Love and Anger: Essays on AIDS, Activism, and Politics

Love and Anger: Essays on AIDS, Activism, and Politics

Haworth Press, 10 Alice St., Binghamton, NY 13904-1580. 194p., bibliog., index. ISBN 0-7890-0455-0, 1-56023-930-1pbk. $39.95, $16.95pbk.
Peter F. Cohen. 1998.

The New York chapter of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) celebrated its tenth anniversary. It can take pride in putting AIDS research up front, producing some of the most important advances and some of the most crucial improvements in the lives of people with AIDS. Cohen was active in ACT UP and provides in this book his observations on the subject of politics and political struggle, particularly as they relate to AIDS and ACT UP. In the first part, "AIDS, Gay Culture, and the Politics of Class," he looks at how AIDS has affected middle-class gay men as a class. In the second part, "Love and Politics," he focuses on the intersection of erotic love and activist politics. "If there is one central idea that unites my discussion of literature and activism in this book, it is that AIDS is a subject that binds Eros and politics--a highly politicized disease whose agent (HIV) is frequently transmitted through sex, and which has disproportionately affected a community (gays) organized around its sexuality."

This is truly a book about love and anger and how the two have shaped the activism and politics that surrounds AIDS. It is a must read book for anyone doing research on the literature of AIDS. Cohen is blunt and to the point, saying what he means, stressing the importance of activism. Alas, the days of highly visible ACT UP demonstrations are long gone. The question is, should we be sitting back and watching to see what will happen or should we be out there with ACT UP demonstrations? It is sad to see so many young people becoming infected with the virus because of inadequate education about AIDS. It is sad to see our political leaders give lip service to the need for more AIDS education and research, and then not adequately fund it. It is sad to see AIDS increasing in some areas of our communities and have the religious right and moral advocates turn their heads away from the problem. Maybe it is time to ACT UP in earnest! This is a highly recommended book for all public and academic libraries.

Keywords: Political Aspects; ACT UP
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