New Books in Critical Theory

Chrystin Ondersma, author debunking debt policy myths, discusses the flaws of US debt policies and offers a reality-based taxonomy rooted in human dignity. Topics include household debt, medical and educational debt, targeting vulnerable populations, and the consequences of debt collection. The limited availability of legal aid is also explored.

Law professor George Fisher explores the historical, moral, and racial aspects of America's war on drugs. He discusses his research methods and concludes that the drug war was racially motivated but aimed to protect white youth. The podcast also delves into the racial biases behind early drug laws, the movement to legalize weed, and the impact of Michelle Alexander's book, 'The New Jim Crow'.

This podcast explores the challenges and experiences of Black women in American higher education, revealing the lies of white supremacy. Topics discussed include the lack of legacy and agency, navigating discrimination and disadvantage, achieving tenure as a Black woman, and the disappearance of Black teachers in the US education system.

The podcast explores the complexities and evolution of fascism in modern society, challenging simplistic comparisons to historical fascism. It delves into the relationship between fascism and freedom, highlighting how fascist ideologies incorporate their own visions of freedom. The podcast also discusses the link between neoliberalism and late fascism, as well as the origins of fascism in non-European contexts. Additionally, it explores the libidinal aspects of fascism, challenges traditional associations with patriarchy, and examines the ideas and influences of Furio Geiziad. The speaker also discusses their current work on the psychology of racial terror and imperialism in relation to fascism.

David M. Henkin, author of The Week: A History of the Unnatural Rhythms that Made Us who We are, discusses the artificial construction of the seven-day week and its influence on society. Topics include the historical origins of the week, the impact of industrialization on the concept of a week and the role of technology in disrupting our perception of time. The author also touches on upcoming projects on baseball and political partisanship.

Ankhi Mukherjee and Ato Quayson discuss decolonizing the English curriculum, emphasizing the need to diversify and incorporate more Black writers. They highlight the overhaul proposed by their book and the connection to racial and social justice. Topics include their academic journeys, organizing the book, challenges in decolonizing the curriculum, the political nature of language, and recommendations for departments and faculties.

Damien Sojoyner, author focusing on the art of Black Liberatory Practice, discusses the concept of the carceral archive and its impact on Black populations in the US. They explore topics such as the connection between police and racial capitalism, the role of technology in counterintelligence, and the failure of the carceral archive to destroy radical Black forms of knowledge production. Sojoyner also highlights the influence of the Southern California Library on their work and their interest in investigating the connections between space and Black culture.

Mick Lynch, a small union leader, became a 'working-class hero' by providing workers with an authentic voice. This podcast explores Lynch's background and rise to the top of the RMT union. It discusses his effective leadership, the concept of a working-class hero, and the criticism and praise he received. The podcast also highlights Lynch's political views, the Labour Party's shift to the right, and the need for a new form of political organization.

Caleb Wellum, author of Energizing Neoliberalism, discusses how the 1970s energy crisis facilitated a neoliberal shift in US political culture. He explores the cultural construction of the crisis and its meanings, tracing its roots to the consumption practices of Cold War capitalism. Wellum examines the consolidation of a neoliberal capitalist order through energy politics marked by anxious futurity and financialized energy markets.

Beth Driscoll and Claire Squires discuss "The Frankfurt Kabuff Critical Edition," a collection of scholarly and creative responses to the original novella. They explore the intersection of fiction and research, critiquing the idea of a critical edition. The book offers insights on the publishing industry and showcases how fiction can be research, art, satire, and a political project. Topics include the Frankfurt Bookfair, the structure of the scholarly edition, themes and politics explored in the novella, and plans for sequels and prequels. Overall, it's an entertaining and thought-provoking discussion.