Episode 32: The Divided States of America

Was our nation ever truly “united”? What does that word even mean, when you’re talking about a country as diverse and as historically complex as ours—especially at a time when lies, disinformation, and the forces of division seem to have overcome any democratic principles that once held us together? We agree on this much, at least: cartoons are awesome.

The podcasters:

• Brennan Jones (host), Finneytown Secondary School
• Jordan Polk, University of Cincinnati
• Enock Sadiki, Aiken H.S.
• Jean Pateman, Talawanda H.S.
• Joyeuse Muhorakeye, Aiken H.S.
• Alex Bentley, University of Cincinnati (Transition & Access Program)

Here are two recent NPR stories on this topic:

https://www.npr.org/2021/01/15/957371255/reconstruction-era-expert-on-why-politicians-use-terms-unity-and-healing

https://www.npr.org/2021/03/03/972827061/the-jan-6-riot-could-have-brought-lawmakers-together-it-did-the-opposite

Podcast recorded Feb. 21, via Zoom