New Books Network

Minna Salami, a prominent writer and social critic on feminism, dives deep into African feminism's complexities. She challenges prevalent assumptions and unpacks the paradox of her book's title, linking it to prominent feminist thinkers. Salami explores the origins of patriarchy and its ties to nation-states, discussing how these structures influence contemporary conflicts. She advocates for decolonizing education and critiquing superficial inclusivity in politics. Salami urges a serious consideration of African feminism's political philosophy, emphasizing the need for clarity and structural change.

In this engaging discussion, Ling Li and Ivan Franceschini shed light on the dark world of Southeast Asia's cybercrime compounds. Ling, an NGO anti-trafficking expert, shares harrowing survivor stories and the complexities of modern slavery. Ivan, a lecturer in Chinese Studies, explores the evolution of online scams and the twisted dynamics of 'compound capitalism.' They discuss the psychological traps victims face, propose an ASEAN-wide identification system, and emphasize the need for societal change to combat these issues.

Ludovic Orlando, a CNRS Silver Medal-winning researcher and director at the Centre for Anthropobiology in Toulouse, dives into the fascinating world of horse genetics. He reveals that modern horses originated about 4,200 years ago in the southwestern Russian steppe, challenging previous theories with genetic evidence. Ludovic also discusses the influence of Arabian horses, the historical significance of mules, and the impact of inbreeding on horse health. Plus, he shares insights on future technologies like genomic editing in equine breeding.

Ana Patricia Rodríguez, a professor and expert on Salvadoran cultural identity, discusses her book, 'Avocado Dreams,' highlighting the vibrant Salvadoran community in Washington, D.C. She shares her journey discovering this culture and how art and literature reflect their unique identity. Rodríguez delves into the idea of diaspora and examines metaphors in local poetry, illustrating the complexities of visibility and nostalgia. She emphasizes the power of storytelling in the classroom to preserve family histories, connecting food, love, and identity in the process.

Chef Pyet DeSpain, a Potawatomi and Mexican American culinary artist and author of Rooted in Fire, delves into her rich cultural heritage in this discussion. She shares beautiful recipes blending Native American and Mexican traditions, like bison meatballs and poblano-corn tamales. Pyet highlights the significance of ancestral ingredients and the importance of gratitude in cooking. She also touches on the role of Indigenous chefs in preserving culinary traditions and invites listeners to celebrate their shared food roots with her innovative 'indigenous fusion' approach.

Dr. Karen Auman, an assistant professor and genealogist, dives into the fascinating history of the Salzburgers, early settlers in Georgia. She illuminates how their success challenges the narrative that only slavery could sustain Georgia’s economy. Auman highlights the Salzburgers' unique community bonds forged through exile and shared religious beliefs, their adaptations to local environments, and the moral complexities underlying their economic endeavors. This discussion not only reframes Georgia's colonial history but also explores themes of philanthropy and community resilience.

Luke Gibson, an author and Sanskrit teacher specializing in Buddhist literature, dives into his new textbook that revolutionizes how we learn Sanskrit. He shares insights from his bilingual upbringing and his journey through Buddhist studies. Gibson emphasizes the importance of using Buddhist texts to enrich Sanskrit education, tackling historical ties between Buddhism and the language. He discusses syntax-focused teaching methods, practical examples of common challenges, and how his book supports both self-learners and classrooms, offering engaging resources for mastering Sanskrit.

Dive into Hannah Arendt's complex views on identity and politics. Hear how she critiques ethnic nationalism while highlighting the importance of origins. Explore her 1943 essay warning refugees against hiding their backgrounds. John Plotz connects Arendt's ideas on plurality and natality to contemporary issues, contrasting her pariah ethics with mainstream 'good immigrant' narratives. Delve into how the refugee experience reshapes identity and her thoughts on independent thinking as resistance in dark times.

Dr. Decoteau J. Irby, a leading scholar in educational policy studies and coeditor of a pivotal book on equity leadership, delves into transformative approaches for U.S. public schools. He explores the evolution of equity leadership and its connection to movements like Black Lives Matter. Irby discusses the critical distinction between equity and justice, emphasizing systems change amidst challenges and backlash. Listeners gain insight into strategies for sustaining equitable educational environments and envisioning a justice-oriented future.

Join historian Emily Callaci, a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, as she explores the bold demands of the 1970s Wages for Housework movement. Callaci delves into the inspiring lives of key activists and how their fight for compensation for domestic work sought to reshape society and challenge capitalist norms. She examines the movement's diverse appeal, the tension with Marxism, and the significance of framing labor as housework. With a focus on generational solidarity, Callaci highlights this enduring idea's relevance today.