"I am the opposite of progress” – A discussion about Bauman’s Liquid Modernity through the lens of Yellowstone

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to problematize how to use conservatism as counterforce to Liquid Modernity by answering two research questions. - What critique against liquid modernity can be identified in Yellowstone? - How does Yellowstone articulate conservatism as counterforce against monetary interests and profit. Theory: The theoretical framework consists of Liquid Modernity (Bauman, 2000), and how this can be applied on a study using fiction as main material. Method: The methodological framework is twofold, in which I combine sociology through literature and socio-poetics. Result: The text has come up with two major conclusions: The most common critique is to enhance aspects that function as opposites to central elements in liquid modernity. These oppositions are all parts of what I call conservatism as a way of thinking and to preserve the future. This perspective involves concepts of moral, tradition, virtues, contemplation and cultural elements from both the ranching culture and the indigenous one. Using conservatism is one strategy of pointing to the necessity of moving beyond fixed, woke ideas of white, male, stereotyped right-wing-driven ideologies of stale and outdated ideals. By enhancing duality, ambivalence and conflict, Yellowstone contributes with a broad, pioneering narrative of the importance for taking one step back to move forward. Time to enable contemplation is another essential tool for fighting profit and the transition from human to profitable object.