New Books in Critical Theory

Dr. Jaleh Mansoor, an Associate Professor of Art History at the University of British Columbia, delves into the provocative connections between universal prostitution and modernist abstraction. She reinterprets Marxist aesthetics by exploring how gendered and generalized labor influences art. The discussion touches on notable works, from Manet to contemporary artists, and critiques how abstraction can mask societal inequalities. Mansoor challenges listeners to reconsider the muse's role and the implications of commodification on artistic identity in a capitalist framework.

Tamara Lea Spira, an Associate Professor of Queer Studies, discusses her book on queer families and reproductive justice. She explores the evolution of queer family structures and critiques the increasing normativity within LGBTQ+ movements. With a focus on historical and contemporary reproductive justice, Spira emphasizes the importance of community care, solidarity, and alternative family dynamics. She also highlights the challenges faced by queer families and advocates for hope and transformative futures, urging society to embrace diverse kinship amidst ongoing social and environmental crises.

Rasheedah Phillips, a queer housing advocate and interdisciplinary artist, dives deep into the intricacies of race, space, and time. She critiques the one-directional perception of time shaped by historical oppression, revealing how Black communities subvert these notions through rituals and tenant organizing. Phillips discusses concepts like 'Color People's Time' and its cultural significance, while exploring innovative tools like quantum time capsules. Listeners are invited to imagine a future where the past and present intertwine to foster Black liberation and community healing.

Lucia Soriano, an assistant professor specializing in women's, gender, and sexuality studies, dives into the burdens women face to embody cultural ideals in a neoliberal landscape. She explores how unpaid labor, driven by beauty standards from reality TV and social media, affects women's identities. Soriano discusses the historical shift of 'embodying normalcy' and how influencers shape societal expectations. She highlights the challenges of normative motherhood and the pressure on women to conform, revealing the complexities of self-presentation in today’s culture.

In this discussion, Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities at Queen Mary University of London and author of 'Coming Clean', tackles the pressing need for the left to engage in self-scrutiny. He argues that acknowledging historical injustices is crucial, but leftists must also confront their own past support for authoritarian regimes. Rich topics include the left's reaction to the Ukraine conflict, how identity politics shape modern discourse, and the complexity of historical narratives. Heinze pushes for a new brand of 'wokeness' that advocates for transparency and accountability.

In this engaging discussion, Myka Tucker-Abramson, an Associate Professor of American Literature at the University of Warwick, dives into her book on the road novel, questioning its typical portrayal as a nostalgic genre. She explores how the road novel challenges notions of U.S. hegemony, connecting it to global contexts from Eastern Europe to Palestine. Tucker-Abramson also critiques car culture's implications on colonialism and capitalism, revealing the genre's dual nature of both critiquing and reinforcing socio-political issues.

Robert F. Darden, an esteemed journalism professor and founder of the Black Gospel Music Preservation Project, teams up with Stephen M. Newby, a noted expert in Black worship and music composition. They delve into the profound legacy of gospel icon Andraé Crouch, examining his transformative impact on music and faith. The conversation covers his unique collaborations with legends like Michael Jackson, the challenges of documenting his life, and the enduring relevance of his powerful hymns. Together, they explore the blend of creativity and spirituality that defined Crouch's contributions.

Maron E. Greenleaf, a cultural anthropologist and political ecologist at Dartmouth, dives into the complexities of green capitalism in the Brazilian Amazon. She reveals how forest carbon offsets can commodify nature while also protecting it, illuminating the contradictions inherent in sustainable development. Their discussions cover the socio-economic impacts on local communities, the historical exploitation linked to rubber production, and the ongoing battle against deforestation. Greenleaf's insights challenge conventional views on environmental policies and capitalism in the Anthropocene.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Seulghee Lee, an Assistant Professor at the University of South Carolina, delves into his book 'Other Lovings.' He explores the rich interplay of love, race, and identity in African American and Asian American literatures. Lee discusses the transformative power of love against narratives of suffering, highlighting works by Amiri Baraka and Gayl Jones. The impact of Jeremy Lin's 'Linsanity' and the significance of graphic novels in redefining Asian American identities also take center stage, challenging conventional discourses on race and identity.

Join philosopher Jake Monaghan, Assistant Professor at USC, as he dives into the complex world of policing ethics in his new book, Just Policing. He challenges the traditional views on police discretion, arguing it's crucial in non-ideal circumstances. Monaghan critiques both police abolitionism and the legalist standpoint on justice. The conversation also touches on historical ties between policing and social norms, the tension between enforcing laws versus building community trust, and the stark differences in perceptions of street and white-collar crimes.