Writer John Jeremiah Sullivan on the craft of narrative nonfiction, the importance of holding complexity in times that call for clarity, and the dream of racial integration that terrifies the powerful
Is it possible that citizens feeling that the left ‘has no inspiring vision’ for the country has any basis in being threatened by not actually feeling they are an intrinsic part of the democracy experiment? It’s almost as though a decision was consciously made not to be inspired by or committed to human rights and equality as a life ethic. If one has bought in to the ‘every man for himself’ worldview, sometime during and after their age of reason turning point, it’s harder to be naturally empathetic, to be inspired to do whatever can be done to mitigate the unnecessary suffering of others.
I'm a mostly non-fiction reader and feel very validated that this discussion is happening. I don't understand this devaluing of non-fiction reading. Thank you for validating my experience!
Thank you for another interview chock full of profound thoughts and reflections on history. I loved hearing more about the Fusion Party. I am in a 1619 Project book group, which is where I first came across its history. I wholeheartedly believe that we need a 21st century version of a Fusion Party. I will look for you all in the tent when it happens!🫶🏽💪🏽
Why was interracial cooperation frightening?? It’s like being stuck in an uneducated fantasy of perpetual hierarchical oppression. Miseducation from the outset.
I always learn new thoughts and ideas with your insightfulness. It always gives me hope when I hear the depth of your discussions and analysis of what’s going on.
when I grapple with this question of how to connect with those who buy into the MAGA propaganda, I think that perhaps there is a real human as well as political element. It is a reaction to the sense of having been abandoned by the "haves", which has become synonymous with their concept of democracy. And that so-called democracy is now placing "inferior" groups ahead of those belonging to a racist, misogynist white male dominated culture. This group has exchanged any vision for a better life based on democratic principles for a sense of belonging, empowerment and importance, that an amorphous second coming is on the horizon that will restore their tribe to its rightful place in the world...
I am intrigued and will watch. I think the assumption that one thing will lead to a particular consequence is pretty common. And I know that it is tempting to close off defensively. I want to share a piece I just wrote, about my own doubts about the merits of the movie "Nuremberg", in terms of my skepticism about the possible motives of parading American righteousness. https://carolsmaldinolcsw.substack.com/p/will-seeing-the-movie-nuremberg-improve
To delve into history in the way you propose seems both enlightening and crucial. I'll be back to share when I am done. Thank you, meanwhile.
I loved this: "I don’t want to go there, because if we start compromising our principles in small ways like that, then the crack just widens. [...] I see it as more of a kind of mixing board where certain elements are being pushed up in the mix and others are being de-emphasized.” Agree completely with Mr. Sullivan, so well said.
Can we quibble over language? Sure. But not our essential values. Everyone means everyone, period.
Thankyou for depth. But to restate future vision, the language used to describe American revolution, constitution, principles of our Founding Fathers, has to completely rewritten.
It’s been proven that the myth of our founding democracy is just that a more, a myth based on white male racism—- not a vision of equality for Native Americans, Blacks, women of all colors, immigrants who were non-white, non ruling class……
So, a desired future vision? How about including equal representation in a “congress” that is newly composed of racial, ethnic, religious, international, sexual genders, ….for starters!
Many gems in the last 10minutes of this conversation. This is why I subscribe!
“Nothing that divides us can be truly progressive”. Needs to be internalized and examined. Great conversation!
Is it possible that citizens feeling that the left ‘has no inspiring vision’ for the country has any basis in being threatened by not actually feeling they are an intrinsic part of the democracy experiment? It’s almost as though a decision was consciously made not to be inspired by or committed to human rights and equality as a life ethic. If one has bought in to the ‘every man for himself’ worldview, sometime during and after their age of reason turning point, it’s harder to be naturally empathetic, to be inspired to do whatever can be done to mitigate the unnecessary suffering of others.
I wish I could share this discussion
Another winner! Such a great conversation.
I'm a mostly non-fiction reader and feel very validated that this discussion is happening. I don't understand this devaluing of non-fiction reading. Thank you for validating my experience!
Thank you for another interview chock full of profound thoughts and reflections on history. I loved hearing more about the Fusion Party. I am in a 1619 Project book group, which is where I first came across its history. I wholeheartedly believe that we need a 21st century version of a Fusion Party. I will look for you all in the tent when it happens!🫶🏽💪🏽
Why was interracial cooperation frightening?? It’s like being stuck in an uneducated fantasy of perpetual hierarchical oppression. Miseducation from the outset.
I always learn new thoughts and ideas with your insightfulness. It always gives me hope when I hear the depth of your discussions and analysis of what’s going on.
Excellent conversation!
when I grapple with this question of how to connect with those who buy into the MAGA propaganda, I think that perhaps there is a real human as well as political element. It is a reaction to the sense of having been abandoned by the "haves", which has become synonymous with their concept of democracy. And that so-called democracy is now placing "inferior" groups ahead of those belonging to a racist, misogynist white male dominated culture. This group has exchanged any vision for a better life based on democratic principles for a sense of belonging, empowerment and importance, that an amorphous second coming is on the horizon that will restore their tribe to its rightful place in the world...
Miseducation (!)
That’s why I love these podcasts. I find answers to why.
I am intrigued and will watch. I think the assumption that one thing will lead to a particular consequence is pretty common. And I know that it is tempting to close off defensively. I want to share a piece I just wrote, about my own doubts about the merits of the movie "Nuremberg", in terms of my skepticism about the possible motives of parading American righteousness. https://carolsmaldinolcsw.substack.com/p/will-seeing-the-movie-nuremberg-improve
To delve into history in the way you propose seems both enlightening and crucial. I'll be back to share when I am done. Thank you, meanwhile.
I loved this: "I don’t want to go there, because if we start compromising our principles in small ways like that, then the crack just widens. [...] I see it as more of a kind of mixing board where certain elements are being pushed up in the mix and others are being de-emphasized.” Agree completely with Mr. Sullivan, so well said.
Can we quibble over language? Sure. But not our essential values. Everyone means everyone, period.
Thankyou for depth. But to restate future vision, the language used to describe American revolution, constitution, principles of our Founding Fathers, has to completely rewritten.
It’s been proven that the myth of our founding democracy is just that a more, a myth based on white male racism—- not a vision of equality for Native Americans, Blacks, women of all colors, immigrants who were non-white, non ruling class……
So, a desired future vision? How about including equal representation in a “congress” that is newly composed of racial, ethnic, religious, international, sexual genders, ….for starters!
Congress must be completely reconstituted .
No more white male moneyed class domination!
Please translate into nicey-nice words.
I seems like we were dismissed as being "woke"