Privilege of Being Banal: Art, Secularism, and Catholicism in Paris

Elayne Oliphant's ethnography explores the hidden power of Catholicism in France, revealing the profound nostalgia that undergirds its circulation in nonreligious sites such as museums, corporate spaces, and political debates. It aims to unravel the contradictions of religion and secularism and show how aesthetics and politics come together to foster the kind of banality that Hannah Arendt warned against.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 280 pages
\n Publication date: 20 November 2020
\n Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
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France, officially a secular nation, undeniably boasts a monumental presence of Catholicism that permeates its temporal and spatial rhythms, shaping the very essence of Paris. However, it often remains relegated to the background, reduced to a mere "heritage" without much recognition. In a thought-provoking inversion, Elayne Oliphant delves into the question of what lies hidden in plain sight in her book, "The Privilege of Being Banal." Could the banality of Catholicism, often perceived as mundane, hold a secret power?

Through a rich ethnography that uncovers the violent histories and alternative trajectories obscured by this banal backgrounding of a significant aspect of French history and culture, Oliphant exposes the profound nostalgia that underpins Catholicism's circulation in nonreligious spaces such as museums, corporate environments, and political debates. Her objective is to unravel the contradictions between religion and secularism and demonstrate how aesthetics and politics converge in contemporary France to cultivate a form of banality that Hannah Arendt cautioned against—the inability to empathize with the experiences of others.

"The Privilege of Being Banal" emerges as a groundbreaking study that explores the power of the taken-for-granted, offering a profound meditation on religion, aesthetics, and public space. It challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions and perceptions, shedding light on the intricate ways in which religious symbols and practices continue to shape the fabric of contemporary society. By delving into the hidden depths of banality, Oliphant invites us to reevaluate our relationship with religion and secularism, and to recognize the potential for both conflict and collaboration in the realm of public discourse.

In conclusion, "The Privilege of Being Banal" is a landmark work that offers a fresh perspective on the complex interplay between religion, aesthetics, and public space. Through its insightful analysis and provocative questions, it challenges readers to reexamine their assumptions and perceptions, fostering a deeper understanding of the nuanced dynamics that shape our contemporary world.

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Dimension: 9 x 6 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780226731261\n \n