Žižek & Peterson Debate – Happiness: Capitalism vs. Marxism (transcript of opening statement)

Below is the transcript of Zizek’s introductory statement. First, a brief introductory remark. I cannot but notice the irony of how Peterson and I, the participants in this duel of the century, are both marginalised by the official academic community. I am supposed to defend here the left, liberal line against neo-conservatives. Really? Most of… Continue reading Žižek & Peterson Debate – Happiness: Capitalism vs. Marxism (transcript of opening statement)

Should the left’s answer to rightist populism really be a “Me Too”? Part II

Should the left’s answer to rightist populism really be a “Me Too”;? Part I Let’s take an (artificially) clear-cut case. Imagine a democracy, in which a large majority of voters succumb to the anti-immigrant populist propaganda and decide in a referendum to close borders to the refugees and make life more difficult for those who… Continue reading Should the left’s answer to rightist populism really be a “Me Too”? Part II

Acheronta Movebo

The motto of every authentic radical change is the same as the quote from Virgil that Freud chose as the epigraph for his Interpretation of Dreams. It is Acheronta movebo – I will move the infernal regions. Dare to disturb the underground of the unspoken underpinnings of our everyday lives! There are two such “infernal regions” in our… Continue reading Acheronta Movebo

Steve Bannon’s Brussels plans threaten Europe’s liberal legacy

The American far right has spotted a gap in the European market, as the continent buckles from the fallout of mass migration and austerity. For liberals to maintain control, they must ally themselves with the radical left. Recently, it has been widely reported that Steve Bannon plans to establish a group to coordinate right-wing nationalist… Continue reading Steve Bannon’s Brussels plans threaten Europe’s liberal legacy

Sex in the modern world: Can even a ‘yes, yes, yes’ actually mean ‘no?’

When commentators analyze the new wave of women’s struggles, one of their conclusions is that “no means no” is not enough to lead to a “happy sex life.” This is because it still leaves space for more subtle forms of coercion. Recently, in The Guardian, we saw an exemplary case of this line of argument: “Badgering… Continue reading Sex in the modern world: Can even a ‘yes, yes, yes’ actually mean ‘no?’