Navigating from the White Anthropocene to the Black Chthulucene

Navigating from the White Anthropocene to the Black Chthulucene re-interprets Buster Keaton's 1924 film, The Navigator, through the lenses of posthumanism and critical race theory, deconstructing its anti-Blackness and anti-Indigeneity and exposing the unthinking whiteness of theorists and philosophers. It invites us to consider cinema as a tool for constructing and maintaining white supremacy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

Navigating from the White Anthropocene to the Black Chthulucene is a groundbreaking re-interpretation of Buster Keaton's iconic 1924 film, The Navigator, through the combined lenses of posthumanism and critical race theory. This book delves deep into the film's underlying anti-Blackness and anti-Indigeneity, while also shedding light on the blind spots of theorists and philosophers, such as Gilles Deleuze, who have celebrated Keaton's work in the history of cinema. By undertaking a daring and provocative analysis of Keaton's classic, this book invites us to examine cinema itself, at least in its classical narrative form, as a tool for constructing and maintaining white supremacy. Moreover, it provides valuable conceptual tools for building a world beyond whiteness.

The White Anthropocene, a term coined by scientists to describe the current geological epoch marked by human-induced climate change and environmental destruction, serves as the backdrop for this exploration. The film, set in the early 20th century, portrays a young man named John, who travels the world in search of his lost father. However, the journey is not without its challenges, as John encounters various obstacles and setbacks, including racism and discrimination.

Through the lens of posthumanism, the book deconstructs the film's narrative and characters, revealing their inherent biases and prejudices. It highlights the ways in which the film perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces white supremacy, particularly in its portrayal of Black and Indigenous characters. For instance, the film portrays Black people as lazy and unintelligent, while Indigenous people are depicted as primitive and inferior.

In contrast, the Black Chthulucene framework offers a critical perspective on the film. It posits that the Black and Indigenous communities have been subjected to centuries of oppression and exploitation, and that they are now facing a new ecological crisis that is closely linked to their struggles for survival and justice. The book argues that the Black Chthulucene is a transformative moment in human history, one that calls for a radical re-imagining of our relationship with the natural world and with each other.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of cinema in perpetuating white supremacy. It explores how the film industry has historically marginalized and excluded Black and Indigenous filmmakers, and how this has contributed to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and narratives. The book also examines the ways in which contemporary cinema is still grappling with the legacy of colonialism and racism, and how it can be used as a tool for promoting social justice and equality.

Another important aspect of the book is its exploration of the potential for resistance and transformation within the Black and Indigenous communities. It highlights the work of activists and artists who are using their creativity and their voices to challenge the dominant narratives and to promote a more inclusive and just world. The book provides a roadmap for building a world beyond whiteness, one that is based on respect, empathy, and sustainability.

In conclusion, Navigating from the White Anthropocene to the Black Chthulucene is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in cinema, race, and environmentalism. It offers a powerful critique of the film industry and its role in perpetuating white supremacy, while also providing a vision for a more inclusive and just world. By combining the insights of posthumanism and critical race theory, this book provides a fresh and innovative perspective on one of the most iconic films of the 20th century, and it offers valuable insights into the ongoing struggles for social justice and equality.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782795179