Padraic Scanlan

Padraic X Scanlan, author of 'Rot: A History of the Irish Famine,' delves into the devastating Irish Famine of the 1840s. He explains how a potato blight morphed into a catastrophic crisis due to the economic structures of the British Empire. Scanlan explores the potato's dual role as a lifeline and a symbol of poverty, while discussing the destructive societal impacts, including mass emigration and the disintegration of community bonds. His insights prompt a critical reevaluation of how historical and contemporary issues shape responses to ecological disasters.

Dr. Padraic Scanlan, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, focuses on labor history and has penned several acclaimed books, including a thought-provoking reexamination of the Irish Great Famine. In this conversation, he shares insights on how socioeconomic factors like income inequality contributed to the famine's devastation. He also discusses his transition from journalism to historical writing, the nuances of book reviewing, and the lasting impact of literary influences such as George Orwell. Tune in for a deep dive into history's lessons for today.

Dr. Padraic X. Scanlan, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, dives into the catastrophic Irish Famine, revealing how British colonialism exacerbated its devastation. He discusses the overreliance on potatoes in an unequal marketplace, critiquing laissez-faire policies that prioritized profits over lives. Unpacking the exploitation and the stigmatization of the Irish, Scanlan links historical narratives to contemporary inequalities, demonstrating how deeply entangled identities and economic practices shaped the tragedy of the famine and its lasting legacy.