Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Jill Lepore
Jun 10, 2020
Jill Lepore, a Harvard history professor and New Yorker staff writer, dives into the quest for truth in her new podcast, The Last Archive. She discusses the importance of addressing America's complex history, especially in light of recent social movements. Lepore critiques traditional narratives of American history, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach. The conversation also explores the interplay between technology, data, and social justice, revealing how these elements shape modern understanding. Plus, she speculates on the legacy of 2020 from a historian's perspective.
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Unprecedented Times
- The US is in an unprecedented time, marked by events like the detention camps and the pandemic response.
- These events represent a new level of inhumanity and a departure from historical patterns.
Balanced View of History
- American history is a mix of atrocities and progress, and it's important to acknowledge both.
- Focusing on only one aspect creates a polarized and incomplete understanding.
Reclaiming National Identity
- The left's retreat from national identity allowed the far right to dominate the narrative, often with propaganda.
- A new Americanism is needed, one that acknowledges both the dangers and the potential of national identity.
