Longing as Method: A Rant on Yearnings for Our World, Academia, and Utopian Futurities Beyond Liberalism(s)

Abstract

Together we found ourselves discussing current moments of racialized formations, pandemic practices, academic policing, equity projects (equity, diversity, and inclusion [EDI] initiatives), and our use, among it all. We were “formulating [our] critique of the ways that social justice movements have felt, and where [our] longing for something else was strongest.” This article, therefore, used longing as method for unearthing those embodied yearnings that arose within us against discontents, empty promises, and institutional lackings toward useful questionings, hope-full cravings, and progressive desires for more just futurities for our world(s), academies, and utopias beyond. In conversation with various radical thinkactors, this rant traces our longings as method for considering something otherwise. We begin with, and continually revisit, a question triggered by our readings of Ahmed: what is our use?