The Zulu Dimension

Abstract

Late modern revolutions have all related to the setting of time to zero: Japanization, the New Economy, the ICT Society, The Third Industrial Revolution, and The Velvet Revolution. It is argued that the patterns of zero times devalued the traditional organization of production. This article is based on the argument that the centrality of zero time in late modern cultures has crucial value and marks a divide between insiders who have the capability to rush through new technologies and outsiders. The game of chance serves as a structuring principle. Zero-making invokes a detour from the inscription of modern visions. The Zulu dimension is about the levelling out of rising curves, progress, and evolution. It is the dimension of taking it all over again in our times. It is a touch and go of events: the theatricality of culture making and the miracle of reset buttons.

Keywords

late modernity revolution movement zero-making progress car industry politics of desire loyalty visions out of sight

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Baudrillard, J. (1988). The ecstasy of communication. New York: Semiotext(e).

Bauman, Z. (1992). A sociological theory of postmodernity. In P. Beilharz , G. Robinson , & J. Rundell (Eds.), Between totalitarianism and postmodernity: A thesis eleven reader. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Lloyd, J. (1999, January 5). Cultural resolution. Financial Times.

Salaman, N. (1998). Transparency transposed. In N. Salaman & R. Simpson (Eds.), Postcards on photography (pp. 69-86). Cambridge, UK: Darkroom Gallery.