Title
Against Normalization: Writing Radical Democracy In South Africa (Postcontemporary Interventions),Used
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At the end of apartheid, under pressure from local and transnational capital and the hegemony of Westernstyle parliamentary democracy, South Africans felt called upon to normalize their conceptions of economics, politics, and culture in line with these Western models. In Against Normalization, however, Anthony OBrien examines recent South African literature and theoretical debate which take a different line, resisting this neocolonial outcome, and investigating the role of culture in the formation of a more radically democratic society.OBrien brings together an unusual array of contemporary South African writing: cultural theory and debate, worker poetry, black and white feminist writing, Black Consciousness drama, the letters of exiled writers, and postapartheid fiction and film. Paying subtle attention to wellknown figures like Nadine Gordimer, Bessie Head, and Njabulo Ndebele, but also foregrounding lessstudied writers like Ingrid de Kok, Nise Malange, Maishe Maponya, and the Zimbabwean Dambudzo Marechera, he reveals in their work the construction of a political aesthetic more radically democratic than the current normalization of nationalism, ballotbox democracy, and liberal humanism in culture could imagine. Juxtaposing his readings of these writers with the theoretical traditions of postcolonial thinkers about race, gender, and nation like Paul Gilroy, bell hooks, and Gayatri Spivak, and with others such as Samuel Beckett and Vaclav Havel, OBrien adopts a uniquely comparatist and internationalist approach to understanding South African writing and its relationship to the cultural settlement after apartheid.With its appeal to specialists in South African fiction, poetry, history, and politics, to other Africanists, and to those in the fields of colonial, postcolonial, race, and gender studies, Against Normalization will make a significant intervention in the debates about cultural production in the postcolonial areas of global capitalism.
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- Q: What is the page count of the book? A: The book has three hundred fifty-two pages. This length provides ample content for exploring its themes and arguments.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The book measures six inches in length, one inch in width, and nine point zero two inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: This book is a paperback edition. Paperback bindings are typically more flexible and lighter than hardcover options.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Anthony O'Brien. He provides a critical analysis of South African literature and its cultural implications.
- Q: What is the main subject of the book? A: The book focuses on radical democracy in South Africa. It critiques the normalization of Western-style democracy and explores alternative cultural expressions.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic use? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic use. It appeals to specialists in South African literature, history, and politics.
- Q: How should I care for this book? A: To care for the book, keep it in a dry environment and avoid direct sunlight. This will help preserve the pages and cover.
- Q: Are there any special storage recommendations for this book? A: Store the book upright on a shelf to prevent bending or warping. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it.
- Q: Is there a recommended age for readers? A: The book is intended for adult readers and those studying critical theory. Its themes may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the Criticism and Theory genre. It delves into literary analysis and cultural critique.
- Q: Can this book be used for group discussions? A: Yes, this book is great for group discussions. Its themes provoke thought and debate regarding democracy and culture.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for return or replacement options. Most sellers have policies in place for such issues.
- Q: What is the publisher of this book? A: The publisher is Duke University Press. They are known for their academic publications in the humanities and social sciences.
- Q: Does the book include references or citations? A: Yes, the book includes references and citations. These support the arguments made by the author and provide additional reading material.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: No, this book is not part of a series. It stands alone in its exploration of its themes.