Meaning: The quote "If sexual intercourse, as the poets tell us, began in 1963, it was another decade and a half before the American political system began to take notice" by Michael Kinsley, a journalist, is a witty and thought-provoking statement that touches on the intersection of social change, cultural norms, and political awareness in the United States. This quote is attributed to Kinsley, a prominent figure in American journalism known for his sharp wit and astute observations on politics and society.

The quote suggests a satirical take on the pace at which societal and cultural shifts are acknowledged and addressed within the realm of American politics. By using the whimsical notion that sexual intercourse "began" in 1963, Kinsley implies that certain aspects of human behavior and social dynamics may have been overlooked or ignored by the political establishment for an extended period.

Kinsley's use of humor in the quote serves as a commentary on the often slow and reluctant response of political systems to societal changes. The reference to 1963 as the starting point for sexual intercourse can be seen as a nod to the cultural and social revolution of the 1960s, a period marked by significant shifts in attitudes towards sexuality, gender roles, and personal freedoms.

The quote implies that despite the seismic shifts occurring in American society during the 1960s and 1970s, it took the political system a considerable amount of time to acknowledge and engage with these changes. This delay in recognition could be interpreted as a critique of the conservative nature of political institutions and their resistance to embracing or adapting to evolving social norms and values.

Furthermore, the quote can be viewed through the lens of the broader relationship between cultural change and political responsiveness. It highlights the idea that cultural and social transformations often precede formal recognition and action by political entities, underscoring the disconnect that can exist between the lived experiences of individuals and the responsiveness of government and political structures.

In a historical context, the quote resonates with the era of the sexual revolution in the United States, during which attitudes towards sexuality, reproductive rights, and gender equality underwent profound changes. The emergence of movements such as second-wave feminism, the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and the push for reproductive autonomy all contributed to a reconfiguration of social norms and values regarding sexual expression and personal autonomy.

Kinsley's choice to attribute the quote to "the poets" adds a layer of literary and cultural reference, suggesting that the sentiment expressed is rooted in a broader understanding of human behavior and societal evolution. By invoking "the poets," Kinsley elevates the concept of sexual intercourse beyond mere physical acts, hinting at its symbolic and metaphorical significance in the human experience.

Ultimately, Kinsley's quote serves as a clever and incisive commentary on the dynamics between cultural change and political consciousness, inviting reflection on the complexities of societal evolution and the responsiveness of political systems. It encapsulates the notion that the recognition and accommodation of societal shifts by political entities are often delayed or hesitant, even in the face of profound cultural transformations.