Opening Thoughts And Introductions

Abstract

It feels as though I am writing this from the edge of a cliff—like Wile E. Coyote, who is already suspended mid-air but does not realize it. Mid-air last thoughts, last wishes, last thank-yous, last goodbyes to the world as we know it: “bye, byeeeeeee!” The first months of 2020 constitute an important moment in history: as a result of Covid-19, there has been an extraordinary level of uncertainty about the future—and about where we will land in just a few months’ time. This book’s aims and aspirations (from its early stages of conceptualization in 2016 to the conclusion of its writing in the midst of a global pandemic) are immediately connected to our present experiences and looming ends: ends that many have desired for a long time but which do not seem to be coming fast enough (such as the end of capitalism and ensuing capitalist exploitation, white supremacy, and racism); and others we have always dreaded but are coming toward us at high speed (such as the environmental catastrophe). Irrespective of our desires, it feels as though the world—at least the world as we know it—is ending. Capturing the importance, gravity, and potential of the current moment in this opening, especially when there is still so much uncertainty about how things will develop in the next few months, feels like an insurmountable task. Productively addressing the ends that are looming and the manner in which the conversations in this book can contribute to this moment, as well as to the future we are assuming will exist, feels equally difficult. I have agonized over writing this opening text because it feels as though I am writing from the end of this world. The ends are nevertheless nearing...