Reddit mentions of Postmodernism For Beginners

Postmodern thought appeals to me for its sheer extraordinarity.. Yes, the generally attributed notions of the rejection of grand narratives and relativism do apply in some instances, but I think the appeal of postmodernist thought lies in its ambiguity, its playfulness and its general obstinacy towards previous frameworks. Of course, it is variously applied to literature, philosophy, social theory etc. and can be thus interpreted in a multitude of ways.

If you want a quick read that gives you a grasp of it, along with some of the various figures, check out this book. A personal favourite of mine, both the theorist and the subject, is Jean Baudrillard

Citation: "Derrida's method frequently involves recognizing and spelling out the different, yet similar interpretations of the meaning of a given text and the problematic implications of binary oppositions within the meaning of a text. Derrida's philosophy inspired a postmodern movement called deconstructivism among architects, characterized by the intentional fragmentation, distortion, and dislocation of architectural elements in designing a building." Emphasis added.

The method of wordplay where you change the meaning of the word during analysis is also in this book.


>>"Identity Politics/neo-Marxist postmodernism"

>This is literally incoherent. Neo-Marxism is explicitly anti-postmodern.

Again, it's an amalgam of those ideas. It's the blend of the concepts of how power and oppression work from Marx incorporated into a philosophy that the self is nothing but political based on race and gender (organized by intersectionality) called Identity Politics, with the butt-fuckery of post-modern deconstruction used to bend meaning to whatever you want it to be for your purposes so you can strike down established truths. (And I see you change it to "Neo-Marxism" rather than just Marxism. How post modern of you.)

You wrote something that is blatantly dishonest above, or it at least highlights your lack of understanding, but you wrote:
> the tricky thing about diversity issues or "identity politics" is that there's no such school of thought.

Yes, there's a school of thought called Identity Politics.

So are you lying or you just can't follow a narrative?

No problem--I'm happy to help! If you get the chance (but I certainly understand a heavy work load), the book [But Is It Art?] (http://www.amazon.com/But-Is-It-Art-Introduction/dp/0192853678) is a really good introduction to a lot of critical theory that you will run into when dealing with 20th century art. Also, I don't think you can really use it as a true source for your paper, but I would also recommend [Postmodernism for Beginners] (http://www.amazon.com/Postmodernism-For-Beginners-Jim-Powell/dp/1934389099). We used it in an undergrad seminar when I was just starting to learn theory, and it was absolutely invaluable--very, very easy to read, and you really get a good overview of the major ideas and philosophers in Postmodernism. Good Luck!

I am in awe of how much effort you are putting in helping me. I really appreciate it man.
Just last few questions:

• Am I right in thinking that there were different forms of art with different ideologies during the same cultural movement or am I wrong somewhere? If yes, is that the reason I was getting confused about the characteristics of modernism and postmodernism?
  
  
• I got into this topic after getting my hands on Postmodernism for Beginners by Jim Powell. I did not understand it. I didn't know what exactly I was reading about to begin with. Was it a book on philosophers of the 20th century and their questions or was it about how media has been affecting our lives. So, I went on the internet and read as much as I could. I went back to Roman empire, studied Marx, Stalin, about Middle Ages and its art, Renaissance etc etc, It was all messed up in my head and still is. I haven't been able to map all that. Although, I have an idea now about what modernism and postmodernism are used to refer to but I do not understand it completely. My question is what book should I read?
  
  Again, I really appreciate you writing such well thought out answers.