First, discuss how Marx is presenting an analysis of the economic relations of capitalism such that our property and work relations are viewed as counter our human dignity (and thus anti-enlightenment); so human “progress” requires for him a critical “political-economic” focus, which is more than critical thinking, a (protected) public space to voice our opinions, or law through representation.
Next, Discuss how both Mills and Held reveal that the notion of “the public” (as well as any progressive hopes here) is deeply impacted by social ideals that impact “who” is a participant in a public space or forum; discuss here too why not just more typical forms of politics (like voting or running for office), but social struggle (including protest), is often seen in politics then.
Last, discuss how Tommy Curry’s research is also advancing how dehumanization (or desensitization) can occur through presumptions (often deeply socially reinforced) about who or how we are vulnerable to sexual violence.
