Book 8 - Slavoj Zizek "Trouble In Paradise"

Slavoj Zizek "Trouble In Paradise" (Penguin)




Zizek is an iconoclast whose writing is often impenetrable but can also, at times be thought-provoking and entertaining. The best parts of the book are his analyses of the 2007-2008 banking crisis and the various wars in the middle east. The most difficult parts are his complex analyses of the struggles in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine, and his general thesis about the need to reformulate communism as a bulwark against the worst excesses of modern-day capitalism.

It is as if the trouble feeds on itself: the march of capitalism has become inexorable, the only game in town. Setting out to diagnose the condition of global capitalism, the ideological constraints we are faced within our daily lives, and the bleak future promised by this system, Slavoj Žižek explores the possibilities - and the traps - of new emancipatory struggles.

His writing is most entertaining when he wanders off into analogies based on works of popular culture and jokes. Thus, he explains why masturbation is more satisfying than full sex, how zombies and vampires reflect the class struggle (zombies are the down-trodden masses, vampires are the wealthy aristocracy) and how the present state of world politics is reflected in Batman movies. So, whilst I may infer it is more readable than expected, it is still a mind-warping ride.

Good Night

Good Morning

The Day of Brexit

So this is the day of Brexit,
the day that, sadly , we exit
And now we face an uncertain future
That has caused a massive suture.
There have been divisions
And so we need some revisions
And so with some melancholy
I regret their shortsighted folly.

The Day Of Brexit

So this is the day of Brexit,
the day that, sadly, we exit
And now we face an uncertain future
That has caused a massive suture.
There have been divisions
And so we need some revisions
And so with some melancholy
I regret the shortsighted folly.

Today Was The day

As a dedicated europhile I had to repost this from "cmcmk".

"That I officially cease to be an EU citizen.

Only I don't, at least not in my own head.

And Bojo and co can't change that, at least not without a Gulag for the 48%.............."

Ode To Joy

As we sail off into uncharted waters and leave our continental cousins behind here is the tune for all our brethren in Europe - and as I say divided we fall and united we gain - and that is that.

Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. "Ode To Joy"

Just Wondering

Have you ever been in a talent show?

What is your favourite cereal?

What is your favourite month?