Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief for The Economist, discusses the incredible restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, showcasing the dedication of over 2,000 workers and the blend of medieval techniques with modern craftsmanship. John Kinsel, one of the last Navajo code talkers from World War II, shares his poignant journey of cultural revival and the significance of the Navajo language in military history. The podcast also touches on Ghana's electoral challenges and the impact of political tensions on its democracy.
The meticulous restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral underscores the importance of historical craftsmanship and community effort in preserving cultural heritage.
As Ghana faces economic challenges ahead of its elections, public trust in political leaders remains low, influencing perceptions of future governance options.
Deep dives
Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames on April 15, 2019, causing global shock and sadness. Following this disaster, President Macron set an ambitious goal to rebuild the iconic structure within five years, sparking a significant debate on the restoration methods to be employed. The restoration ultimately emphasized fidelity to original designs and historical craftsmanship, with nearly 2,000 workers contributing to the task. As a result, the cathedral has been restored to resemble its medieval glory, featuring vibrant colors and intricate details, which left visitors astonished at its transformation.
Political Landscape in Ghana
As Ghana approaches its upcoming elections, a significant portion of the population expresses frustration with the political situation and economic management. The leading candidate and former president, John Mahama, is positioning himself as a reset for the nation's governance amid rising inflation and a cost of living crisis caused by the current administration's poor handling of the economy. Despite Mahama's tarnished reputation from previous terms, some voters view him as a preferable choice due to the current regime’s perceived failures. With low public trust and concerns about electoral violence, the election results may have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s democracy.
Legacy of John Kinsel
John Kinsel, one of the last Navajo windtalkers from World War II, played a crucial role in using the Navajo language as an unbreakable military code. After returning home, Kinsel underwent a reinitiation ceremony to reconnect with his culture, reflecting on the spiritual influences that guided him during his service. His contributions included co-developing a complex code with 411 words that utilized idiomatic expressions from his experiences, showcasing the ingenuity of the Navajo language. Kinsel’s story highlights the significant impact of cultural identity on personal history and military legacy, marking him as a hero within his community.
Many thought a five-year timeline was too ambitious. But even as France’s politics falls apart, it has managed to put the cathedral back together with aplomb. As an election takes place in Ghana, its status as a leading light of African democracy is looking shaky (10:11). And remembering John Kinsel, among the last of the second world war’s Navajo code-talkers (17.44).