New Books in Critical Theory

Laure Astourian, an associate professor at Bentley University and author of "The Ethnographic Optic," delves into the fascinating intersection of ethnography and 1960s French cinema. She explores how filmmakers like Jean Rouch, Chris Marker, and Alain Resnais shifted their focus from colonial subjects to introspective representations of urban France amid decolonization. The conversation illuminates the 'ethnographic optic' these directors employed, revealing societal complexities and offering a fresh take on national identity through iconic films.

Anthony Grasso, an assistant professor at Rutgers focusing on American political development, discusses his book 'Dual Justice.' He explores the stark differences in how street and corporate crimes are punished in the U.S. Grasso links this disparity to historical ideologies, including eugenics, and reveals how these ideas shaped modern justice practices. He examines critical moments like the 1929 crash that heightened public awareness of corporate wrongdoing and advocates for a more holistic approach to justice that addresses systemic issues.

In this episode of High Theory, Esther Gabara talks with us about Non-Literary Fiction, that is, works of fiction that belong to the world of contemporary art, rather than the world of contemporary literature. She focuses on literary and narrative strategies used by Latin American and Indigenous American artists to make “non-objective” forms of visual art under the pressures of neoliberalism. To learn more, check out her book, Non-Literary Fiction: Art of the Americas under Neoliberalism (Chicago University Press, 2022).In our conversation, Esther gave us a theoretical bibliography of thinkers from Latin America who have shaped her work on non-literary fiction. Prominent among these figures are Ferreira Gullar in Brazil and Juan Acha in Mexico, who were the founding thinkers of the term “Non-Objectualism”-- a term that informs the fiction making practices Esther studies. We found this cool piece on Juan Acha that might be worth reading. She also named the philosopher Rodolfo Kusch and his work with indigenous storytellers. Kusch’s book on Indigenous and Popular Thinking in América was translated into English and published by Duke in 2010. And finally she named the indigenous artist and activist Manuel Quintín Lame, who collaborated with the Columbia artist Antonio Caro. Each of these figures features in her book as a theorist in their own right, in a context where art is a critical practice.Esther Gabara is a professor of Romance Studies at Duke University, where she works with modern and contemporary art, literature, and critical theory from the Americas. Her teaching in the departments of Romance Studies and Art, Art History & Visual Studies at Duke University covers visual studies, modernism, photography, Pop Art and popular culture, feminism, public art, and coloniality in contemporary art. Her prior publications include the bilingual exhibition catalogue, Pop América, 1965-1975 (Nasher Museum of Art/Duke University Press, 2018), for an exhibition she curated at the Nasher Museum of Art, and Errant Modernism: The Ethos of Photography in Mexico and Brazil (Duke University Press, 2008). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Amín Pérez, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Quebec in Montreal, delves into the impact of the Algerian war of independence on contemporary sociology. He discusses the collaborative efforts of Pierre Bourdieu and Abdelmalek Sayad, emphasizing how their experiences during this tumultuous time reshaped sociological practices. Pérez highlights innovative approaches to understanding colonialism's legacy, the importance of subaltern knowledge, and how personal narratives inform current sociological research, particularly in relation to migrant workers.

Daniela Berghahn's award-winning monograph Exotic Cinema: Encounters with Cultural Difference in Contemporary Transnational Film (Edinburgh UP, 2023) is the first systematic analysis of decentred exoticsm in contemporary transnational and world cinema. By critically examining regimes of visuality such as the imperial, the ethnographic and the exotic gaze, which have colonised our minds and ways of looking, the monograph makes an important contribution to the urgent agenda of decolonising film studies. Exotic Cinema was awarded The Janovics Center Award for Outstanding Humanities Research in Transnational Film and Theatre (best book) and the African Studies Centre award at Babes-Bolyai Univeristy in Cluj-Napoca. The research website www.exotic-cinema.org offers some insights into the scope and aims of this project.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Doyle D. Calhoun, a University Assistant Professor of Francophone Postcolonial Studies at the University of Cambridge, dives deep into the themes of suicide and resistance in the wake of French colonialism. He discusses the profound connection between historical narratives and contemporary society, especially through African and Caribbean literatures. Calhoun reveals the overlooked complexities of suicide within colonial histories, emphasizing the importance of oral traditions and diverse narratives. He also touches on his future projects, expanding the discourse on these crucial topics.

Anne M. Whitesell, an assistant professor at Miami University and author of "Living Off the Government?", tackles the controversial topic of welfare in the U.S. She critiques how current policies fail low-income communities, particularly focusing on racial and gender stereotypes impacting welfare recipients. The discussion highlights the misuse of these stereotypes by political groups and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals navigating the welfare system. Whitesell calls for a reevaluation of public assistance eligibility, stressing the need for policies that genuinely serve those in need.

Dr. Kristina Kolbe, a sociologist focused on cultural inequalities, discusses her book, 'The Sound of Difference.' She examines the complexities of diversity in classical music, challenging elitist structures rooted in race and class. Kolbe shares insights from her ethnographic research, revealing how diversity work often becomes superficial. She also addresses the impact of COVID-19 on these efforts, highlighting intensified inequalities for marginalized musicians, and emphasizes the need for authentic engagement and systemic change in cultural institutions.

Robert A. Schneider, a historian at Indiana University Bloomington, dives deep into the intricate nature of resentment as a political emotion in his latest work. He unpacks how feelings of resentment have influenced political identity since the French Revolution, marking its evolution through various historical contexts. Schneider discusses the dual role of resentment, capable of signaling legitimate grievances while also potentially distorting valid criticisms. He navigates the implications of these sentiments in today's politics, shedding light on the dynamics of dignity and democracy.

Adam Hanieh, a scholar of political economy and global development, dives into the pivotal role of oil in shaping the world market. He discusses the corporate power that influences oil pricing, distribution, and geopolitical dynamics, especially in the Middle East post-World War II. Hanieh critiques simplistic views of oil's impact on climate change and economic crises, and he examines revolutionary movements tied to the oil industry in Saudi Arabia and Iran. The conversation also highlights the shift towards the petrochemical economy and the ongoing significance of 'petrodollars' in global finance.