Critical Currents
Critical Currents
Podcast Description
Democracy thrives on open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the courage to engage across differences. As we bear witness to social, political, and cultural ruptures that threaten to pull us apart, how can we still find common ground? How can we truly listen to each other and nurture our sense of solidarity?
Critical Currents explores the discourses, movements, and cultural shifts shaping democratic life and collective action today. In an era of uncertainty, this podcast cultivates thoughtful dialogue and a deeper understanding of the forces that bind—and divide—us.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores discourses, movements, and cultural shifts affecting democratic life and collective action, focusing on themes such as political divides and the role of art in social justice. An example episode features Lynne Thompson discussing her journey as a poet and how her work addresses political tensions and cultural heritage.
Democracy thrives on open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the courage to engage across differences. As we bear witness to social, political, and cultural ruptures that threaten to pull us apart, how can we still find common ground? How can we truly listen to each other and nurture our sense of solidarity?
Critical Currents explores the discourses, movements, and cultural shifts shaping democratic life and collective action today. In an era of uncertainty, this podcast cultivates thoughtful dialogue and a deeper understanding of the forces that bind—and divide—us.
In this episode of Critical Currents, hosts Dani Taylor and Stella Horns speak with UCLA professor and cultural historian, Eric Avila. He is bridging the gap by documenting the history of Los Angeles’ urban design through people-centered, deeply contextual historiographical methods. Avila paints a portrait of an image-obsessed city where competing visions and versions of history lie just below its sparkling surface. We delve into those tensions, from the clash between top-down authority and Los Angelinos’ vision for their surroundings, to the ways displaced communities reclaim spaces through muralism and other forms of urban artwork.Ultimately, Avila reflects on how Los Angelinos can chart a path forward, both socially and aesthetically, while acknowledging the city’s past struggles and present challenges.
MENTIONED:
Popular Culture in the Age of White Flight: Fear and Fantasy in Suburban Los Angeles by Eric Avila
The Folklore of the Freeway: Race and Revolt in the Modernist City by Eric Avila
Amusing the Million: Coney Island at the Turn of the Century by John F. Kasson
The Painting of Modern Life: Paris in the Art of Manet and His Followers by T.J. Clark
Should Scientists and Engineers Run Society? by Dr. Fatima
Audio & Sound Engineering by sadie ibrahim.
Critical Currents is a collaborative production of the Wende Museum, Thomas Mann House, and dublab, with episodes airing from the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at the dublab studio. New episodes release monthly throughout the spring and fall, available on all podcast platforms. Subscribe to Critical Currents and join the conversation!
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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