New Books in Critical Theory

Dr. Alexandra Filindra, a scholar interrogating the origins of the NRA and contemporary gun culture, discusses how the NRA's success in lobbying for radical gun laws can be traced back to classical republican ideals and white male supremacy. She explores the exclusion of women and people of color from political and military roles in American republican ideology, as well as the different forms of republicanism in American political culture, including the NRA-promoted exclusive view of Americanism.

Kathryn Mathers, author of 'White Saviorism and Popular Culture: Imagined Africa as a Space for American Salvation', discusses the white savior industrial complex and how America presents Africa as a space for its salvation. The podcast explores the influence of media technologies on encounters between Africans and Americans, as well as the ways in which Africa is asked to fulfill American needs. Mathers analyzes case studies like Savior Barbie, Black Panther, and Black is King to reveal how global imperialism disguises white supremacy.

Professors Justine Nolan and Martijn Boersma discuss their book 'Addressing Modern Slavery' highlighting the role of businesses, governments, and consumers in perpetuating modern slavery. They explore legislation, the emergence of corporate social conscience, the limitations of current laws, problems with minimum wage, and the challenges of tackling modern slavery. They also discuss ongoing research projects on modern slavery and responsible business conduct.

Hajar Yazdiha, an expert in post-civil rights era activism, discusses the transformation of the memory of the Civil Rights Movement. She explores the distortion of history by right-wing social movements who claim the collective memory of civil rights as the newly oppressed minorities. The podcast delves into the contested legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., the branches of his memory, and the consequences of distorting his message on multicultural democracy.

Reinaldo Arenas, a Cuban writer known for his resistance to normative ideologies, is discussed in this podcast. The speakers explore the relevance of Arenas's work in the contemporary curriculum, his connections with other queer exiled individuals, his rewriting of Cuban history, and the cohesive pedagogy found in his writing. They also reflect on their experience of co-authoring during the pandemic and discuss their ongoing projects.

Psychologist Melanie Joy reveals the common denominator driving all forms of injustice. She discusses the psychology of violence and nonviolence, the concept of 'carnism', and the importance of healthy and functional relationships. The podcast also explores the significance of relational communication, understanding injustice, and addressing infighting within social justice movements.

Discover how the mainstream media abandoned the American working class and the consequences of this neglect. Explore the shift in focus from labor reporting to consumer interests and the rise of conservative media. Learn about the impact of right-to-work laws, taxation on public workers, and the need for rethinking journalism. Uncover the importance of equality in journalism and the role of journalists in serving all citizens.

Leigh Claire La Berge, author of Marx for Cats: A Radical Bestiary, discusses how cats have been central to Marxist economic critique throughout history, exploring their symbolism, presence in cultural productions, and role in inspiring a new political imagination.

Scholars Ajantha Subramanian and Lori Allen discuss Indian and Israeli ethnonationalism, exploring commonalities in the slippery slope towards multiculturalism of caste and territorial maximalism of Zionism. They examine the role of overseas communities, roots of ethnonationalism in 1920s fascism, and the shared playbook of far-right ideologies. The conversation reflects on the suitability of the term fascism and concludes with a discussion on the book 'Mody's India' and appreciation for listener participation.

Abdullahi Ahmed An-Naim challenges historical interpretations of Islamic Sharia and neo-colonial understanding of human rights through internal discourse within Islamic and African societies. He explores the relationship between democracy and human rights, interprets the controversy surrounding the hijab and burqa in France, and questions the notion that human rights are Western. The discussion also addresses the distinction between civil rights and human rights, emphasizing the need for a people-centric approach and global promotion of human rights.