New Books in Critical Theory

Katie Beswick, a Senior Lecturer in Arts Management at Goldsmiths, dives into the representation of working-class women in British culture. She discusses the evolution of the term ‘slag’ and its implications for identity in contemporary art and media. Beswick analyzes how the male gaze distorts female perspectives in film and reflects on the complexities of truth and authenticity in narratives by women. She emphasizes the intersections of class, race, and sexuality, citing examples from prominent artists like Michaela Coel, making a compelling case for deeper academic exploration.

Nneka D. Dennie is an Assistant Professor of History and an advocate for Black women's studies. She discusses the remarkable contributions of Mary Ann Shadd Cary, one of North America's first Black women newspaper editors. Dennie highlights Cary's profound influence on women's rights, abolitionism, and economic self-determination. The conversation touches on her critiques of respectability politics and systemic injustices, drawing connections to modern movements like Black Lives Matter. Dennie's insights emphasize the lasting significance of Cary's radical feminist legacy.

In this discussion, Peter Allen, Professor of Politics and Co-Director at the University of Bath, explores the intricacies of politics in daily life. He challenges conventional views, urging listeners to see politics beyond elections, emphasizing its relevance in personal experiences. Allen introduces the concept of 'polycrisis' to explain the overlap of societal issues, like climate change and instability. He also examines how personal values shape political beliefs, stressing the need for grassroots engagement to foster genuine change in a complex world.

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.