Kathy Acker "Algeria" (1984)

In this lecture, we'll look at postmodern/punk author Kathy Acker's tremendously moving and bizarre essay, "Algeria", first published in 1984. This essay skillfully blends two tales together: a sexually frustrated and existentially destitute Acker in New York, and an oppressed Algerian people struggling to free themselves from French colonial dominance during the Algerian Revolution. This text skilfully combines postmodern literature with philosophy and politics to exemplify a feeling of nihilism in the face of overwhelming suffering while simultaneously pushing us beyond the rationality of action/response and towards pure and simple empathy. Enjoy!
Music is Karlheinz Stockhausen's Klavierstuck XI: 1 by David Tudor • Klavierstück XI: 1
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/ @gavinyoung-philosophy

[@mutantfaith]

Kathy Acker was such a special mind

[@gavinyoung-philosophy]

Indeed she was. Authentically one of a kind.

[@camilrath5990]

Hey man, sorry to bother, do you know any good texts on the Algerian war? I am struggling to find any

[@gavinyoung-philosophy]

Not a bother at all! “A Savage War of Peace” by Alistair Horne is kinda the classic text I’ve seen recommended. I’ve yet to read it myself, but I’ve heard very good things about its breath and neutrality yet honesty (it still advocates for the Algerian people’s suffering without being a pro-FLN piece).