Today marks the inauguration of the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden. The Constitution dictated this date long before the outset of this presidential election season. If the election had yielded a differentContinue reading
Category: history
Monuments, their Historiographical Role
Once again, monuments, specifically Civil War related monuments, have come under fire with many of these monuments torn down, defaced, or scheduled for removal. Opponents to the removals cry out that taking down these monumentsContinue reading
The Problem with “Fake News”
Although the term became common place less than five years ago, it now holds status as a quasi-official term with long lasting, dangerous effects. One man seemed to lead the charge in making the termContinue reading
Christianity and Constitutional Rights
On Monday, April 6, South Carolina governor Henry McMaster finally issued a stay-at-home order, the 43rd state governor in the United States to do so. Immediately, my Facebook feed filled with cries of government overreachContinue reading
Travelogues Grand European Adventure Day 8 – Solemn Remembrance
When I stepped out of the prison building, clouds had moved in, dimming the light. As I perused the memorials, I heard crows ca. I stopped and looked around. The bleak color of the camp, the chill in the air, the lack of direct sunlight, and the sound of crows worked to foster an authentic negative mood in my heart.
Words and Power
Do you refer to the casual dismissal by a would-be dictator of past wrongs as excusable in a time of war? Surely not. That would simply provide approbation from the purported leader of the free word to continue such vindictive strategies against nearby vulnerable groups.
Thoughts on Patriotism
On November 8th, my school celebrated Veterans Day. Over the fifty years that my school has existed, this program has developed a significant place in the tradition and culture of the school built on historic World War I training grounds. As a historian and someone deeply steeped in context, I understand the motivation. During the past few years, however, I have begun to contemplate the true meaning of patriotism and have come to the conclusion that I hold an unpopular opinion, one almost 180 degrees different than that which I grew up steeped in.
Know and Do Better – Tragedy Then and Now
Most people know little to nothing about the Tulsa Race Massacre. Prior to 2017, I was one of that number. I learned about this tragedy when preparing to teach the novel, Tulsa Burning to myContinue reading
Up in Flames
Nearly eight years ago, I boarded the Eurostar headed to Paris. A long time Anglophile, I designated a single day for a quick tour of the most prominent Parisian landmarks such as the Louvre, theContinue reading
Telling the Story
Recently, I have read two books relating to genocide and the historiography thereof. One, by Deborah Lipstadt, sheds a light on Holocaust deniers. The other book details the Armenian Genocide and America’s relationship to theContinue reading