AAP 2026 CONFERENCE

In recent years, global demonstrations and social movements such as Black Lives Matter have mobilized diverse people to contest systemic discrimination, inequality, and genocide. Judith Butler has analyzed these modes of resistance and posits that performative resistance takes effect in assemblies formed when multiple individuals convene in public spaces, such as squares and streets. In other words, when individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, there are performative oppositions to the status quo of discrimination and inequality. This paper will analyse the performative effects of the assembly Butler discusses, focusing on the ‘right to appear’. The ‘right to appear’, variously described by Butler, may be seen as the right to appear in the public/political space and in relation to others. Butler's concept of the right to appear can be understood as combining two perspectives. First, it draws upon Arendt's analysis of the public sphere. Second, it is informed by Arendt's concept of 'the right to have rights'. Butler speaks of a mixture of these two perspectives, referring to Arendt but partly disagreeing with her. This paper aims to highlight the features of the right to appear by comparing Arendt's argument with Butler's analysis.