For Episode 5 of BLACK MIRROR REFLECTIONS, I am joined by Dr. Michael Norton to talk about one of the most widely-beloved Black Mirror episodes, “San Junipero.” It premiered in 2016, the fourth episode of Season Three, and made a million tech-savvy queers *swoon.*
Not trying to be the party-pooper podcast hostess here, but SJ is one of my least favorites. Sad trombone. Nevertheless, I’m super excited to talk about why everybody else likes it with my special guest for BMR episode 5!
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Dr. Michael Norton is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Arkansas – Little Rock. He received a PhD in Philosophy from Villanova University in 2011, and a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School in 2003. He specializes in philosophy of religion and contemporary Continental philosophy – particularly phenomenology and deconstruction.
Michael’s research draws on deconstruction and recent materialist perspectives with the goal of constructing a philosophical understanding of religious traditions through concrete practices, with an emphasis on pluralism. His work currently in progress aims to draw a new understanding of religious life and thought in the context of contemporary ecological crises.
In addition to being fellow ‘Nova alums, Michael and I share a super-nerdy kind of love for music. Although our musical tastes don’t overlap much, our obsessions for what we love is a bond between us. So, this isn’t included in Michael’s “official” academic bio, but you should also know that he’s the bassist for local Little Rock band Thisness. (That. Band. Name. ROCKS. And I don’t mean “little” rock, either!)
Check ’em out on Bandcamp here!
Anyway, I guessed that Michael might be the absolute PERFECT person to talk about the afterlife with, and he did not disappoint. Check out our whole “San Junipero” conversation here:
Here at BLACK MIRROR REFLECTIONS, we assume that everyone is already committed to read more, write more, think more, and be more… so here’s a helpful list of links to thinkers, technologies, books, and articles referenced in this episode:
