David Rosen Writes

on sex, politics & American life

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About Me

I critically explore American history, public policy, media, technology and sexuality.

I am the author of three books on American social history — Prohibition New York City: Speakeasy Queen Texas Guinan, Blind Pigs, Drag Balls and More (History Press, 2021); Sin, Sex & Subversion: How What Was Taboo in 1950s New York Became America’s New Normal (Skyhorse, 2016); and  Sex Scandal America: Politics & the Ritual of Public Shaming (Key, 2009). (See “Books” section for more information.)

I am also the author of Off-Hollywood: The Making & Marketing of Independent Films (Grove, 1990), commissioned by the Sundance Institute and the Independent Feature Project, is considered a “bible” of the indie film movement; 

I have published numerous articles, book reviews and academic studies.  Among the publishing outlets are: AlterNet, Benton Foundation Bulletin, Black Star News, Brooklyn Rail, Counterpoint(India), CounterPunch, Cyber Security, Eureka Street (Australia), FilmInFocus, Filmmaker, Foundation News, Hollywood Reporter, HuffPost, Logos, New Politics, New York Journal of Books, NVR Reports, Progressive, Red Herring, Salon, San Francisco Focus, Sexuality & Culture, SGP (Sexuality, Gender & Policy), Truthout, Wiley Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender & Sexuality and Z-magazine. (See “Publications” section for more information.)

Professionally, I am business-development consultant with three decades experience having served on the management teams taking public two high-tech start-ups; launched worldwide the first CD-ROM system of player and titles; and provided executive-level strategic consulting services to major U.S. and international for-profit corporations and non-profit organizations, start-up ventures and independent media makers.  I currently serve as Business Affairs officer for the “Shu & the Resistance,” a CG animated TV series in development for children 7-12 years (and their parents) – along with an accompanying game and merchandizing products – offering helpful information about healthy foods. (Check out DavidRosenConsultants for more information.)

I created and was executive director of Digital Independence: The Forum for Creativity, Technology and Democracy, supported by the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations. In addition, I served on the boards of directions/advisors of the Independent Television Service (ITVS-PBS, Treasurer), MoMA-NY Video Collection, Film Arts Foundation and a U.S. Congressman.

Recent Articles

The New “Last Ditchers”

“Last Ditcher” is a 19th century concept that needs to be recalled these days.  Its ethos is embodied in political/culture campaigns being waged by today’s radical right.  Read more. … [Read More...]

Lessons from Majid Khan’s Release from Guantánamo

On February 2, U.S. prisoner and former al Qaeda courier Majid Khan was released from the Guantánamo Bay Detention Camp in Cuba after more than sixteen years of imprisonment.  Read more. … [Read More...]

Biden’s Missing Word: Inequality

On February 2nd, Pres. Joe Biden delivered his annual State of the Union address and the missing word was "inequality." Read more. … [Read More...]


DAVID ROSEN is a widely published author whose books include
Sex, Sin & Subversion: The Transformation of 1950s New York’s Forbidden into America’s New Normal (2016); Sex Scandal America: Politics & the Ritual of Public Shaming (2009); Off-Hollywood: The Making & Marketing of Independent Films (1991), originally commissioned by the Sundance Institute and the Independent Feature Project. He is author of many scholarly articles, book reviews and popular pieces on media-tech, telecom, politics, sex and American life.

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