How does Allan Ginsberg’s poem, “Howl” represent the changing response to repression from the 1950s to the present? What connections can you make between the ideas and themes in “Howl” and today’s protests?

Literature by Geoffrey

The lecture and readings this week takes us from early gay rights organizations that stressed assimilation and cooperation to, in just 15 years, outright rebellion and massive street protests.

  1. How does Allan Ginsberg’s poem, “Howl” represent the changing response to repression from the 1950s to the present? What connections can you make between the ideas and themes in “Howl” and today’s protests?
  2. How has representation of GLBT changed in the last 50 years in literature, media and film? Mention at least two of our readings and two examples from current representations of LGBTQ+ people in the media.