Sarah Schulman, a versatile writer and activist, delves into her latest work on the dynamics of solidarity and activism. She emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements and historical perspectives in addressing issues from Palestinian rights to LGBTQ+ advocacy. Schulman discusses the complexities of solidarity, personal engagement, and the emotional toll of confronting extremism. Additionally, she highlights the role of art in activism, advocating for collaboration across diverse viewpoints to achieve meaningful social change.
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Personal Investigation Over Palestine Support
Sarah Schulman was investigated for supporting Palestinian students at CUNY.
Her Jewish identity likely protected her from wrongful accusations of anti-Semitism.
insights INSIGHT
Integrity Amid Political Repression
In hostile political climates, maintaining internal integrity is crucial for activists.
Accepting personal loss strengthens commitment amid repression and fear.
insights INSIGHT
Solidarity Needs Unity Over Consensus
Effective solidarity accepts difference but unites on a single major goal.
Movements fail when forcing consensus; big tent politics allow diverse participation.
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The novel is set in a small Georgia mill town during the 1930s and revolves around John Singer, a deaf man who becomes a confidant for several of the town's misfits, including Mick Kelly, a teenage girl with musical aspirations; Dr. Benedict Mady Copeland, the town's black doctor; Jake Blount, an alcoholic socialist; and Biff Brannon, the owner of the local café. The story delves into their struggles and the profound sense of moral isolation they experience, highlighting the themes of loneliness and the search for human connection. The novel is known for its sensitive portrayal of the inner lives of its characters and is considered a classic of the Southern Gothic tradition[1][4][5].
Conflict is not abuse
Sarah Schulman
In *Conflict Is Not Abuse*, Sarah Schulman examines how conflicts are often escalated into accusations of abuse, leading to injustice and exclusion. She argues that both traumatized individuals and those in positions of power may overstate harm to avoid accountability. Schulman advocates for community intervention and dialogue to resolve conflicts constructively.
The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity
Sarah Schulman
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.
Let the Record Show
Sarah Schulman
Eric Newman and Kate Wolf speak with Sarah Schulman about her latest book, "The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity." With a focus on practical politics, Schulman explores both how we imagine solidarity and what the work of solidarity requires. Rather than a horizontal movement, the book focuses on the ways achieving today's most pressing political goals—from Palestine's self-determination to immigration reform and protecting LBGTQ rights—requires working across various levels of individual privilege and power. With both historical and present day examples, Schulman presents a clear-eyed, long-term vision of a life in activism, laying out stumbling blocks and failures alongside meaningful progress, and the steps it takes to get there.
LA Review of Books 
