F*ck The Army!

Brief Summary

F*ck The Army! by Lindsay Goss delves into the history of the FTA, an antiwar variety show spearheaded by Jane Fonda in 1971. This book explores the theatrical acts of solidarity and resistance performed by soldiers and civilians, both on stage and off, as they collaborated to protest the U.S. war in Vietnam. The narrative connects broader themes of liberation across race, gender, and nationality, offering a detailed examination of activism during this turbulent era.

Main Themes and Topics

Central to F*ck The Army! is the theme of revolutionary activism. Goss investigates how the FTA show became a platform for expressing dissent against the Vietnam War, focusing on the interplay between performance and protest. This examination highlights the intersections of race, gender, and nationality, discussing how diverse groups united in their opposition to the conflict. The book also addresses the power of theatre as a tool for social change, documenting how creative expressions of resistance contributed to the broader antiwar movement.

Writing Style and Tone

Lindsay Goss adopts a scholarly yet accessible tone in F*ck The Army!, blending historical analysis with a narrative storytelling approach. The author carefully reconstructs events to provide readers with an in-depth understanding of the era, while ensuring the historical context is both engaging and educational. Goss's writing is marked by clarity and a passionate commitment to uncovering the layers of protest that fueled the antiwar movement.