Let the Record Show (Schulman book)

Let the Record Show (Schulman book)

Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993 is a comprehensive historical account of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), a grassroots political group aiming to bring about legislation, medical research, and treatment to fight the AIDS pandemic. Authored by Sarah Schulman, a distinguished professor of the humanities at the College of Staten Island and a fellow at the New York Institute for the Humanities at New York University, the book provides an in-depth look at the activism and impact of ACT UP New York from its inception in 1987 until 1993.

Summary

Let the Record Show draws upon a vast array of interviews, archival research, and the author's personal experiences to chronicle the strategies, conflicts, successes, and failures of ACT UP New York. Schulman details the group's innovative tactics in advocacy, including the use of direct action, media engagement, and the mobilization of communities affected by AIDS. The book highlights key moments and campaigns in ACT UP's history, such as the Silence = Death campaign, the demonstration at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Stop the Church protest. Through these narratives, Schulman showcases the diversity of the activists involved, including members from the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and allies from various backgrounds.

Themes

The book explores several major themes, including the power of grassroots activism, the role of community in political and social change, and the intersectionality of the AIDS crisis. Schulman emphasizes the importance of collective action in confronting systemic neglect and discrimination, particularly by government and pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, Let the Record Show examines the internal dynamics within ACT UP, including debates over strategy and the challenges of maintaining unity among a diverse coalition of activists.

Reception

Let the Record Show has been praised for its thorough research, compelling narrative, and its contribution to the historiography of the AIDS crisis and LGBTQ+ activism. Critics have lauded Schulman's ability to weave together personal stories with political analysis, offering a nuanced portrait of ACT UP's complex legacy.

See Also

• AIDS activism
• LGBTQ+ rights in the United States
• History of HIV/AIDS
• Political activism