Performing Interdependence: Judith Butler and Sunaura Taylor in the Examined Life

• DOI: 10.7916/cjgl.v21i2.2635
• Publication Date: 2011-10-01
• Authors: Kathryn Abrams
• Keywords: Theme (computing)

When I was invited to participate in this symposium, planned talk about Judith Butler's 1994 essay Against Proper Objects. (1) This has always been one of my favorite examples Judith's work: love its transgression a boundary between feminism and queer theory that only beginning take shape at the time publication; excavation voices dissident feminists were otherwise often submerged by what then wave support for dominance approach; invitation renew or reconfigure conversation had already become difficult, but could potentially bear unexpected kinds fruit. (2) Objects helped small determined group legal see new directions our thinking, possibilities collaboration coalition times when most exciting work on sexuality gender seemed be happening far from usual domains feminist jurisprudence. But funny thing happened way writing essay. As poking around bookstore, came across book version (3) The Examined Life, documentary film (4) Astra Taylor is comprised interviews with eight philosophers central ideas themes animate their work. One these features Butler, it organized idea interdependence. (5) found riveting: It great deal say (directly) body (indirectly) law--both topics panel which participate. went out rented film: even better. So comments--perhaps appropriately, originally presented two days before Oscars--will focus debut as star silver screen. description requires qualifications. First, will bearings not simply text larger conversation, though consider given distinctive form life through vehicle film. Second, defining aspect decision Butler makes her particular section. other seven respond questions Taylor, director, who remains mostly off camera. (6) They are, effect, occupying entire screen segments. chooses share frame. She situates herself interlocutor, rather than primary subject, segment foregrounds disability activist--Sunaura sister director--whose might first seem orthogonal own. (7) them walk Mission district San Francisco, disability, gender, human permeability solidarity. (8) they walk, Sunny both discuss perform several interdependence: interpersonal interdependence, theoretical interdependence theory, resistance reform. argue enactments three ways respect law. challenge range conventional assumptions body: detail assumptions, are interrogated Part I. performance points toward new, least less familiar, deploying law, up II. Finally, Sunny's enactment may help those mainstream understand value takes place outside scope explore final point III. Reconceptualizing Bodies signal contributions pose orienting question bodies: can do? (9) In formulating question, she references an Deleuze Spinoza, (10) likes because capabilities essences ideals. …