These notes on violence and sex or gender were prompted by watching the HBO series The Leftovers.1 In making them available, I can already think of counterarguments and counterexamples, both historical and contemporary, to the assertions made here. I present them, however, without further qualification—and not because I would have them be excused as merely the statement of a personal view. Rather, I believe it is only in making a claim to truth, however partial, that is generated that pressure from which contestations and refinements can emerge. Untruth serves truth more faithfully than a craven, or merely personalistic, refusal to make a claim. Our caprices must be absolute—or not at all.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to ashes and sparks to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.