Themes Pop Cultures Global Pop Cultures Research Network Self-Imaging: Identity, Disruption, Transformation. An online lecture series on Global Pop Cultures. Writing the Self

This section explores the relation between written text and identity formation, identity expression, identity debates in present and past pop(ular) cultures. While it has been argued that the global networked societies (“Turing Galaxis”) lead to end of book culture (“Gutenberg Galaxis”), more text is written and circulated than ever before, from the source codes that increasingly shape our interactions in physical space as well to new forms of “Confessional Writing” on social media. What forms of presenting oneself in contemporary digital media cultures are topical and which historical currents flow into the allegedly “new”? Among others, our contributors explore the challenges and potentials of decoupling online and offline self when writing under pseudonyms on the internet, and how ideas of identity as conceived in postmodern theory have shaped contemporary political debates.

10.12.2020 Online Lectures

• Self-portrait by other (Autoportrait par autrui) | by Mohomodou Houssouba
• How to Disappear Completely – A Practical Guide | by David Ritter
• Interview with Ayishat Akanbi | by Raphael Smarzoch

17.12.2020 Online Lectures

• Pop in the Roaring 1920s. Zelda Fitzgerald, Irmgard Keun, Klaus and Erika Mann | by Maren Lickhardt
• Writing the self of Uwe Nettelbeck | by Philipp Goll