Let the Record Show: A Liberal Fantasy

Sarah Schulman's book, "Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993," is a liberal's dream come true. This book, published in May 2021, is a detailed account of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) in New York City during the late '80s and early '90s. Schulman, a self-proclaimed activist and writer, attempts to paint a picture of a grassroots movement that supposedly changed the course of history. But let's be real, this is just another attempt to rewrite history through a leftist lens, glorifying a group that was more about chaos than constructive change.

First off, Schulman wants us to believe that ACT UP was the sole savior of the AIDS crisis. Sure, they were loud and got some attention, but let's not forget the real heroes: the scientists, doctors, and researchers who were working tirelessly behind the scenes. While ACT UP was busy staging die-ins and shouting slogans, these professionals were developing the treatments that actually saved lives. Schulman's narrative conveniently glosses over the fact that without the medical advancements, ACT UP's protests would have been nothing more than noise.

Schulman also tries to sell the idea that ACT UP was a unified, harmonious group. Anyone with a basic understanding of history knows that couldn't be further from the truth. The organization was rife with infighting, power struggles, and conflicting agendas. Schulman cherry-picks her interviews and anecdotes to present a sanitized version of events, ignoring the messy reality that plagued the group. It's a classic case of selective storytelling, designed to fit a particular narrative.

The book is also a love letter to identity politics. Schulman goes out of her way to highlight the diversity within ACT UP, as if that alone is a measure of success. But diversity for diversity's sake doesn't accomplish anything. What matters is results, and ACT UP's results were mixed at best. While they did raise awareness, their tactics often alienated potential allies and distracted from the real work that needed to be done. Schulman's focus on identity politics is just another way to virtue signal without addressing the substantive issues.

Let's talk about the tactics that Schulman glorifies. ACT UP was known for its disruptive protests, which Schulman portrays as brave and necessary. But were they really? Disruption for the sake of disruption rarely leads to meaningful change. In fact, it often backfires, creating more resistance to the cause. Schulman's romanticization of these tactics ignores the fact that real change requires negotiation, compromise, and strategic thinking—none of which were ACT UP's strong suits.

Schulman also fails to acknowledge the broader political context of the time. The late '80s and early '90s were a period of significant political and social change, much of which had little to do with ACT UP. The end of the Cold War, the rise of the internet, and shifts in public opinion all played a role in shaping the world we live in today. Schulman's narrow focus on ACT UP as the catalyst for change is not only misleading but also diminishes the contributions of countless others who were working towards progress in various fields.

Finally, Schulman's book is a testament to the liberal obsession with victimhood. By portraying ACT UP as perpetual underdogs fighting against an oppressive system, she feeds into the narrative that the left loves to perpetuate. But the truth is, playing the victim card only gets you so far. Real change comes from empowerment, not victimization. Schulman's failure to recognize this is a glaring flaw in her narrative.

In the end, "Let the Record Show" is a one-sided account that glorifies a group more interested in making noise than making a difference. Schulman's attempt to rewrite history through a liberal lens is transparent and ultimately unconvincing. The real story of the AIDS crisis is far more complex and nuanced than Schulman's book would have you believe.