What is Postmodernism? - Introduction Discussion

What exactly is "postmodernism?" Come join Triangle Common Good in beginning to understand this question as we discuss the first chapter and an essay summary of Frederic Jameson's influential Postmodernism: Or the Cultural Logic of Late Stage Capitalism in preparation of studying postmodernism more this year.

Frederic Jameson's Postmodernism: Or the Cultural Logic of Late Stage Capitalism is an influential analysis of what it means to exist in a postmodern culture, what about postmodernism makes it a break from modernity, and why understanding that we do exist in a postmodern culture is necessary for imagining new political futures. The book itself can be an intimidating read due to how much it references a massive amount of art and cultural discourse. For this reason, we will only read the attached first chapter and summary essay for this event. In particular, the essay provides a readable starting point that will give us some basic understanding as we explore postmodernism more. The concepts raised in this discussion will guide our picks for the rest of the year as we work through the project of understanding our current political moment and how to advocate for something different.

The essay is written by Ira Chernus, a Professor of Religious Studies at UC Boulder. The influence of his religious studies helps him understand why the concept of totality or meta-narratives are so important to understanding part of what postmodernity is responding to in its rejecting of modernism.

Required Readings:

Frederick Jameson's Interpretation of Postmodernism - Ira Chernus
https://spot.colorado.edu/~chernus/NewspaperColumns/LongerEssays/JamesonPostmodernism.htm

First Chapter of Jameson's Postmodernism
https://web.education.wisc.edu/halverson/wp-content/uploads/sites/33/2012/12/jameson.pdf

BONUS: Modernism and Postmodernism in Film - Thomas Flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xEi8qg266g