How We Walk: Frantz Fanon and the Politics of the Body

Our posture and gait reflect our social and political experiences as we navigate the city under capitalism, and how we walk holds the social traumas of history and its racialized inequalities. Matthew Beaumont's book explores the relationship between freedom and the human body, highlighting the work of Frantz Fanon, Wilhelm Reich, and Ernst Bloch.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 05 March 2024
Publisher: Verso Books

How We Walk delves into the profound connection between our posture, gait, and the social traumas of history, as well as the racialized inequalities that have shaped our society. Matthew Beaumont, in his book, argues that our body, in its state of standing and walking, carries the imprint of our social and political experiences as we navigate the urban landscape under the prevailing system of capitalism.

Through a series of engaging dialogues with thinkers and walkers, Beaumont explores the intricate relationship between freedom and the human body. He highlights the pioneering work of Frantz Fanon, a psychiatrist and influential thinker of liberation, who was among the first to examine the politics of walking while black. The book also introduces us to the unconventional psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich, who believed that one could glean insights about a person's character and truthfulness through their posture and gait.

For Marxist philosopher Ernst Bloch, the ability to walk upright and with ease signifies personal and social freedom. Throughout his book, Beaumont reimagines the canonical literature on walking, offering a fresh perspective on the impact of class and race on our physical and political mobility. He raises thought-provoking questions about the politics of the body and challenges us to consider the ways in which our posture, gait, and social identities intersect.

In conclusion, How We Walk is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the relationship between our bodies, history, and society. Beaumont's book prompts us to reflect on the ways in which our posture, gait, and social identities shape our experiences and interactions with the world around us. It is a valuable contribution to the field of walking studies and encourages us to consider the politics of the body in new and innovative ways.

Weight: 316g
Dimension: 218 x 147 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804290071