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A review by casmith512
Gefährdetes Leben. Politische Essays by Judith Butler
Did not finish book.
I read most of this book for a class about popular culture in post-9/11 America. Butler makes a very compelling argument for the need to reevaluate the role of violence in the process of collective mourning since 9/11. Her critical assessment of current U.S. domestic and foreign policies flows rather seamlessly into a call for action - one that would put an end to perpetual war and, instead, lead to global solidarity.
While I appreciate the clarity of Butler's writing and agree with the logic of her argument, I am a bit concerned that her aspirations are idealistic to the point of naivety. It would be one thing if the US had never undertook this war on terror; perhaps then the future she imagines might be possible. But, at this point, I think it may be impossible for the entire world to lay down arms. Too much is at stake; too many people are invested, heart and soul; too much damage has been done; this new normal has been in place for too many years now.
I wish for global peace and mutual respect as much as anyone but I feel that Butler's speculations are simply not rooted our current reality. And that is truly disappointing.
That being said, I enjoyed reading through her argument very much. I appreciate the way she deftly navigates very difficult, dark subject matter in a way that isn't too taxing on the reader.
While I appreciate the clarity of Butler's writing and agree with the logic of her argument, I am a bit concerned that her aspirations are idealistic to the point of naivety. It would be one thing if the US had never undertook this war on terror; perhaps then the future she imagines might be possible. But, at this point, I think it may be impossible for the entire world to lay down arms. Too much is at stake; too many people are invested, heart and soul; too much damage has been done; this new normal has been in place for too many years now.
I wish for global peace and mutual respect as much as anyone but I feel that Butler's speculations are simply not rooted our current reality. And that is truly disappointing.
That being said, I enjoyed reading through her argument very much. I appreciate the way she deftly navigates very difficult, dark subject matter in a way that isn't too taxing on the reader.