Bad Gays
Episode 3: Lawrence of Arabia
Apr 2, 2019
Lawrence of Arabia, a poet, archaeologist, sadomasochist, and agent of Arab self-determination and British colonial rule. The podcast explores his early years, ties to young Arab men, financial support, complex role in the British Empire, parallels with Sir Roger Casement, and his complex relationship with sexuality and identity.
40:32
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Quick takeaways
- T.E. Lawrence had a complex understanding of his involvement in British colonialism and the self-determination of Arab people against the Ottoman Empire.
- Lawrence's interest in antiquarianism and archaeology was linked to a queer sexuality present in those disciplines during the 19th century.
Deep dives
TE Lawrence's background and interest in anthropology and imperialism
T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, had a background in anthropology and imperialism. He was fascinated by the relationship between anthropology and imperialism, particularly in the context of male homosexuality in the modern period. Lawrence recognized the connections between homosexuality and the anthropological discipline, as well as the association between homosexuality and a modernist primitivism in anthropology, archaeology, and visual culture. His own academic research focused on this connection. Lawrence saw himself as involved in the self-determination of Arab people against the Ottoman Empire, which created a complex understanding of his involvement in British colonialism.
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