Discussion 3: 'The Politics of Amnesia' by Terry Eagleton

Postmodern cultural theorists are in the habit of declaring the end of theory itself including Eagleton as he declares the end of the Golden age of Cultural Theory in the opening line of ‘After theory’. He argues that no one has come to rival the theoretical innovations of the cultural theorists such as Williams, Habermas and many more. Theory has been mutated with time. Eagleton believes the crucial crisis with postmodern thought is that it has given up on asking the big question. Instead it celebrates difference, to such an extent that we cannot see ourselves be part of any unified whole, we cultivate in our small groups and primarily consider the questions that are important to our own selves. This has led to an increasing interest in the humanities on the body and sexuality. It would appear that Eagleton believes that students nowadays write uncritical, reverential essays on Friends. This has led to him moaning about a rise of a generation ignorant to the matters of exploitation, poverty and violence. The main objection, I’ve come to understand, is that the contemporary cultural studies have become obsessed with the debris and wreckage of contemporary culture, mistaking the ins and outs of culture for the earth shattering.

Will I ever finish reading this book? I not going to lie and say yes I will read it tomorrow as that’s not going to happen but in the near future I hope I would. It’s not the type of book I’d just pick up and read but after reading the first chapter I believe it is a book I’d finish.