The Gray Area with Sean Illing Clint Smith III on confronting the legacy of slavery
Aug 26, 2021
Clint Smith III, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of How the Word Is Passed, dives deep into America's enduring legacy of slavery. He shares his personal journey visiting significant historical sites, highlighting the narratives often overlooked in education. The conversation touches on the complexities of addressing slavery's impact on modern identity and society, along with the challenges faced in teaching this history amid political pushback. Smith advocates for a richer understanding of America's past to engender meaningful discussions about race and justice today.
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New Orleans' Confederate Monuments
- Clint Smith III reflects on growing up in New Orleans, surrounded by homages to enslavers.
- He questions the impact of these symbols on shaping narratives and public policy.
Jefferson's Contradictions
- Thomas Jefferson embodies America's contradictions, simultaneously championing equality and enslaving people.
- His story highlights the hypocrisy and cognitive dissonance inherent in the American narrative.
Monticello Visitors
- Two white women visiting Monticello were unaware of Jefferson's slave ownership, highlighting a gap in education.
- This encounter prompted Smith to incorporate reporting and interviews into his book.
