Dream: Re-imagining Progressive Politics in an Age of Fantasy (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Arguing that "fantasy and spectacle have become the property of fascism," theorist, performer and activist Duncombe asserts that progressives should "build a politic that embraces the dreams of people and fashion spectacles that give those dreams form." His persuasive and pyrotechnic display of radical political thinking draws on a quirky mix of models—celebrity culture, the video game Grand Theft Auto and Umberto Eco's idea of opera aperta or free interpretation of art—to delineate how progressives can convey their message to a larger audience. What makes this polemic both inventive and exciting is its author's love of high and popular culture, which allows for deft juxtapositions of cultural icons like Bette Davis, Charles Baudelaire, Dungeons and Dragons and Tony Soprano. While many of his arguments have a flashy aura, Duncombe (The Bobbed-Haired Bandit) also makes incisive observations, such as that Cindy Sheehan and Rosa Parks had significant political experience before they entered the public eye or that politics rests as much on the imagination as reality. Noting that much current progressive writing retools old modes of thought, he persuasively and entertainingly argues that "if we really want to change reality, then we have to try and do something different." (Jan. 8)
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Review

His appeal to the Left to think outside the box is a refreshing voice. -- Tikkun, Rabbi Michael Lerner

Makes the case that spectacle can be an ethical and sophisticated means of appealing to, even seducing, the American public. -- Village Voice, Emily Weinstein

One of those indispensable...books that progressives who are interested in strategies to achieve political power and goals must read. -- BuzzFlash

Reminds us of the passion and creativity of a left political tradition worth reclaiming. -- The Nation blog, Katrina vanden Huevel

This is not a wake-up call—what Duncombe asks of progressives is to dream better. -- Slate, Joshua Glenn

We should thank [Duncombe]: the progressive movement needs a lot more creative thinking if we're to win over the country. -- Huffington Post, Chuck Klosterman

[Duncombe] offers a re-imagined brand of progressivism, suggesting that his readers play politics a bit more like a video game. -- Boldtype, Justin Kazmark

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: New Press (January 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595580492
• ISBN-13: 978-1595580498
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #63,193 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dream on: You must read this book., January 2, 2007

By	Keith Miller (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While there is a lot of rumbling on the political left (or anyone who is not fanatically right) solutions are rarely put forward. The less than inspiring way that the Democrats triumphed this November (by default) makes this clear. Duncombe's book is one of the first books that takes as its model the possibility that joy and dreams can be fundamental in not only creating the models for solutions but more importantly making them a reality.

Written in an easy flowing yet provocative manner, "Dream" is a refreshing take on the current political dilemna for those who still believe in the antiquated ideas of Social justice, the environment, equality, fraternity, etc. The best part of the book is that it does so without harping endlessly on the faliures of the Bush administration. Instead, it proposes that dreaming has been the source of real political action and transformation from Ghandi to Dr. King and should be the source of our current political action. It is inspiring and should be read by anyone who is both interested in politics and has a heart and a dream.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Are you tired of boring Democrats?, December 16, 2007

By	Thomas A. Limoncelli "Author, developer, sysa... (NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While everyone else bemoans that liberals have "no new ideas", Duncombe reminds us of how things used to be when progressives inspired us with the dream of a better world, how we lost that ability to dream, and how to get it back.

If you are tired of reading books about the problems with the Democrats and want to read a book that is full of solutions, get this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important book--and an excellent read!, March 11, 2007

By	Lawrence M. Bogad "Larry Bogad" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Not only is this book a must-read for anyone who agrees that progressives need to get creative in order to be effective--but aren't sure HOW...it's also really well written, a delight to read. Duncombe draws on a lifetime of inventive activism to write this tough-minded text. He challenges his readers to fight the underhanded tactics of the far Right, not with immobilizing "purity of means," nor with hackneyed rhetoric, but with an ethical spectacle that inspires hopeful action and addresses people's actual desires and fears. As a progressive who thinks about politics as performance, and tries to put these kind of creative ideas into practice, I found Duncombe's book invaluable.
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