Although Kipnis’ Wilhelm Reich quote specifically targets the suppression of sexual curiosity as politically stultifying (an idea with which I’d be inclined to agree), I think it is fair to suggest, judging from the nature of her project, that Kipnis would extend that criticism to anybody who commits to a love partner.
A short list of couples (all real) who clearly have lost “any power to rebel” (37):
Tarquin the Proud and Tulia (fell in love, killed most of their respective families, took over the throne, and lived “happily ever after”).
Antony and Cleopatra (after Antony’s divorce, A & C married, had babies, and lead a civil war against the Roman Republic, the most powerful civilization in existence at the time).
John Reed and Louise Bryant (while enjoying their open marriage, they attempted to spread pacificism and communism to the U.S., defying multiple charges of sedition).
Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson (although more symbolic than political, Edward renounced his claim to the English throne to marry the American divorcee).
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera (the “Dove” and the “Elephant” worked together to promote communism in Mexico and to make some kick-ass art).
Bonnie and Clyde (true loves and leaders of a notorious gang of bank robbers).
Yoko Ono and John Lennon (Lennon defied his bandmates to marry his love; together they promoted feminism, workers’ rights, and the anti-war movement despite ongoing pressure to cease and desist from the Nixon administration. Ono continues their work today).
Bob and Rita Marley (the long term sweethearts married and toured together, promoting Rastafarianism and related social causes. Many people believe that the assassination attempt made on Marley was ordered by the American government which saw the Marleys as a serious political threat).
Every Gay and Lesbian Couple in recent history (Kipnis’ treatment of gay and lesbian lovebirds is particularly shabby. She treats the push for gay marriage as a betrayal of “gay and lesbian values” and not as a legitimate rebellion, again reducing a heterogeneous group into a single entity).
Every Interracial American Couple (Kipnis has a lot of nerve to create an analogy between interracial love and gettin’ some on the side).
Big Kisses,
Erika
