Poststructuralism: WTF? Derrida, Deconstruction and Poststructuralist Theory Explained

Summary

In this episode of 'What the, Theory?', Tom delves into poststructuralism, a theory that challenges the notion of language as a perfect communicator of thoughts. He explores its skepticism towards definitive interpretations of cultural texts and the pursuit of objective truth, given the biases inherent in language. Tom discusses key poststructuralist ideas through the lens of Roland Barthes' 'The Death of the Author' and Jacques Derrida's deconstruction, emphasizing the theory's impact on understanding and interpreting cultural narratives.

Takeaways

• 📚 Poststructuralism argues that language and other communicative systems often misrepresent our thoughts and encourage alternative interpretations.
• 🔍 It questions whether it's possible to achieve a definitive interpretation of cultural texts and if we can ever arrive at objective truth due to inherent biases in language.
• 📖 Structuralism, based on the work of Ferdinand de Saussure, views culture as a language system with shared conventions and tropes.
• 🖋️ Poststructuralism critiques structuralism by emphasizing the flaws and biases in language, suggesting that communication often fails to convey the intended meaning.
• 📝 Roland Barthes' 'The Death of the Author' questions the focus on authorial intent and argues for the celebration of multiple interpretations of texts.
• 🧐 Jacques Derrida's concept of 'deconstruction' explores the hidden meanings and binary oppositions within texts, suggesting that no text has a single, stable meaning.
• 🌍 Poststructuralism considers the ideological biases in language, including race, gender, and class, and how these shape our understanding of the world.
• 🔍 Derrida's analysis of apartheid in 'Racism's Last Word' highlights the hidden European roots of South African racism, challenging the binary of 'here' (non-racist Europe) and 'there' (racist South Africa).
• 🎥 Films like 'Get Out' use poststructuralist techniques to critique cultural binaries and reveal the complicity of seemingly anti-racist individuals in systemic racism.
• 📘 Poststructuralism has significant implications for fields like feminist studies, as seen in Judith Butler's 'Gender Trouble', which deconstructs gender binaries sustained by language and society.

Q & A

What is poststructuralism's central thesis?

Poststructuralism's central thesis is that language and other communicative systems are imperfect at expressing thoughts and ideas, often leading to misinterpretations and alternative meanings. It questions the possibility of arriving at a definitive interpretation of cultural texts or an objective truth.

How does poststructuralism differ from structuralism?

While structuralism focuses on systematic inquiry into cultural texts, treating them as part of a larger language system, poststructuralism questions the imperfections of language and its potential biases, asking whether language can truly convey an author’s intended meaning and exploring multiple interpretations of a text.

What is the significance of Roland Barthes' essay 'The Death of the Author' in poststructuralism?

'The Death of the Author' argues that focusing on an author's intended meaning is futile because language is imperfect. Barthes suggests that readers should explore the multiple meanings a text can generate, rather than trying to uncover a definitive meaning based on the author's intent.

What is deconstruction, and how does it relate to poststructuralism?

Deconstruction, a method developed by Jacques Derrida, seeks to expose the hidden meanings and contradictions within a text, particularly by questioning binary oppositions (e.g., high/low). It aligns with poststructuralism by showing that no text can have a stable, final meaning due to the inherent flaws and biases in language.

What does Derrida mean by 'there is nothing outside the text'?

Derrida's phrase 'there is nothing outside the text' suggests that a text's meaning is influenced by what is absent or implied as much as by what is present. He emphasizes that a text cannot be separated from the context in which it is created and interpreted.

How does poststructuralism challenge the idea of objective truth?

Poststructuralism challenges the notion of objective truth by arguing that language, the medium through which we understand the world, is flawed and shaped by biases related to race, gender, and class. Therefore, any conclusions we draw through language are inherently biased and subjective.

How does Get Out exemplify poststructuralist themes?

Get Out exemplifies poststructuralist themes by subverting racial binaries in horror films and critiquing liberal attitudes toward race. It challenges the notion that white characters’ love for black culture exempts them from complicity in systemic racism, questioning binary views of 'good' and 'bad' racism.

Why does poststructuralism reject the pursuit of a definitive interpretation of a text?

Poststructuralism rejects the pursuit of a definitive interpretation because it argues that texts are open to multiple meanings, and language itself is an unreliable and biased tool for communication. It encourages readers to explore diverse interpretations rather than seeking a single 'correct' meaning.

How has poststructuralism influenced feminist studies?

Poststructuralism has influenced feminist studies by challenging linguistic and societal binaries, such as the division between men and women. Judith Butler, for example, uses poststructuralist ideas to critique the gender binary and explore how language enforces normative ideas of masculinity and femininity.

What does Derrida mean by 'the trace' in deconstruction?

In deconstruction, 'the trace' refers to the presence of an opposing concept that is implicitly invoked whenever a term is used. For example, the word 'high' carries the trace of 'low,' meaning that the concept of 'low' is always present in the background when discussing 'high.'