The Dig Policing the Crisis w/ Michael Denning
Jan 19, 2025
In a compelling discussion, Michael Denning, a Marxist cultural critic from Yale, dives into the moral panic surrounding mugging in 1970s England and its impact on marginalized communities. He links this historical crisis to the rise of neoliberalism and authoritarianism, emphasizing how societal fears shape narratives around law and order. Denning also explores the complexities of race, class, and the evolving relationship between crime and state authority, urging a reassessment of traditional Marxist frameworks while advocating for community engagement and support.
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Origin of Mugging Project
- The book's mugging project stemmed from a community issue in Birmingham involving young Black men and harsh sentencing.
- This specific case became an entry point into wider social analysis.
Hegemony Explained
- Hegemony is when a ruling class extends dominance beyond production into the superstructure and state.
- This creates an illusion of universal interest, mystifying class rule.
Moral Panics and Authoritarianism
- Moral panics, stitching together seemingly disparate issues, create a general crisis.
- This general crisis facilitates an authoritarian turn by justifying coercive measures.