ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author shows that the functional consequence of combining radical intent with a cultural base whose class and race privilage are not examined is to reassert and privilege the concerns and aesthetics of whites and men. AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power's (ACT-UP) explicit politics are not based on identity, but its New York members were overwhelmingly drawn from a distinct cultural base which had been developed through identity politics. ACT-UP was able to step outside a limited political discourse on AIDS in order to present its radical approach, but it remained trapped in a liberal perspective on the involvement of women, the poor, and people of color in its own movement and organization. Most of the famous AIDS images were developed by predominantly white, male work groups to accompany actions approved by consensus of the entire organization. Many of the best graphics represent a predominantly gay, white, and male approach to the issue presented.
