As January 6 comes to an end, I am filled with a sense of admiration and gratitude for the many academic observers of American history, politics, society, and culture who have put themselves out there, offered their perspective, and for whom this week must have been stressful.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to pretend we have the hardest or most important jobs in the world; we don’t. But please, if you’ll indulge me: I’ve only done a few media appearances and interviews this week, a fraction of what many others are doing - and I’m pretty exhausted.
For the vast majority of academic observers, all these public efforts and appearances - while certainly welcome as opportunities to present our work - come on top of the core responsibilities and duties. There’s a syllabus to design, a book to write, a paper to grade…
I’m assuming we all appreciate the opportunity to present our work, even relish the public attention. But even beyond the time and effort this all takes, there are significant downsides. If you speak out publicly in defense of democracy, the rightwing online mob will target you.
I’ve gotten more of that this week than ever before - the anniversary of January 6 has the self-proclaimed “patriots” and defenders of “real America” on high alert. And what I’ve gotten is negligible compared to what those who are not shielded by being a white man have to endure.
That’s why I can totally understand when people decide to stop. There are many legitimate reasons not to engage in the conflict anymore - @Patrick_Wyman outlines a few of them here, for instance, and I share many of his frustrations, I feel his exhaustion.
https://twitter.com/patrick_wyman/status/1479170515105300482
But I do want to disagree with this: Yes, there is self-promotion, there is smugness, and I’m very much including myself here. But there are also many serious and sincere efforts to offer whatever we can, to perhaps nudge the discourse in a better direction ever so slightly.
https://twitter.com/patrick_wyman/status/1479171973791944707
And even though I am highly skeptical myself of the myth that the political conflict is going to be decided - or even significantly influenced - by “better ideas” and arguments, I can’t let go of the idea that it is possible to make an impact.
I’m simply basing that on the fact that I, myself, have benefited tremendously from the public-facing work of historians, political scientist, sociologists, and many others - have learned so very much from following them right here, on Twitter, or listening to them on podcasts…
I do have to believe - I want to believe - that this type of work can have some impact beyond the confines of the academic community. And that’s why I am grateful to anyone who is willing to put themselves out there, and to handle the nonsense and abuse that comes with it.
And so, to anyone who talks to the media, goes on podcasts or radio shows, writes guest columns, shares their thoughts on Twitter: I have learned a lot from you, and I know I will keep learning, and for that I am grateful. (And I’m glad not every week is like January 6 week)
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