Don’t be so critical
From Critical Theory from Below and to the Left 2022!
No, treehouse isn’t dead. She was finding herself.
Last year we developed (clumsily) the bilingual sessions: "Critical Theory from Below to the Left". Given how we are volunteers with no real budget (and nothing to lose but our chains), it took a lot of effort to write each transcript, schedule the sessions, add subtitles, plan and curate the texts, edit, illustrate, translate the essays – as well as our homemade, artisanal sparkling graphics (it is only art if it comes from the profitable region of capital, or so we’ve heard).
We knew it wouldn’t be easy. Still, our conviction (or delusion?) is strong. Our aim has been to take (revolutionary) theory out of the classroom, make it accessible. To all. Everybody.
We believe these are subjects that pertain to all, and anyone can partake in the discussion, discourse and reading groups as long as they read and engage with the source material earnestly, think critically; reflect on the present, oppressive material conditions and believe a better future is possible. Because it’s true. Things could be better. Things should get better.
Here is an excerpt of one of our sessions, a conversation between taller ahuehuete's Antijuras, who is a cashier, and Carlos Arroyo, professor and guest speaker based in Mexico. The transcript is available in English and Mexican-Castilian ("4 essays by Yásnaya Aguilar, examined by Antijuras and Carlos Arroyo: «To think that it is possible, not necessarily to reconcile the dynamics "with the State or against the State", but even "without the State..."»).
We are currently developing our second program, although rather slowly, hoping to release it in the spring. It will be free and accessible to all education levels, and bilingual, just like the previous one.
We believe theory can be mobilizing, especially if we finally get rid of the mystique – that one must be born a genius, or involved in academia, and have a PhD in order to weigh in on issues that directly affect us.
Yes, the philosophers have interpreted the world in various ways. The point, however, is to change it. Blah, blah. Except – he was right.
If you want to join us behind the scenes, shoot us an email: taller-ahuehuete@riseup.net
It doesn’t matter if you have never done anything like this before. Until last year, we also hadn’t. We’re on the same boat. And refusing to sink.