From Los Angeles, Rethinking Heroes with Cary Harrison - Rethinking Heroes: Unmasking the Machinations of Modern Fascism. Yale professor Jason Stanley, delves into the tactics of modern fascism and its impact on history and education. The discussion covers the manipulation of historical narratives by authoritarian regimes, the role of education in fostering or suppressing critical thought, and how today's political landscapes echo past fascist movements. They also discuss the current legal battles against censorship and the importance of acknowledging America's historical contradictions. Furthermore, former presidential candidate Jason Palmer shares his ambitious plan to register a million new young voters, leveraging technology and the influence of college athletes. This episode serves as a call to action to stay informed and fight against the distortion of history and encroaching authoritarianism.The War on History: Erasing and Manipulating the PastToday, we’re tackling how authoritarian regimes, especially fascist movements, manipulate history to consolidate their grip on power. If you’ve read Orwell's "1984," you’re in for a ride through the twisted machinery that masks and distorts reality.Why Rewriting History is a Fascist StapleYale professor, Jason Stanley, today's intellectual powerhouse, explains it all. Authoritarians love a singular, mythical narrative. It simplifies the mind and makes people easier to control. They dismantle varied accounts of history, suppress dissent, and enforce a unified story—one that supports their agenda and marginalizes all others.The Silent Genocide and the Erasure of OppressionTake the Holocaust, for example. Soviet regimes didn't acknowledge it, fearing that once one genocide was recognized, others might be too. Fast forward to today, and history is under siege—some presidential hopefuls are crafting "MAGA histories" that entangle the truth in such propaganda it’s laughable, yet devastatingly effective.Fascist Tactics in Today's Political LandscapeStanley doesn’t sugarcoat it—today's fascists aim to divide and conquer by exploiting racial, religious, and sexual differences. They paint a mythical past and use propaganda to justify racial and religious hierarchies. Despite their efforts, true history—people's lived experiences—can’t be completely erased. Families who lost loved ones to COVID, for instance, know the reality, regardless of the political spin.The Link Between Authoritarianism and Today's EducationOne of the hot topics? Education. Across the U.S., particularly in states like Florida, there's an ongoing battle over what's taught in schools. Admitting climate change or acknowledging the humanity of LGBTQ individuals has become a criminal act in some areas. The fascists' playbook includes suppressing critical thought and rewriting curricula to foster obedient followers—a grim echo of regimes past.The Role of Corporations and Legal BattlesIt's a twisted irony that big corporations are now some of the loudest opponents of these fascist strategies. Major book publishers have taken a stand against censorship, suing states that ban books and ideas from schools and public libraries. Corporations, once the problem, are now part of the resistance—delicious paradox, indeed.Jason Stanley: Knowledge as an Arm Against AuthoritarianismStanley argues that knowledge alone isn't a safeguard against fascism. Some of history’s sharpest minds were fascists themselves, using their intellect to wield power ruthlessly. Thus, it's not just about education but what kind of education and to what end.America's Historical ParadoxesHarrison dives into America's founding sins—slavery, manifest destiny, genocides. Facing history head-on is crucial. America can’t shy away from its past; confronting it is the only path to genuine progress and democracy.The Future of History and EducationHarrison and Stanley spell out the future if figures like Trump reclaim power: education becomes a tool for nationalistic ego-stroking rather than democratic enlightenment. Public schools could turn into breeding grounds for blind patriotism rather than nurturing critical, informed citizens.Meet Jason Palmer: The Maverick Who’s Mobilizing Gen Z to Save AmericaPalmer isn't your cookie-cutter politician spouting the same old tired rhetoric. This guy, a former Democratic presidential candidate, isn’t just sitting on his thumbs. He’s made headlines and charged into the political fray with a victory in American Samoa, no less. Now, you might think, "Big whoop, what’s next?" Jason’s got a plan that puts most political folks to shame. He's creating partnerships in over a thousand schools and 300 colleges, teaching kids how to dissect the media blob, and telling them what's real, what's not, and how it's all glued together with propaganda.Empowering the Future VotersPalmer talks about running the gauntlet against polarization. He’s endorsed 18 young, vibrant ...
