Feb 24 • 13:01 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina Clarin (ES)

Renata Salecl: "We must allow people to reflect on their emotions"

Renata Salecl explores the intersection of emotions and political discourse in her book "Maleducados," examining how self-help narratives shape individualistic ideologies.

In her book "Maleducados," Renata Salecl delves into the political implications of emotions, drawing connections between personal feelings and broader societal ideologies. Salecl critiques contemporary self-help movements and their influence on individual and collective mentalities, arguing that the prevalent discourse often promotes a depiction of personal empowerment that can mask deeper societal issues.

Salecl highlights the role of social media in propagating individualistic narratives that, while seemingly empowering, may contribute to a broader ideological framework used by political leaders. This framework resembles a new form of evangelization, where personal success stories serve as ideological support for political agendas. By prioritizing personal reflection, Salecl suggests that individuals can better understand the emotional processes that drive their reactions to societal challenges.

Ultimately, Salecl posits that the rise of self-help culture generates a duality of empowerment and disillusionment, where individuals grapple with their own emotions within the broader structures of power and social expectations. She calls for a deeper examination of these emotional narratives to address the underlying discontent and anger that exists within society, suggesting that a more reflective approach could lead to better personal and communal understanding.

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