The Terror of the Unforeseen

by Henry A. Giroux, Julian Casablancas (Foreword)

In a searing takedown of the populist authoritarian vision of America, The Terror of the Unforeseen tackles the resurgence of fascism in the age of Donald Trump’s presidency. Through the mendacious exchange of facts for “fake news,” Henry A. Giroux examines the language of hatred that activates neoliberal fascism, complete with state-sanctioned racism, casino capitalism, and fear-mongering at federal and local levels. In this “age of disposability,” Trump’s rhetoric eschews reason and democratic principles in favor of impetuous politics rooted in bigotry, all to injuriously catastrophic effect. Through protests, strikes, and education, Giroux proposes an international social movement that joins together various modes of resistance to illuminate a democratic renewal, and proves himself once again as one of the great public intellectuals of our time.

Genres: Politics

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2019

About the author

American cultural critic. One of the founding theorists of critical pedagogy in the United States, he is best known for his pioneering work in public pedagogy, cultural studies, youth studies, higher education, media studies, and critical theory.

A high-school social studies teacher in Barrington, Rhode Island for six years, Giroux has held positions at Boston University, Miami University, and Penn State University. In 2005, Giroux began serving as the Global TV Network Chair in English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Giroux has published more than 35 books and 300 academic articles, and is published widely throughout education and cultural studies literature. Since arriving at McMaster, Giroux has been a featured faculty lecturer, and has published nine books, including his most recent work, The University in Chains: Confronting the Military-Industrial-Academic Complex.

Routledge named Giroux as one of the top fifty educational thinkers of the modern period in 2002.

Reviews

[Aran Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry Giroux joins the ranks of prominent liberal voices speaking out to provide a dire warning about the rise of fascism in our times. While he spends much of the book focusing on the particularly vile words and actions of the current administration, Giroux does not let former presidents, democrats as well as republicans, off the hook. At times repetitive, the book attempts to rouse readers out of complacency, ending the book with a look at ongoing strikes, protests, and walkouts, and a call to action. The speed with which events change and the immediacy of current crises have made many forget the struggles that were so imperative just a year ago, struggles that yet remain for so many today. Terror of the Unforseen shows us what we're up against and encourages us to continue to fight.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dry style and somewhat repetitive it does make its point quite well. Surprised by the fairly positive, rallying cry of the final chapters. We’re screwed. Neoliberal fascism is ascendant. Better read this book!

[Angela]

Henry Giroux, a popular name within politics, once again proves his credibility at one of the most crucial times in our current history. It as if the author’s plead for a call to action was predicted prior to the similar call to action we are seeing now. Giroux sorts through the facts in a sea of political propaganda enforced through the media and fake news. Explaining how an entire system advocates for fascism and allows authoritarianism in the name of a capitalistic society. The Terror of the Unforeseen exploits the dark side of America and perhaps lays out the foundation for how we can save it.

Rooted in logic, facts, and the natural chilling atmosphere this information bestows upon readers, this book addresses topics covering the media, African-American history, economic disparity, education, corrupt corporations, current political and non-political language, neoliberal fascism, Neo-Nazism, capitalism, and what lies ahead. The Terror of the Unforeseen is an essential read for anyone into politics, curious about America’s current state of affairs, or interested in any of the political topics previously stated. This is a great read that does not disappoint!