The 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. She 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.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 16 July 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

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 as mere "heritage," overshadowed by its more prominent aspects. 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 meticulously researched ethnography, Oliphant uncovers the violent histories and alternative trajectories that have been erased through the banal backgrounding of a significant aspect of French history and culture. This richly textured work exposes the profound nostalgia that underpins the circulation of Catholicism in nonreligious spaces such as museums, corporate environments, and political debates. Oliphant's objective is to unravel the contradictions between religion and secularism and demonstrate how aesthetics and politics converge in contemporary France to foster a type 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 reevaluate their assumptions and perceptions, shedding light on the intricate ways in which religious symbols and practices continue to shape the fabric of contemporary society. This book is a testament to Oliphant's intellectual prowess and her ability to engage with complex themes in a manner that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226731124