“Generation” (in the context of “social generations,” such as baby boomers or Get Y) might well be another candidate for my “banned words” list! As with “traditional,” “generation” focuses on the experiences and values of those privileged in a given time and place by those same experiences and values. As a concept, it tells usContinue reading ““Generation” – Hidden Power of Words Series, #33″
Tag Archives: historical memory
Funerals, Rhetorics, and Constructions of History
Clichés about “funerals being for the living” abound. Funerals assist with grieving and with accepting one’s own mortality, popular mores say. Funerals can also hinder this grieving process: Without realizing it, people sometimes talk about the deceased in ways that can be inaccurate and uncomfortable for others. Sometimes intentions might be more malicious and consciouslyContinue reading “Funerals, Rhetorics, and Constructions of History”
The “Brutal Black Buck” and How To Get Away With Murder
How To Get Away With Murder’s 2018-2019 mid-season finale overpowers and undermines its recent comments about flaws in the judicial system, especially when it comes to perceptions of and treatments of Black men. Nate Lahey (Billy Brown) receives unstable, developing word that leads him to believe that DA Ron Miller (John Hensley) had his father, NateContinue reading “The “Brutal Black Buck” and How To Get Away With Murder”
(Ignoring) Laws, Historical Narratives, and Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
I had a new thought/question on the topic of how we discuss Brown v. Board of Education and other aspects of history. I have understood and observed for about a decade now that there is a gap between the law and reality. I have also understood for roughly the same amount of time that the Brown v.Continue reading “(Ignoring) Laws, Historical Narratives, and Brown v. Board of Education (1954)”
King would not be surprised.
….History prefers legends to men. It prefers nobility to brutality, soaring speeches to quiet deeds. History remembers the battle, but forgets the blood. Whatever history remembers of me, if it remembers anything at all, it shall only remember a fraction of the truth…. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would not be surprised that a viciously arrogant,Continue reading “King would not be surprised.”
Rethinking the History of Political Parties during the 20th Century in the United States (A Few Thoughts)
As a result of the Civil Rights Revolution for Black United Statesians during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, the Democratic and Republican parties essentially switched positions on major ideological issues, correct? Or put another way, the “Solid South” abandoned the Democratic Party for the Republican Party almost over night, correct? Such narratives, while common place, areContinue reading “Rethinking the History of Political Parties during the 20th Century in the United States (A Few Thoughts)”
AJP’s take on Nate Parker’s “The Birth of a Nation” (2016)
I just finished watching The Birth of a Nation (2016), which was released for home viewing today. While there has been a great deal of excitement, frustration and disappointment surrounding this film, I was surprisingly pleased. Below I provide some immediate, working thoughts. Certainly, The Birth of a Nation ignores the role of Black women as active agentsContinue reading “AJP’s take on Nate Parker’s “The Birth of a Nation” (2016)”
“As long as you teach history the correct way.”
Upon hearing that I am a college professor and frequently teach History, people sometimes respond with conditional and reserved words of enthusiasm. In some way or another, these people inquire as to whether or not I teach History correctly. What does that even mean? I usually respond that I teach according to evidence. And this does notContinue reading ““As long as you teach history the correct way.””
Dr. Andrew Joseph Pegoda 