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Cruel Optimism,Used
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A Relation Of Cruel Optimism Exists When Something You Desire Is Actually An Obstacle To Your Flourishing. Offering Bold New Ways Of Conceiving The Present, Lauren Berlant Describes The Cruel Optimism That Has Prevailed Since The 1980S, As The Socialdemocratic Promise Of The Postwar Period In The United States And Europe Has Retracted. People Have Remained Attached To Unachievable Fantasies Of The Good Lifewith Its Promises Of Upward Mobility, Job Security, Political And Social Equality, And Durable Intimacydespite Evidence That Liberalcapitalist Societies Can No Longer Be Counted On To Provide Opportunities For Individuals To Make Their Lives Add Up To Something.Arguing That The Historical Present Is Perceived Affectively Before It Is Understood In Any Other Way, Berlant Traces Affective And Aesthetic Responses To The Dramas Of Adjustment That Unfold Amid Talk Of Precarity, Contingency, And Crisis. She Suggests That Our Stretchedout Present Is Characterized By New Modes Of Temporality, And She Explains Why Trauma Theorywith Its Focus On Reactions To The Exceptional Event That Shatters The Ordinaryis Not Useful For Understanding The Ways That People Adjust Over Time, Once Crisis Itself Has Become Ordinary. Cruel Optimism Is A Remarkable Affective History Of The Present.
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- Q: How many pages does 'Cruel Optimism' have? A: This book has three hundred fifty-two pages. It provides a deep exploration of the concept of cruel optimism as discussed by Lauren Berlant.
- Q: What are the dimensions of 'Cruel Optimism'? A: The dimensions of this book are six point one inches in length, zero point eight inches in width, and nine point twenty-one inches in height. These measurements make it a standard-sized paperback.
- Q: What is the binding type of 'Cruel Optimism'? A: The binding type is paperback. This makes it lightweight and flexible, suitable for easy handling and reading.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Cruel Optimism'? A: The author is Lauren Berlant. She is known for her critical work on affect theory and cultural criticism.
- Q: What genre does 'Cruel Optimism' fall under? A: This book falls under the genre of Criticism and Theory. It engages with socio-political themes through a critical lens.
- Q: What is the main topic of 'Cruel Optimism'? A: The main topic is the concept of cruel optimism, which examines how desires can hinder personal flourishing. Berlant elaborates on the tension between unattainable fantasies and reality.
- Q: Is 'Cruel Optimism' suitable for academic study? A: Yes, it is suitable for academic study. The book offers critical insights into contemporary socio-political issues and is often referenced in scholarly discussions.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Cruel Optimism'? A: Themes include affect, precarity, and the critique of liberal-capitalist societies. Berlant discusses how these influences shape personal and collective experiences.
- Q: Can 'Cruel Optimism' be read by beginners in theory? A: Yes, it can be read by beginners. While the concepts are complex, Berlant's writing is accessible and invites readers new to theory.
- Q: How should I care for my copy of 'Cruel Optimism'? A: To care for your copy, keep it in a dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This will preserve the quality of the paperback binding.
- Q: Is there a warranty for 'Cruel Optimism'? A: No, there is typically no warranty for books. However, if it arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or exchange.
- Q: What if I receive a damaged copy of 'Cruel Optimism'? A: If you receive a damaged copy, you should reach out to the seller for a return or replacement. Most sellers have customer service policies for such issues.
- Q: How does 'Cruel Optimism' compare to other works by Lauren Berlant? A: It offers a unique perspective distinct from her other works, focusing specifically on the relationship between desire and social realities. Readers familiar with her work will find continuity in themes.
- Q: Is 'Cruel Optimism' appropriate for all audiences? A: Yes, it is appropriate for a general audience, particularly those interested in social criticism. However, it may contain complex themes that require careful reading.
- Q: Where can I buy 'Cruel Optimism'? A: You can buy 'Cruel Optimism' from various online retailers, including major bookstores and the publisher's website, Duke University Press.