1: Performativity and Cultural Political Translation explores how "difficult language can change a tough world," in the words of Judith Butler. Reading Butler's works, it attempts to stage a dialogue among activism and philosophy, theory and practice, materiality and language. Without exactly de-constructing these dichotomies, each term is interwoven not only with its other, but also in the fabric of thinking and action. Refusing the dominant consumerist approach to knowledge, a performative writing calls for a performative reading. Weaving these themes through the works of Walter Benjamin, Audre Lorde and others the book dares (us) to think in translation. The number 1 in the title indicates an invitation and opening without conclusion.