David A. J. Richards Libri

Exploring the initiation of boys into patriarchal norms, this memoir delves into the trauma inflicted by traditional masculinity. The author, a gay man from an Italian American background, shares his personal journey and advocacy for gay rights and feminism. He emphasizes the importance of art, philosophy, and mutual love in challenging patriarchal codes. By highlighting the shared struggles of men and women, he illustrates how resistance to patriarchy benefits everyone, revealing its detrimental effects on both genders.

The book explores the dangers that fundamentalism in religion and law poses to democratic values. It examines how Barack Obama's opposition to originalism is shaped by his upbringing and experiences as a democratic individual, contrasting with patriarchal perspectives. Through this lens, it highlights the interplay between personal development and broader ideological conflicts within the framework of democracy.

Why is America again unjustly at war? Why is its politics distorted by wedge issues like abortion and gay marriage? Why is anti-Semitism still so powerfully resurgent? Such contradictions within democracies arise from a patriarchal psychology still alive in our personal and political lives in tension with the equal voice that is the basis of democracy. The book joins a psychological approach with a political-theoretical one that traces both this psychology (based on loss in intimate life) and resistance to it (based on the love of equals) to the Roman Republic and Empire and to three Latin masterpieces: Virgil's Aeneid, Apuleius's The Golden Ass, and Augustine's Confessions. Democratic resistance in religion, psychology, the arts, and politics rests on free voices challenging patriarchal restrictions on the love of equals. In addition to examining why we are at war, this book explains many other aspects of our present situation including why movements of ethical resistance are often accompanied by a freeing of sexuality and why we are witnessing an aggressive fundamentalism at home and abroad.

Exploring the themes of violence and its prevention, this volume delves into Shakespeare's characters to reveal insights into human behavior. It appeals to both Shakespeare enthusiasts and those worried about humanity's violent tendencies, emphasizing the playwright's relevance in addressing the dangers that threaten our survival. Through analysis of his works, readers can uncover the roots of aggression and discover potential pathways to foster peace.

Exploring the intricate relationship between love and violence within a patriarchal framework, this analysis reveals how these dynamics pose significant threats to the future of democracy. It delves into the societal structures that perpetuate these issues, offering insights into their implications for personal and political realms. Through this lens, the book highlights the urgent need to address these challenges to foster a more equitable and democratic society.

Focusing on the Reconstruction Amendments, the author explores their profound implications for American constitutionalism. By evaluating past interpretations and presenting a new perspective, he argues that these amendments represent a revival of rights-based constitutional principles. Integrating historical context, legal analysis, and political theory, the book extends its examination to the broader American constitutional framework, offering insights into the ongoing relevance of these foundational changes in the nation's legal and political landscape.