E296: Conflicted Solidarity w/ Sarah Schulman

The Cosmopolitans, set in 1958 New York City, explores the lives of ordinary people in a pre-gentrified urban landscape. Schulman depicts a working-class city where neighborhoods are distinctly different and defined by their unique cultural identities. The story revolves around a secretary and a meatpacking district worker, capturing their daily struggles and dreams. The novel delves into themes of identity, community, and the changing face of the city. With its vivid descriptions and nuanced characters, the book paints a nostalgic portrait of a bygone era. It offers a poignant reflection on the impact of gentrification on the lives of ordinary people.

The Child is a provocative novel that explores a sexual relationship between a 16-year-old and a 40-year-old, both males. Schulman delves into the complexities and taboos surrounding this controversial relationship, challenging societal norms and expectations. The novel examines themes of power, consent, and desire, while also providing a nuanced portrayal of the characters involved. Schulman explores how the AIDS crisis and subsequent priest sex scandals impacted perceptions of male sexuality. By confronting uncomfortable truths and challenging conventional narratives, the novel invites readers to question their own assumptions about love, intimacy, and morality.

The novel follows Maggie Terry, a former police officer and recovering addict in New York City. She navigates a world of crime and corruption while grappling with her own personal demons. Maggie's struggles with sobriety and her complex relationships add layers of depth to the story. The book explores themes of redemption, identity, and the search for justice in a morally ambiguous world. Set against the backdrop of a gritty urban landscape, the novel paints a vivid picture of the city's underbelly. It offers a compelling narrative that challenges traditional notions of heroism and explores the complexities of human nature.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail" is a powerful and influential letter written in response to criticism of the civil rights movement. King eloquently defends the strategy of nonviolent resistance and addresses concerns about the methods used to achieve racial equality. The letter is a masterpiece of rhetoric and persuasion, articulating the moral urgency of the struggle for civil rights. King's powerful words and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire activists and readers worldwide. The "Letter from Birmingham Jail" remains a cornerstone of the civil rights movement and a testament to the power of nonviolent resistance.

Theodor Herzl's "The Jewish State" is a seminal political text outlining the concept of establishing a Jewish state in Palestine. Published in 1896, it served as a foundational document for the Zionist movement, advocating for a Jewish homeland to address antisemitism and provide a safe haven for the Jewish people. The book's proposals sparked intense debate and laid the groundwork for the complex political realities that would unfold in the 20th century. Herzl's vision, while influential, also faced criticism for its potential impact on the existing Palestinian population. The book's enduring legacy lies in its role as a catalyst for the creation of the State of Israel.

In *The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity*, Sarah Schulman delves into the intricate and often misunderstood concept of solidarity. She presents case studies from various movements, including AIDS activism in 1990s New York City and campus protests against Israel’s war on Gaza, to challenge traditional notions of solidarity and offer a hopeful vision for the future. Schulman argues that true solidarity requires collaboration among diverse groups and acknowledges the complexities and costs involved.