The politics of desire | Zoe Strimpel, Maya Oppenheim, Kimberly McIntosh
36Zoe Strimpel, Maya Oppenheim, Kimberly McIntosh discuss the nature of sexual desire in modern times.
Do we really know what we want? Is the basis of desire biological or cultural? And can we/should we be able to influence who we desire in line with more progressive views?
Watch the full debate at https://iai.tv/video/the-politics-of-desire?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=description
Most of us seek to avoid prejudice and discrimination in our views and actions. Yet for the most part we don't apply this to our sexual desires and preferences. But some now argue this is a mistake. Historically and culturally sexual preference has varied widely, so it is argued there is no reason to allow current fashions in physical factors such as height, weight, and race to determine our choices in a way that is frowned on in other spheres of life. And it is surely troubling that dating app data shows white people ten times more likely to be messaged by black people than the reverse.
Would we be better to see sexual desire as a political and ethical choice? Could we seek to avoid discrimination by not referencing physical characteristics on dating apps, and designing algorithms to avoid societal prejudices? Or is the choosing of a sexual partner an evolutionary choice and tampering with sexual desire not only problematic but socially dangerous?
#desire #dating #attraction
Zoe Strimpel is an outspoken commentator, historian, and columnist at The Sunday Telegraph who specialises in all things gender and relationships.
Maya Oppenheim is a writer and tireless advocate for women’s rights. Her role as Women’s Correspondent at The Independent is the only one of its kind in the UK.
Kimberly McIntosh is a writer, Labour councillor and former love and dating columnist for ‘gal-dem’; her first book, black girl, no magic, is a searing collection of personal essays reflecting on living whilst black.
Barry Smith hosts.
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