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| irn | 3549 |
| master_filename | 000919_MIX_paul_diamond_downfall_interview.wav |
| master_md5 | C92A037540ADDB1BB72CD40A93B028DA |
| master_duration | 8:38 |
| master_sample_rate | 44.1 kHz |
| master_bit_depth | 16 bit |
| master_channels | 1 |
| media_reference | 000919 |
| media_source | PrideNZ.com |
| copyright_position | In copyright |
| copyright_ownership | Gareth Watkins (PrideNZ.com) |
| copyright_ownership_note | |
| submitted_to_nlnz | 25-11-2022 |
| public_url | https://www.pridenz.com/paul_diamond_downfall_the_destruction_of_charles_mackay.html |
| meta_url | https://www.pridenz.com/data/media/meta/3549.html |
| plain_text_url | https://www.pridenz.com/plaintext/paul_diamond_downfall_the_destruction_of_charles_mackay.txt |
| production_date | 15-11-2022 |
| production_day | 15 |
| production_month | 11 |
| production_year | 2022 |
| recording_type | |
| series | Downfall: The Destruction of Charles Mackay |
| sub_series | |
| title | Author Paul Diamond on his book Downfall: The Destruction of Charles Mackay |
| description | An interview with author Paul Diamond, just before the launch of his book Downfall: The Destruction of Charles Mackay. The event took place at the National Library of New Zealand in Wellington, on 15 November 2022. |
| summary_computer_generated | Paul Diamond reveals that the journey to produce "Downfall" spanned 18 years, requiring extensive research across New Zealand and in cities such as London and Berlin. Initially inspired while Diamond worked at Radio New Zealand in the early 2000s, the project transitioned from a radio program to a full-fledged historical investigation with support from various colleagues, such as Prue Langbein. The book explores the life and impact of Charles Mackay, a mayor in the 1920s whose life was marred by a scandal involving the shooting of Walter D'Arcy Cresswell and the subsequent sensationalism around Mackay's sexuality. Diamond discusses shifts in research methodologies due to the evolution of digital archives, which benefitted the accuracy and breadth of their historical inquiry. The author grapples with the societal context of the term "homosexual" when Mackay's story unfolded, noting its origins in the medical profession and use during Mackay's trial. The impact of Mackay's story extended beyond personal interest for Diamond, prompting an exploration of medical history and treatments for homosexuality, such as auto-suggestion and hypnosis. The author reflects on changes in public perception and openness when discussing queer history over the decades, with marked progress seen in community engagement and initiatives like the Rainbow List Project. Diamond speaks about the personal commitment involved in their 18-year project, driven by a deep sense of curiosity about queer lives throughout history. Their research culminated in a detailed book, meticulously verified by editor Anna Rogers and supplemented by evidential footnotes to allow future scholars to trace the author's interpretative journey. The author expresses a personal connection to Mackay, imagining a conversation about their experiences in Berlin before their life was disrupted. The recording concludes with Diamond contemplating the missing diary of Mackay, which could provide further insight into Mackay's life. This interview not only highlights the release of "Downfall: The Destruction of Charles Mackay" but also underscores the historical significance of Mackay's story and its enduring influence on queer historiography in New Zealand. |
| interviewer | Gareth Watkins |
| voices | Paul Diamond |
| tags | gay; homosexual; queer; 1920s; 2020s; auto-suggestion; homosexual monomania; hypnosis; internet; mayor; medicalisation; newspapers; Rainbow List Project; research; Aotearoa New Zealand; Wellington; Whanganui; Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga; Massey University Press; Radio New Zealand; Downfall: The Destruction of Charles Mackay (book); Courage Day (15 November); Day of the Imprisoned Writer (15 November); pervert; sissy; sodomite; Anna Rogers; Charles Mackay; James Barron; Nicola Legat; Paul Diamond; Prue Langbein; Walter D'Arcy Cresswell |
| tags_computer_generated | sexuality; programme; radio; history; archives; law; Christchurch; support; library; writing; London; identity; oral history; language; culture; books; rainbow; freedom; Berlin; shooting; courage; heritage; struggle; sodomy; other; letter; Ministry for Culture and Heritage; journal; review; diary; James Courage; teacher; work; touch; People; time; medical history; Sarah Courage |
| location_name | National Library of New Zealand |
| location | 70 Molesworth Street, Thorndon |
| broader_location | Wellington |
| location_lat | -41.27638163170999 |
| location_long | 174.7781454176317 |
| precise_locality | true |