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Thanks for a great talk, Kate! I found the discussion about your journey and studies - as well as how they feed into your novel writing now - fascinating.

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Thanks so much for sharing this talk Kate. It was really interesting to hear how your relationship with critical theory has developed. I completely agree that the political discussions in Florida around critical race theory are actually about reducing/removing the tools for change. You have to ask what the powers calling for its suppression are so worried about? What critical theory like that gives students is knowledge that challenges the ways in which power currently circulates. And that's threatening for those who have the upper hand. I liken it to Section 28 law in the UK, introduced in the 1980s by the Thatcher government, which restricted discussions about homosexuality in schools.

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Thank you for listening and for your comments, Victoria. If only we could learn from history! I didn't know about the specific UK law, thanks for that. In fact, I guess many have learned from history and the idea of theory being 'hot' makes me excited for the future of education. I have faith we'll get there and somehow I think the push will come from 'kids' (students at least). In HK, anything 'postcolonial' or in discussion of a HK identity is also off the table. Again, I find it interesting that it conveys the power that formations of cultural identity actually have.

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May 5Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

I cannot get enough of these lectures/talks on critical theory and literature!!! I still go back and (re)listen to the podcast series during the work day or on the train between the Berkshires and Brooklyn. Thanks again DKW!

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What a commute! That sounds great (if a bit long).

Thanks so much! I'm so happy they're interesting for you. :)

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