A Media Pandemic: Sexualized Right-Wing Populism and the Politics of Mis-sublimation

Sophia Kanaouti

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Chapter 2 A Media Pandemic

Sexualized Right-Wing Populism and the Politics of Mis-sublimation

In: Sexuality and Eroticism in a Post-pandemic World

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Sophia Kanaouti

Sophia Kanaouti
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 108–131

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004549388_004

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Abstract

This chapter examines the attacks on sexuality during the COVID-19 pandemic by mainstream right-wing populist Greek media, and theorizes on the social experience of “mis-sublimation.” These attacks constitute a vilification of the sexuality of young people and women—stripping both of them of sexuality as an emancipatory force—while their “hypersexuality” and their supposed lack of respect for social norms is ferociously criticized. First, the chapter presents the events taking place in Greece. Secondly, it examines the patriarchal sexualization of male politicians. Thirdly, it traces the experience of “desublimation” and “mis-sublimation” in today’s Greek society. While Sigmund Freud’s and Herbert Marcuse’s concepts of “sublimation” and “desublimation” remain highly relevant, the most recent cultural and political transformations demand new conceptual frameworks. As the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions are extended through uncertainty and political manipulation, I suggest that another type of transformation of sexual energy takes place: this is what I call “mis-sublimation,” the consequence of women’s and young people’s new efforts to become socially acceptable, when society is still withholding approval. This results not in aggression, but in new forms of political apathy and, moreover, in depression.

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Sexuality and Eroticism in a Post-pandemic World

Beyond the Biopolitics of the New Normal

Series: Critical Studies Online, Volume: 42 and Critical Studies, Volume: 42

Cover Sexuality and Eroticism in a Post-pandemic World

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004549388

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 11 Sep 2023

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Front Matter

Part 1 Beyond Repression: Defying the Moral Codes of 21st Century Authoritarianism

Part 2 Beyond Sex: Embodying Pleasure and Sexuality in Times of Social Distancing

Part 3 Beyond Gender: Challenging Patriarchal and Heteronormative Sex Education through Alternative Pornography

Part 4 Beyond the Senses: Immersing into Self-Exploration through Visual and Plastic Arts

Part 5 Beyond the Ego: Embracing the Spiritual Possibilities of Desire

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Chapter 2 A Media Pandemic

Sexualized Right-Wing Populism and the Politics of Mis-sublimation

Abstract

Citation Info

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Sexuality and Eroticism in a Post-pandemic World

Beyond the Biopolitics of the New Normal

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