This post is the first relating to a new page on our website entitled ‘members reviews’.
Camden UNISON members are invited to submit reviews to the editors of this v/blog at unison@camden.gov.uk relating to any movie, documentary, tv show and musical release of relevance to history of the workers movement, connected union activities and politics.
The editors have the right to censor any submission likely to render this site liable for prosecution under current publishing or copyright legislation.
This site does not advocates, subscribes or promotes any content reviewed but simply describes items of interest to Camden UNISON members for further discussion or research.
Books:
Nicholas De Genova
The Borders of “Europe”:
Autonomy of Migration, Tactics of Bordering
(Duke University Press, 2017)
Nicholas De Genova is a Professor in the Department of Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Houston. His research centers primarily on migration, borders, citizenship, and race.
The Borders of Europe puts migration and borders at the center of debates on race and the colonial-like relations that scar the contemporary world. It casts a critically look on the political and cultural artificiality of national borders as well as on the challenge posed to them by the evasive autonomy of migration. The book does provides convenient answers to the challenging questions of the time; instead, it demonstrates how ‘fractured’‘Europe’ and ‘European- ness’ are.
The book constitutes an excellent introduction to De Genova other publications some of which are freely available on the net.
Movie
The trial of the Chicago 7
The movie is a classic of the ‘Vietnam years’ genre.
Since the beginning of the trial in 1969, the defendants and their attorneys have been depicted in a variety of art forms, including film, music, and theater.
The historical background must include both assassinations of Martin Luther King jnr and Robert Kennedy in early 1968.
The 1968 Democratic National Convention protests were a series of protests against the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War that took place prior to and during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.A variety of groups convened in Chicago to protest during the convention week, including the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (the Mobe) and the Yippies. The Black Panther Party.
In August 1968, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, David Dellinger, Lee Weiner, John Froines, and Bobby Seale make preparations to protest at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Five months later, they are arrested and charged with “crossing state lines” to incite a riot.
The film covers the notorious trial (all of the defendants were charged with and acquitted of conspiracy; Davis, Dellinger, Hayden, Hoffman, and Rubin were charged with and convicted of crossing state lines with intent to incite a riot; Froines and Weiner were charged with teaching demonstrators how to construct incendiary devices and acquitted of those charges. All of the convictions were later reversed on appeal, and the government declined to retry the case. While the jury deliberated, Judge Julius Hoffman convicted the defendants and their attorneys of contempt of court and sentenced them to jail sentences ranging from less than three months to more than four years. The contempt convictions were also appealed, and some were retried before a different judge).
In addition, the movie provides an insight and a flavor of the reactionary political atmosphere of the time with interesting reverberations on current times.
Review of Netflix Series “Mo”
“Mo” is a heartfelt and humorous Netflix series that offers a fresh and authentic perspective on the immigrant experience, wrapped in a deeply personal narrative. Created by and starring Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer, the show is a semi-autobiographical exploration of identity, family, and resilience, set against the backdrop of Houston, Texas.
The series follows Mo Najjar, a Palestinian refugee living in the U.S. while navigating the complexities of his undocumented status. Mo’s life is a balancing act—juggling odd jobs, hustling to make ends meet, and dealing with the emotional weight of his family’s displacement. Despite the heavy subject matter, the show is infused with humour and warmth, making it both relatable and entertaining.
“Mo” shines in its ability to blend humour with poignant moments, offering a nuanced portrayal of the immigrant experience. The show doesn’t shy away from addressing serious issues like cultural identity, displacement, and the challenges of the U.S. immigration system, but it does so with a light touch that keeps the story engaging.
The show is a celebration of Palestinian culture, from the food to the language to the family dynamics. It provides a rare and much-needed representation of Middle Eastern voices in mainstream media, breaking stereotypes and offering a more nuanced view of the community.
Judas and the Black Messiah
“Judas and the Black Messiah,” is a powerful historical drama that delves into the life and tragic death of Fred Hampton, the charismatic leader of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. The film tackles several critical themes such as betrayal, identity, and systemic oppression.
The moral complexities of O’Neal’s betrayal, raising questions about loyalty to community versus self-preservation, are explored. The FBI’s efforts to dismantle the Black Panther Party, illustrating the lengths to which the government would go to suppress movements advocating for racial justice, are revealed. The film also emphasizes Hampton’s vision for a united front among marginalized communities, which resonates with contemporary movements for social justice.
“Judas and the Black Messiah” is a poignant and timely film that not only recounts a significant chapter in American history but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice. It invites reflection on the sacrifices made in the fight for equality and the complexities of human relationships within that struggle.
The Age of Capitalist Surveillance
Shoshana Zuboff’s ‘The Age of Capitalist Surveillance’ is a ground-breaking and incisive exploration of the modern era of digital capitalism, where surveillance has become the cornerstone of economic and social power. Building on her earlier work, Zuboff delves deeper into the mechanisms and consequences of a system that commodifies human behaviour, transforming personal data into a lucrative resource for corporations. This book is both a warning and a call to action, urging readers to confront the profound implications of living in a world dominated by surveillance capitalism.
Zuboff meticulously dissects the rise of surveillance capitalism, tracing its origins to the convergence of technological advancements, corporate greed, and regulatory failures. She provides a clear and compelling framework for understanding how companies like Google and Facebook have pioneered business models that exploit personal data for profit.
The book is rich with theoretical insights, drawing on economics, sociology, and political theory to explain how surveillance capitalism operates. Zuboff introduces concepts like “behavioural surplus” and “instrumentarian power” to describe the ways in which human experiences are mined, predicted, and manipulated for economic gain.
Zuboff supports her arguments with extensive real-world examples, from targeted advertising to the manipulation of democratic processes. These case studies make the abstract concepts tangible and highlight the pervasive reach of surveillance capitalism in everyday life.
Beyond the economic and technological analysis, Zuboff offers a powerful ethical critique of surveillance capitalism. She argues that it undermines individual autonomy, erodes democracy, and threatens the very foundations of a free society. Her moral urgency is palpable and compelling.
Despite the complexity of the subject matter, Zuboff’s writing is clear and engaging. She avoids jargon and makes her arguments accessible to a broad audience, from academics to general readers.
The Age of Capitalist Surveillance is a vital and timely contribution to the discourse on technology, power, and society. Shoshana Zuboff’s incisive analysis and moral clarity make this book essential reading for anyone concerned about the future of privacy, democracy, and human dignity in the digital age. It is a sobering reminder of the stakes involved and a call to reclaim our collective agency in the face of unprecedented corporate power.