse influences on his writing, including Maori mythology. Silva's insights challenge listeners to appreciate Marx as a complex figure encapsulating science, philosophy, and literature.
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Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 7min

Matt Brim, "Poor Queer Studies: Confronting Elitism in the University" (Duke UP, 2020)

Matt Brim, an Associate Professor of Queer Studies at the College of Staten Island, advocates for a transformative approach to queer studies that includes the voices of poor and working-class individuals. He critiques elitism in academia and discusses the systemic barriers marginalized groups face. The conversation covers the unique challenges of teaching queer studies in public institutions and highlights the contrasting experiences of queer individuals in urban versus rural settings. Brim emphasizes the importance of inclusivity to enrich educational discourse and foster equity in academia.
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Aug 24, 2024 • 1h 45min

Nazmul Sultan, "Waiting for the People: The Idea of Democracy in Indian Anticolonial Thought" (Harvard UP, 2024)

Nazmul Sultan, an expert on the critique of democratic ideals in Indian anticolonial thought, digs deep into the complex relationship between sovereignty and governance. He discusses how thinkers like Gandhi and Nehru redefined democracy amidst colonial challenges, affecting India's political transformation. Sultan emphasizes the concept of peoplehood and its evolution, questioning traditional narratives of democratic readiness in the context of imperialism, and reveals how these historical insights continue to shape modern political discourse.
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Aug 24, 2024 • 39min

Christopher B. Patterson and Tara Fickle, "Made in Asia/America: Why Video Games Were Never (Really) about Us" (Duke UP, 2024)

Christopher B. Patterson and Tara Fickle delve into the intricate connections between video games and racial dynamics between Asian and American cultures. They discuss the impact of gaming Orientalism and cultural representation, advocating for more inclusive narratives around Asian identities. Their insights highlight how games like Death Stranding and Animal Crossing reflect societal issues, especially during COVID-19. They also emphasize the importance of integrating diverse perspectives in game studies, including insights from Indigenous creators, to enrich the gaming discourse.
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Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 4min

Jennifer Ponce de León, "Another Aesthetics Is Possible: Arts of Rebellion in the Fourth World War" (Duke UP, 2021)

Jennifer Ponce de León, an author exploring the intersection of art and social movements, discusses how art serves as a tool for rebellion against neoliberal capitalism. She highlights inspiring case studies from Argentina, Mexico, and the U.S., showcasing how artists fuse experimental practices with political activism. The conversation touches on anti-colonial perspectives, the transformative role of street art, and the ideological tensions between artistic autonomy and political engagement, revealing how creativity can shape a more just world.
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4 snips
Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 19min

Claire Carter et al., "Contemporary Vulnerabilities: Reflections on Social Justice Methodologies" (U Alberta Press, 2024)

Claire Carter, an Associate Professor specializing in critical reflections on social justice, joins the conversation to discuss her work in 'Contemporary Vulnerabilities.' She explores innovative methodologies that embrace vulnerability as a strength in social justice research. The speakers advocate for incorporating diverse epistemologies—like queer and Indigenous perspectives—to challenge Eurocentric norms. They emphasize the importance of storytelling and community engagement, while addressing the institutional barriers faced by researchers. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the need for systemic change to support equity and inclusion.
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Aug 23, 2024 • 48min

Bessie N. Rigakos and Wesley R. Bishop, "Liberating Fat Bodies: Social Media Censorship and Body Size Activism" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024)

Bessie N. Rigakos, an expert on body size activism, teams up with Wesley R. Bishop, a scholar focused on cultural biases related to body size. Together, they discuss how societal norms police fat bodies and the role of social media in body size activism. Their conversation highlights the challenges activists face with censorship on platforms like Instagram and the creation of supportive online communities. They also delve into the historical anti-fat sentiment perpetuated by traditional media and the need for a digital bill of rights to protect marginalized voices.
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Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 19min

Literatures beyond the West

Ian Almond, a professor of World Literature at Georgetown University, joins Salman Sayyid to discuss his groundbreaking approach to literature that transcends traditional Western narratives. They explore how to decenter world literature, advocating for recognition of diverse literary traditions. The conversation dives into the impact of Eurocentric thought on cultural identity, the evolution of the concept of 'Europe,' and the complexities of justice in high theory. Almond also highlights ghost stories from non-Western cultures as vital narratives to understand memory, trauma, and modernity.

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