Academic Rants

Last year we debated the legacy of the Civil War statues, particularly those honoring Confederate soldiers. Now, it appears that we will debate the issues that caused the war, slavery and the expansion of the peculiar institution across the southern states and territories.  Although the Civil War ended in 1865 and Reconstruction came to an end in 1876, Americans are still challenging their historical memory concerning the significance of enslavement, the details of slavery and the causes for the war.  The most recent voice in what appears to be developing into a national conversation is Kanye West. Yet, it is unclear whether West is using this moment as a self-proclaimed "people's professor" to share actual knowledge or to create controversy to promote his latest projects.  West has held the public spotlight since the release of the "College Dropout" in February 2004. Often described as a genius, West has made a career in fashion and music using ...

--> Unfortunately, the whirlwind that surrounds the Trump presidency is starting to expand. There are more leaks, more books, more events and even more speculation. And likely this is the tip of a growing storm!   Which of course, this means even more lies and fake news! It also means that more people will become disillusioned with American politics. Strangely, the largest numbers of public defectors are the Republicans and that does not speak well when the members of the party that controls the three branches of government are leaving government behind. As historians often inform students, the books of the present are often juicy, but the books of the future will be even better. There will be more documents to examine and more perspectives to explore. A critical element missing now that will be available in the future will be that of “intent.” What was the true intent of a political agenda, a political party or a political figure? Was that person successful i...