The Copy Generic

More about the book

Exploring the concept of the "generic," Scott MacLochlainn argues it serves as a vital social tool that shapes our understanding of the world. Rather than being dismissed as mere copies or knock-offs, generics provide essential frames of reference that help us navigate various contexts. Through ethnographic and historical examples from the Philippines, Europe, and the United States, the book highlights how generics influence city planning, social media, ethnonationalism, and religion, revealing their role in both the proliferation and scarcity of knowledge.