John Patrick Leary

About the Author

John Patrick Leary is a sharp-eyed cultural critic and associate professor of English at Wayne State University, where he explores the intersections of language, power, and contemporary society. His work delves into how everyday words and phrases shape our understanding of capitalism, inequality, and urban life, offering incisive analyses that bridge academia and public discourse. Leary's debut book, Keywords: The New Language of Capitalism, published in 2019, dissects the rhetorical tools of modern neoliberalism, from 'disruption' to 'resilience,' revealing their ideological underpinnings. A frequent contributor to outlets like The New Republic and The Baffler, Leary's writing challenges readers to reconsider the hidden politics embedded in our lexicon, making complex ideas accessible and urgent.