On Friday, May 27th, Hard Crackers editor Jarrod Shanahan hosted author and Antifada host A.M. Gittlitz for a lively discussion of the latter’s book I Want To Believe (Pluto Press, 2020) at Pilsen Community Books in Chicago, as part of Gittlitz’s #READTHEGREENBOOK Tour. I Want To Believe is a poetic exploration of the life and legacy of the enigmatic Latin American revolutionary J. Posadis, who wove a distinctive approach to mid-century Trotskyism, involving the embrace of nuclear war, communication with dolphins, and a revolutionary praxis surround first contact with extraterrestrials.
Speaking to a standing-room crowd, the pair discussed Gittlitz’s research, the enduring legacy (and baggage) of twentieth century radicalism, and the state of revolutionary politics in 2022, two years after the book’s pre-Covid, pre-George Floyd publication. Along the way, they touched on themes of revolutionary ethics, meme culture, internet irony, vibe shifts, and why so many dedicated micro-sects turn into cringey cults.
Audio of this event is now available here.
Be sure to check out Gittlitz’s book, available from Pluto Press or wherever intergalactic Trotskyist tracts are sold.