⁠#152: Liberation through Selfies?! (ft. Matt Colquhoun)⁠

It's Not Just In Your Head

"By returning to the original tale of Narcissus, and the flower from which he takes his name, this book offers an alternative reading of narcissism..."

Is their such a thing as healthy Narcissism? We chat with the author of 'Narcissus in Bloom - An Alternative History of the Selfie' about how the finger waving moralism surrounding 'selfies' requires further thought: If Narcissism is the defining pathology of the twenty-first century, what if rather than it being about self-obsession, it's an attempt at self-transformation?

We discuss Freud's idea of finding others narcissism attractive, attempts to capture the ever changing self, politicians being authentically & consistently awful, the bourgeois gaze, 'whatever beings' and the feeling of 'what comes next' vs 'nothing comes next'.

Matt also discusses the forgotten alternative versions of the Narcissus myth and what this reveals about self-transformation and renewal.

References:

Narcissus in Bloom - An Alternative History of the Selfie: https://repeaterbooks.com/product/narcissus-in-bloom/

Egress: On Mourning, Melancholy and Mark Fisher - https://repeaterbooks.com/product/egress-on-mourning-melancholy-and-mark-fisher/

Postcapitalist Desire: The Final Lectures - https://repeaterbooks.com/product/postcapitalist-desire-the-final-lectures/

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Harriet’s other shows:

WBAI Interpersonal Update (Wednesdays): https://wbai.org/program.php?program=431

Capitalism Hits Home: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJpiw1WYdTNYvke-gNRdml1Z2lwz0iEH

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ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dystopia/Obligatory 'don't sue us' message: This podcast provides numerous different perspectives and criticisms of the mental health space, however, it should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with regards to any health decisions or management.