Synopsis of Cornel West Interview
Anders Stephanson's interview with Cornel West focuses on the way in which postmodernism is practiced within the Black political constituency. West emphasizes that postmodernism is a heterogeneous phenomenon, not a homogeneous one. West states that the contrast in practices exist between Black and White postmodernism because the Black community experiences a reality based in oppression that their counterparts could never fathom. West also mentions how Black expressions of postmodernism, such as bebop and rap music, are fetishized and commodified by White America.
Quotes Exemplified through "Get out"
“ there is a reality that one cannot not know ”
"... a lot of people have no sense of the ragged edges of necessity, of what it means to be impinged upon by structures of oppression. To be an upper-middle-class American is actually to live a life of unimaginable comfort, convenience, and luxury. Half of the black population is denied this, which is why they have a strong sense of reality."
The Reality with Police
Chris's reactions to the presence of law enforcement of both scenes demonstrates his subconscious understanding of his reality as a black man.
In each instance he complies and surrenders to the police even though he does nothing to warrant his arrest.
“ ...commodification in black skin... is becoming more and more like candy…”
Aspects of Black identity are “made a fetish for the educated middle class, principally, but not solely, the white middle class.”
Why Black People?
Chris asks the man who is about to inhabit his body why black people are the ones chosen to be transmutated.
The man responds by explaining that black bodies are desired because of their physicality.
“ Michael Jackson… is now a packaged middle-American product ”
"...most American postmodern products end up: highly packaged, regulated, distributed, circulated, and consumed."
Black Bodies For Sale
While Chris is away from the house, having a conversation with Rose, he is being auctioned off to all of the people he met earlier that day
The 'winner' of the auction is determined by a game of bingo.
Highly Packaged
Regulated
Distributed
Circulated
Consumed
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