Overview
Becoming Nothing is an exploration of the concept of negative freedom and the working class.
Originating from German idealism, negative freedom the ability to say no to everything outside of one’s self. This can take the form of withdrawing from capitalist society, but can also include addiction, self-harm and crime. Although often self-destructive, even at times resulting in death, these forms of negative freedom can also provide a temporary escape from capitalist reality.
Analysing the work of working-class writers, musicians and film-makers — including the Fall, Jean Genet, Marguerite Duras, Don DeLillo, Lynne Ramsay and David Wojnarowicz — Becoming Nothing shows how these artists' engagement with negative freedom can provide the working-class subject with a means of cleaving themselves from a society they don’t feel at home in, while at the same time creating an alternative space, a home, within which to survive, and perhaps even dream.
This book title, Becoming Nothing (The Death Drive and the Working Class), ISBN: 9781914420429, by Cynthia Cruz, published by Watkins Media (June 9, 2026) is available in paperback. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer Becoming Nothing (The Death Drive and the Working Class) books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order Becoming Nothing (The Death Drive and the Working Class) books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!