Eroticism is often considered an unruly and disruptive force, a source of social instability and political conflict. It can be perceived as a dangerous contagion that challenges cultural norms and moral values, threatening the established order of society. This perception has been expressed throughout history, from ancient Greece to modern America.
It is important to understand why this fear exists, and how it manifests itself politically.
In Greek mythology, Eros was both a god and a primordial force, capable of causing great harm if left unchecked. The story of Narcissus illustrates this danger: Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, becoming obsessed with his physical appearance and losing all sense of reality. In politics, this obsession could result in the objectification of individuals and the reduction of human relationships to mere sexual encounters.
In modern America, the fear of erotic desire is evident in laws and policies designed to control or suppress its expression.
The FBI's COINTELPRO program targeted activist groups such as the Black Panthers by spreading rumors about their leaders engaging in orgies and homosexuality. These tactics were intended to damage their reputation and undermine their authority.
In China, the government has implemented strict regulations regarding online dating apps and pornography, which are seen as threats to traditional family structures and gender roles. These restrictions limit individual freedom and create a culture of silence around intimacy.
The fear of erotic desire can also lead to violence and oppression, as we see in cases like that of Harvey Milk and Matthew Shepard. Both men were openly gay and challenged social norms through their political activism, ultimately meeting violent ends at the hands of those who feared them. Their stories demonstrate the potential consequences of nonconformity and the need for greater acceptance and understanding.
The fear of erotic desire reflects a broader anxiety over differences and uncertainties in society. As long as people continue to be afraid of what they do not understand, it will remain an ongoing challenge for political leaders and policymakers to address. By recognizing this fear and working towards inclusivity and tolerance, we can begin to overcome these obstacles and create a more just and equitable world.
What happens when erotic desire becomes a political threat due to its nonconformity?
When erotic desire becomes a political threat due to its nonconformity, it can lead to marginalization, discrimination, stigmatization, and social exclusion of individuals who do not fit into socially acceptable norms of sexual orientation and behavior.