Critiquing Critique -

During our discussion on critique we discussed how "functionally critical simulations, constantly making artificial meanings appear as if they are the real meanings, and pretending to discover insight when in reality they [create] the model that produced the insight ... [produce] more of a simulation of insight rather than anything novel" (bit.ly/dbQbEC). This reminded me of Slavoj Žižek's critique of charity, in which he argues that charity is a primary means by which capitalism maintains ideologic hegemony. The Royal Society for the encouragement of the Arts has stitched three different Žižek presentations together and added animation. I've used this clip in my social studies classes to great effect (i.e., it generated reflexivity), and maybe some of you might appreciate it too.

See: YouTube: Zizek - First As Tragedy, Then As Farce.

For bonus, this video came up in a chat with Dr. Ruitenberg. I suspect it might be good for some laughs?: Slavoj Zizek on the Horrors of Tulips.