Within Reason Podcast Episode #40: Slavoj Žižek - Sex, Drugs, and Commodity Fetishism

Release Date: September 8, 2023

Hosts:

• Alex J O'Connor – Host and author, guiding the conversation with profound philosophical inquiries.
• Slavoj Žižek – Renowned European philosopher known for his eclectic and provocative viewpoints.

1. Introduction to Slavoj Žižek

The episode kicks off with Alex O’Connor warmly introducing Slavoj Žižek, highlighting his status as one of the most idiosyncratic and influential philosophers of our time. Alex shares a personal anecdote about meeting Žižek at a Welsh literary festival, setting the stage for an in-depth and engaging two-hour conversation.

Notable Quote:

Alex O'Connor [00:00]: "Slavoj Žižek is an impossible man to define. But what I do know is that he is one of the most well-known, well-loved, and idiosyncratic European philosophers alive today."

2. Commodity Fetishism and Modern Cinema

The dialogue begins with a discussion on Žižek's essay for the New Statesman, titled "Barbie Can't Handle the Truth." Although Žižek hadn't seen the Barbie film at the time of writing, he explores the Marxist concept of commodity fetishism, examining how modern films like Barbie and Oppenheimer reflect the interplay between fantasy and reality.

Notable Quote:

Slavoj Žižek [04:36]: "Commodity fetishism... it's not just an illusion which you can get rid of and then stare heroically into the eyes of actual life... illusions are written into the texture of our reality itself."

3. Sexuality and Psychoanalysis

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the complexities of human sexuality. Žižek, drawing from Freudian psychoanalysis, argues that sexuality is inherently intertwined with fantasy. He critiques the modern portrayal of sexuality, suggesting that even in the most raw and direct sexual encounters, underlying fantasies persist.

Notable Quote:

Slavoj Žižek [08:38]: "Freud's message again is here much more refined. It's not that, but when you become an adult, you no longer need this stupid infantile, empirically wrong fantasies. You are simply able to do it. No, the new versions of infantile sexual dreams remain to the end."

4. The Paradox of Freedom

The discussion shifts to the concept of freedom, where Žižek introduces a Hegelian perspective. He distinguishes between zweifel (simple doubt) and vertiefung (deepening doubt), arguing that true freedom often requires imposing certain restrictions. This paradox is exemplified through the comparison of abstract freedom and concrete freedom, highlighting the necessity of societal rules to facilitate genuine liberty.

Notable Quote:

Slavoj Žižek [14:39]: "Freedom is not as simple as standing in the street with no constraints. It requires a set of concrete conditions—basic social security, free education—that enable true freedom."

5. Totalitarianism vs. Authoritarianism: Lessons from Stalinism

Žižek provides an insightful analysis of Stalinist regimes, distinguishing between authoritarianism and totalitarianism. He emphasizes that totalitarianism seeks to maintain appearances and control through pervasive propaganda, using the machinery of the "big Other" in Lacanian terms to sustain an illusion of collective belief and adherence.

Notable Quote:

Slavoj Žižek [66:23]: "Totalitarians know it, but their reasoning is some type of almost Freudian split. They say, yes, we are doing horrible things... but deeper down, we are doing something terribly progressive."

6. Cancel Culture and the Left's Self-Destruction

A critical segment focuses on the dilemmas of cancel culture within progressive movements. Žižek argues that the very efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity often result in exclusionary practices, leading to a self-destructive cycle. He likens this to Hegelian dialectics, where internal contradictions can lead to systemic downfall.

Notable Quote:

Slavoj Žižek [24:54]: "The paradox of cancel culture is that in defending diversity and inclusivity, you practice exclusion all the time."

7. Transgender Ideology and Identity Politics

The conversation navigates the contentious terrain of transgender ideology. Žižek critiques contemporary trans discourse, asserting that some advocates dismiss the complexities of the Freudian unconscious in favor of a simplistic affirmation of gender identity. He warns against replacing one determinism with another, highlighting the potential for ideological rigidity.

Notable Quote:

Slavoj Žižek [37:15]: "Trans people tend to replace one determinism with another. They move from biological determinism to psychological determinism without truly addressing the underlying unconscious mechanisms."

8. Contemporary Societal Tensions: Woke vs. Right-Wing Populism

Žižek examines the escalating tensions between progressive "woke" movements and right-wing populism in the United States and Europe. He expresses pessimism about the potential for reconciliation, fearing that these polarized groups may lead to increased societal conflict and even civil unrest.

Notable Quote:

Slavoj Žižek [95:55]: "The United States are a big state. Already things that we thought unimaginable are happening... I fear that our present big Other, the substantial net of values, is not strong enough to cope with the crises."

9. The Future of Freedom and Societal Structure

In the concluding segments, Žižek contemplates the future of freedom amidst global crises such as ecological disasters and geopolitical conflicts. He advocates for a Hegelian approach, emphasizing the need to critically assess and reinvent societal rules without descending into chaos or authoritarianism.

Notable Quotes:

Slavoj Žižek [94:48]: "Whenever something new emerges, ask how things can go wrong. They usually do."

Slavoj Žižek [105:00]: "I am here, in short term, a modest, pragmatic 'let’s do whatever we can.' Maybe we should simply try small ecological measures here and there, but never exclude that things can get even worse."

Conclusion: Embracing a Balanced Perspective

The episode wraps up with Žižek and Alex O’Connor reflecting on the balance between pessimism and optimism. Žižek advocates for a "moderate pessimist" stance, acknowledging the complexities and challenges of the modern world while remaining open to cautious optimism through pragmatic action.

Notable Quote:

Slavoj Žižek [102:26]: "It's better to be a moderate pessimist because then you know, from time to time, small things happen that allow you to be a little bit happy optimist."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Within Reason offers a profound exploration of contemporary philosophical and societal issues through the lens of Slavoj Žižek's incisive analysis. From commodity fetishism in modern cinema to the intricate dynamics of freedom and the perilous path of cancel culture, Žižek challenges listeners to critically examine the underpinnings of our social fabric. The conversation serves as a compelling invitation to engage deeply with the complexities of modern life, urging a balance between skepticism and hopeful action.