Event Horizon - Sexuality, Politics, Online Culture, and the Limits of Capitalism

Knowledge and enjoyment are fertile breeding grounds of political contestation in an age where Silicon Valley dictates what it means to innovate. Bonni Rambatan and Jacob Johanssen's book "Event Horizon" explores the boundaries of capitalism through a psychoanalytic interrogation of online culture, sexuality, and politics. It examines how capitalist ideology functions in our current moment and how it breaks down, and is particularly timely in the face of the growing violence that threatens the lives of marginalized communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2022
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

In a world where Silicon Valley sets the standards for innovation, knowledge, and enjoyment become the breeding grounds for political contention. However, it's important to note that this isn't exactly a democratic system. We are controlled by platforms that commodify our data for the benefit of billionaires. The power has become so accessible that we carry it in our pockets, constantly seeking validation through likes and followers. The question arises: what can be done? Should the Left continue to hold onto the hope of a political event, patiently waiting for a revolutionary rupture that brings about new possibilities? Or is there a way to navigate these complex horizons amidst the chaos?

To explore these boundaries, Bonni Rambatan and Jacob Johanssen delve into a psychoanalytic examination of the intersections of online culture, sexuality, and politics. In their book "Event Horizon," they examine how capitalist ideology operates in our present moment and, more importantly, how it unravels. With the growing urgency of formulating a proper Leftist response to the rapidly escalating violence that poses a serious threat to the lives of marginalized communities, this book couldn't be more timely.

The authors argue that the Left must confront the challenges posed by the digital age head-on. They highlight the need to develop a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that shape our online experiences and the ways in which they intersect with broader political and social dynamics. By doing so, the Left can better identify the gaps and weaknesses in the current system and develop strategies to challenge and dismantle them.

One of the key themes explored in "Event Horizon" is the role of technology in perpetuating capitalist ideology. The authors argue that the digital realm has become a tool for the accumulation and exploitation of wealth, with algorithms and data-driven systems privileging those who have the means to access and control information. This creates a hierarchical structure where the powerful have access to greater resources and opportunities, while the marginalized are left behind.

The book also delves into the ways in which online culture shapes our understanding of sexuality and gender. The authors argue that the proliferation of pornographic content and the rise of social media platforms have created a culture that commodifies and objectifies women's bodies. This has led to a perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and a lack of respect for women's autonomy and agency.

Furthermore, "Event Horizon" explores the relationship between online culture and political activism. The authors argue that the digital realm has become a space for the dissemination of information and the organization of collective action, but it also poses challenges for traditional forms of political participation. For example, the rise of social media algorithms has made it difficult for marginalized voices to be heard, while the spread of misinformation and fake news has undermined the credibility of political movements.

To address these challenges, the authors suggest that the Left must adopt a multifaceted approach. They advocate for policies that promote digital inclusion and equity, such as universal access to affordable internet and the protection of user data. They also call for a shift in the way we think about technology, recognizing its potential as a tool for social change but also acknowledging its limitations and risks.

In conclusion, "Event Horizon" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the boundaries between knowledge, enjoyment, and political contestation in the digital age. By examining the intersections of online culture, sexuality, and politics, the authors provide a critical analysis of the ways in which capitalist ideology operates and unravels. The book's timely and relevant message underscores the need for the Left to adapt and respond to the challenges posed by the digital age, recognizing the potential for technology to be a tool for social change but also acknowledging the risks and limitations associated with it.

Weight: 192g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789048766