The intersection between erotic longings and political nostalgia is often overlooked in academic discourse but has been studied extensively in fields such as literary studies, gender studies, history, cultural studies, and philosophy. In this paper, I will explore how these concepts can be used to create mythologized pasts that are based on a romanticization of the past.
Erotic longings refer to the desire for sexual pleasure, physical intimacy, and emotional connection. Political nostalgia, on the other hand, involves a yearning for a return to an idealized version of the past that was thought to be more just, harmonious, or prosperous than the present. When these two desires intersect, they can lead to the creation of narratives about the past that exaggerate its virtues while minimizing or ignoring its shortcomings. These narratives can become powerful tools for shaping public opinion and influencing political action.
One example of this phenomenon is the way that white nationalists have appropriated historical figures like Robert E. Lee and Thomas Jefferson to justify their beliefs. By romanticizing the Confederacy and the founding fathers, they create a mythologized past that celebrates white supremacy and patriarchy. This mythology serves to justify contemporary attitudes and policies that deny the humanity and equality of marginalized groups. Similarly, the popularity of television shows like 'Mad Men' and 'Boardwalk Empire', which glamorize the 1960s and Prohibition-era America respectively, reflects a nostalgia for a time when men were seen as dominant and women were submissive.
In addition to creating mythologized pasts, erotic longings and political nostalgia can also contribute to the formation of toxic masculinity and misogyny.
Some men may feel threatened by feminism or gender equality because it challenges traditional gender roles and power dynamics. They may turn to pornography or online communities to explore their frustration and resentment, which can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce gendered hierarchies.
The intersection between erotic longings and political nostalgia plays an important role in the creation of mythologized pasts that are used to shape public opinion and inform policy. It is essential that we recognize how these concepts operate and intertwine to understand how history is interpreted and rewritten over time.
How do erotic longings intersect with political nostalgia in the creation of mythologized pasts?
Mythologizing is often used as an attempt to reconstruct one's collective identity and sense of belonging. The conceptualization of nostalgic pasts may also be understood as a form of self-identification and affirmation that serves for the regulation of present experience. On the other hand, erotic desires are intimately connected with human experience and the way we understand ourselves and others.