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Enchanted Capitalism and Queer Rituals: A Conversation with Peter A. Jackson
15 July, 2023 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
The event will feature a discussion based on the two books “Capitalism Magic Thailand: Modernity with Enchantment“ and “Deities and Divas: Queer Ritual Specialists in Myanmar, Thailand and Beyond“. Peter A. Jackson, the author and editor of the respective books, will lead the discussion taking place on 15 July 2023 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at SEA Junction. Following the discussion, there will be an engaging Q&A session for audiences to further explore the issues.
In “Capitalism Magic Thailand,” Jackson explores the emergence of new cults of wealth, ritually empowered amulets, and professional spirit mediumship in Thailand’s religious landscape. The book uncovers the paradoxical coexistence of magical rituals alongside religious fundamentalism, presenting an argument that modernity can produce new forms of enchantment. Through an analysis of Thai society, the book reveals how cults of wealth, amulets, and spirit mediumship have merged, sacralizing the market and wealth production.
“Deities and Divas” takes us on a journey through queer cultures and professional spirit mediumship in Southeast Asia. The book presents ethnographic accounts of queer individuals who engage in religious rituals as mediums for deities and spirits. These narratives highlight the complex interplay between capitalism, new media, and the formation of modern gay, trans, and spirit medium communities. By transcending the conventional dichotomy of religion versus secularism, the book provides new perspectives in transnational cultural, religious and queer studies.
These two closely related books offer two sides of the same phenomenon. While “Capitalism Magic Thailand” explores the transformation of spirit possession rituals into cults of wealth, “Deities and Divas” delves into the rise of queer spirit mediums within these very same cults. Together, these books provide a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between capitalism, enchantment, religious practices, and queer identities, presenting a nuanced perspective on this phenomenon.
For more information/reservation, please email: info@seajunction.org or contact us on social media channels. Events are free, but donation most welcome!
Speaker’s Profile
Peter A. Jackson is Emeritus Professor in Thai cultural history at the Australian National University. Over the past four decades, he has written extensively on religion, gender and sexuality in modern Thailand as well as critical approaches to Asian area studies. His ongoing research includes studying media and masculinity in Thai gay cultures and religion and ritual in Thai communities affected by HIV.
Organizer
SEA Junction, established under the Thai non-profit organization Foundation for Southeast Asia Studies (ForSEA), aims to foster understanding and appreciation of Southeast Asia in all its socio-cultural dimensions, from arts and lifestyles to economy and development. Conveniently located at Room 407-8 of the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center or BACC (across MBK, BTS National Stadium), SEA Junction facilitates public access to knowledge resources and exchanges among students, practitioners and Southeast Asia lovers. For more information, see www.seajunction.org, join the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/1693058870976440/ and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @seajunction.
