Can the Monster Speak?: A Report to an Academy of Psychoanalysts

Paul B. Preciado was invited to speak in front of 3,500 psychoanalysts at the École de la Cause Freudiennes annual conference in Paris in November 2019. He drew inspiration from Kafkas 'A Report to an Academy' and demonstrated the disciplines complicity with the ideology of sex, gender, and sexual difference dating back to the colonial era. The lecture was filmed on smartphones and published online, but it was published without regard for exactitude. Eighteen months on, Can the Monster Speak? is published in a definitive translation for the first time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2021
Publisher: Fitzcarraldo Editions

In November 2019, Paul B. Preciado graced the stage at the École de la Cause Freudiennes annual conference in Paris, addressing a gathering of 3,500 psychoanalysts. With his unique perspective as a "mentally ill person suffering from 'gender dysphoria," Preciado drew inspiration from Kafka's "A Report to an Academy," in which a monkey astutely compares human subjectivity to a cage crafted from metal bars. Through his powerful lecture, Preciado exposed the complicity of the discipline with the ideology of sex, gender, and sexual difference, dating back to the colonial era. Despite facing heckling and boos, Preciado valiantly attempted to complete his presentation, but was ultimately unable to do so. However, the lecture, captured on smartphones, found its way into the digital realm, where fragments were transcribed, translated, and published without strict regard for accuracy.

Fast forward eighteen months, and Preciado's seminal work, "Can the Monster Speak?" emerges in a definitive translation, making its mark on the literary landscape. This groundbreaking book delves into the complexities of language, power, and identity, offering a profound exploration of the human condition.

In the opening chapter, Preciado challenges the notion of a unified and universal language, arguing that it is a construct perpetuated by dominant ideologies. He explores the ways in which language shapes our perception of the world, and how it can be used to marginalize and oppress certain groups. Preciado's analysis is particularly poignant in the context of the LGBTQ+ community, where the use of specific terms and labels has often been used to erase their identities and perpetuate discrimination.

Through his exploration of the monster, Preciado offers a critical reflection on the ways in which power operates in society. He questions the notion of a singular and universal identity, and instead proposes a more fluid and multifaceted understanding of self. Preciado argues that the monster is a symbol of the marginalized and oppressed, a representation of the ways in which our society fails to recognize and accommodate diverse forms of identity.

In the second chapter, Preciado delves into the concept of the "monstrous other." He explores the ways in which societies, cultures, and societies often construct and perpetuate stereotypes and prejudices against marginalized groups. Preciado argues that these constructions are not only harmful to the individuals targeted by them, but also to society as a whole, as they perpetuate inequality and discrimination.

The third chapter explores the relationship between language and power, and how it is used to maintain and perpetuate dominant ideologies. Preciado argues that language is a tool of control, used to shape our perception of the world and to limit our ability to challenge dominant narratives. He offers a powerful critique of the ways in which language is used to perpetuate gender, racial, and sexual inequality, and to marginalize certain groups.

The fourth chapter explores the concept of the "monstrous self." Preciado argues that the monster is not only a representation of the Other, but also of the self. He explores the ways in which we internalize societal norms and expectations, and how they can limit our ability to express our true selves. Preciado offers a poignant exploration of the ways in which we struggle to reconcile our identities with the expectations of others, and how this can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection.

The fifth chapter explores the relationship between language and the body. Preciado argues that the body is not just a physical entity, but also a site of language and power. He explores the ways in which our bodies are subjected to surveillance and control, and how they are used to perpetuate dominant ideologies. Preciado offers a powerful critique of the ways in which our bodies are commodified and objectified, and how this can lead to feelings of shame and self-hatred.

The sixth chapter explores the relationship between language and technology. Preciado argues that technology is not just a tool of communication, but also a site of power and control. He explores the ways in which technology is used to surveil and monitor individuals, and how it is used to perpetuate dominant ideologies. Preciado offers a critical analysis of the ways in which technology is shaping our lives, and how it is contributing to the erosion of privacy and individuality.

In conclusion, "Can the Monster Speak?" is a groundbreaking work that offers a profound exploration of the complexities of language, power, and identity. Through his critical analysis of the discipline of psychoanalysis, Preciado challenges the notion of a unified and universal language, exposes the complicity of the discipline with the ideology of sex, gender, and sexual difference, and proposes a more fluid and multifaceted understanding of self. Preciado's exploration of the monster is a powerful symbol of the marginalized and oppressed, a representation of the ways in which our society fails to recognize and accommodate diverse forms of identity. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in language, power, and identity, and in the ways in which these three interrelated elements shape our lives.

Weight: 134g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913097585