cultural analysis

~ Citizen: An American Lyric — by Claudia Rankine ~

Review from Eloise: In keeping with shifts of all kinds, Claudia Rankine presents a powerful exploration of race, identity, and systemic injustice in modern America. She works to present and confront encounters of racial microaggressions, violence, and the weight of history through a blend of poetry, essay, and visual imagery. While not necessarily a ‘comfortable’ read, we are drawn to reflect on how racism shapes the emotional and psychological landscape of individuals and communities. Rankine helps us see the layers behind pop-culture events, asking us to engage with the pain, anger, and exhaustion of living in a society that marginalizes and dehumanizes. Engaging with texts, such as these, we are able to further (or challenge) our own perspectives.

~ Mythologies — by Roland Barthes ~

Review from Eloise: Who doesn’t appreciate a book of short essays?! Mythologies is a collection of just that, dissecting the ‘myths’ of modern life, and showing how cultural signs and symbols are used to create meaning that reinforce social principles. The smallest details can be loaded with hidden messages that are there to serve dominant ideology. By drawing attention to these ‘myths’ we are able to see through the media-saturated environment, where the messages we consume are often layered with implicit social and political agendas. This book is one of my defenses against the age of media that is impossible to escape.