This essay focuses on the overwhelming influence of global capitalism, in which the eruption of the Zi^ekian Real serves as the disruptive subversion. This essay suggests that the reading of ZiZek＇s and Derridean eth...This essay focuses on the overwhelming influence of global capitalism, in which the eruption of the Zi^ekian Real serves as the disruptive subversion. This essay suggests that the reading of ZiZek＇s and Derridean ethical notions not only shed light on the present global disappointment, but unfold a complementary critical facet in our democratic society. In order to explore the complexity and contradiction of capitalism in Transmission, my reading locates the working of global capitalism as a psychoanalytical mode of drive and desire. These two modes become two elementary motivations forming one＇s dream of being wealthy and the nightmare of being abandoned in Haft Kunzru＇s Transmission. In the novel, the Indian computer engineer, Arjun Mehta, desires to save his job by creating a computer virus, which, I aver, turns out to trigger the eruption of the ZiZekian Real, dissolving the exclusive domain of global capitalism. Both Arjun and the CEO of Tomorrow, Guy Swift turn out to be the victims of global capitalism, even though the former believes in American dream and the later believes in the power of the future. It is the traumatic experience that shatters Guy＇s dream of global capitalism and triggers his absolute responsibility to the other. It also shatters Arjun＇s strong faith in global capitalism. I argue that it is imperative for readers to review the devouring drive of global capitalism to eschew the devastating consequence, by the reflecting ethically on global capitalism. Both ZiZek and Derrida＇s ethical reflection may offer us a way out of the dilemma of global capitalism.展开更多
文摘This essay focuses on the overwhelming influence of global capitalism, in which the eruption of the Zi^ekian Real serves as the disruptive subversion. This essay suggests that the reading of ZiZek＇s and Derridean ethical notions not only shed light on the present global disappointment, but unfold a complementary critical facet in our democratic society. In order to explore the complexity and contradiction of capitalism in Transmission, my reading locates the working of global capitalism as a psychoanalytical mode of drive and desire. These two modes become two elementary motivations forming one＇s dream of being wealthy and the nightmare of being abandoned in Haft Kunzru＇s Transmission. In the novel, the Indian computer engineer, Arjun Mehta, desires to save his job by creating a computer virus, which, I aver, turns out to trigger the eruption of the ZiZekian Real, dissolving the exclusive domain of global capitalism. Both Arjun and the CEO of Tomorrow, Guy Swift turn out to be the victims of global capitalism, even though the former believes in American dream and the later believes in the power of the future. It is the traumatic experience that shatters Guy＇s dream of global capitalism and triggers his absolute responsibility to the other. It also shatters Arjun＇s strong faith in global capitalism. I argue that it is imperative for readers to review the devouring drive of global capitalism to eschew the devastating consequence, by the reflecting ethically on global capitalism. Both ZiZek and Derrida＇s ethical reflection may offer us a way out of the dilemma of global capitalism.
