The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity with Sarah Schulman
May 2, 2025
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Sarah Schulman, a renowned novelist and AIDS historian, dives deep into the intricacies of solidarity in this fascinating conversation. She challenges the misconceptions surrounding activism and emphasizes the importance of genuine connections in social justice movements. Drawing on personal narratives, Schulman reflects on her identity shaped by a Holocaust family and her relationship with Palestine. The discussion also explores how constructive conflict can foster understanding, highlighting the power of collective action in bridging communities and advocating for marginalized voices.
Sarah Schulman's insights highlight that true solidarity is built over time through relationships and accepting imperfections, rather than seeking heroism.
The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of arts and activism in fostering community support, healing, and social change in today's socio-political landscape.
Historical anecdotes shared by Schulman illustrate the diverse and creative expressions of solidarity, challenging conventional approaches to resistance and activism.
Deep dives
Welcome and Introductions
The episode features a conversation between two co-hosts, Autumn Brown and Adrienne Marie Brown, who introduce themselves and their backgrounds, including their artistic and activist identities. They express excitement about hosting Sarah Schulman, a prominent figure in literature and activism, and discuss the dual themes of solidarity and resistance in the current socio-political landscape. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support and the role of arts and activism in facilitating healing and social change. Additionally, they mention their listener-supported format, inviting audience participation through Patreon to further engage with their content.
Understanding Solidarity
Sarah Schulman introduces her new book, 'The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity,' discussing how solidarity functions as a foundation for social movements. She highlights that true solidarity is not just about quick fixes or heroic efforts; instead, it is about building relationships over time, accepting imperfections, and understanding the complexities inherent in social justice work. Schulman emphasizes that solidarity requires an infrastructure developed through long-term commitment and patience, which supports movements when people need it most. By recounting her experiences, Schulman illustrates how solidarity can manifest in diverse ways, including the importance of participation over perfection.
The Role of Personal Transformation
The conversation touches on the journey of personal transformation as a critical component of engaging with solidarity. Schulman shares her own story, recounting how her upbringing shaped her understanding of identity and politics, particularly regarding the Palestinian struggle. This reflection invites listeners to examine their own self-concept as they navigate their roles within broader social movements. The hosts underscore that confronting one's biases and personal history is crucial for fostering meaningful relationships within solidarity work.
Lessons from History
Schulman shares powerful anecdotes from her activist past to highlight effective forms of solidarity and the multitude of responses to oppression. She recalls historical instances, such as a unique demonstration involving a woman from the Black Panther Party, which showcases the creative and strategic potential of solidarity efforts. This highlights that effective actions don't always conform to traditional expectations but can leverage ingenuity and performative elements to create awareness. By presenting lesser-known examples of resistance, Schulman demonstrates that there are various pathways to fostering solidarity that are not always documented in mainstream narratives.
The Complexity of Conflict
The discussion acknowledges the inherent complexities of navigating conflict within solidarity and resistance efforts. Schulman discusses how misunderstandings of intent and accountability can arise among those engaged in movements, especially concerning differing perspectives on domination and oppression. The hosts emphasize that recognizing the layers of identity and trauma among individuals can influence their participation in solidarity work. Ultimately, they advocate for a compassionate understanding of one another's experiences, calling for a relationship that accepts conflict as a natural part of collaboration and growth.
Today's conversation is long-overdue. The sisters have been circling, admiring and inspired by Sarah Schulman for many years. Finally, they convene to discuss the particularities of solidarity, how heroism and perfectionism can hinder participation in solidarity and how historical perspectives on solidarity reveal its multifaceted nature. Schulman's new book is The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity.
She teaches Creative Writing (Nonfiction and Fiction) with an emphasis on manuscript development at Northwestern University. She is a novelist, playwright, screenwriter, nonfiction writer and AIDS historian.
