Throughline

Inflation is affecting everything from gas prices to groceries, leaving many feeling the pinch in their budgets. Personal stories from Lemon Grove highlight the emotional toll of rising costs. A historical look reveals how past U.S. governments have tackled inflation, including a notable community rally in Queens and President Nixon's surprising televised address to freeze prices. The evolving role of the Federal Reserve and its interactions with political leaders like Clinton and Greenspan add layers to the complexities of managing economic stability.

In this engaging discussion, Nikole Hannah-Jones, an investigative journalist at The New York Times and creator of the 1619 Project, dives into the complexities of historical narratives. She challenges conventional perspectives on American history, focusing on the importance of centering Black American experiences. The conversation also examines the backlash against the 1619 Project, revealing the ideological conflicts that arise when confronting uncomfortable truths. Hannah-Jones emphasizes the necessity of inclusive histories to foster understanding and promote equality.

Elizabeth Tandy Shermer, an associate professor of history, and Josh Mitchell, a Wall Street Journal reporter, dive into the historical evolution of student loans and the staggering $1.7 trillion debt burden. They discuss the post-WWII GI Bill as a double-edged sword, democratizing education yet excluding marginalized groups. The rise of Sallie Mae and its impact on student financing reveals an exploitative relationship with banks, while the late 20th century experience highlights growing inequality in access to higher education.

Explore the chaotic summer of 1967 when a police raid in Detroit ignited widespread civil unrest across America. Discover the groundbreaking Kerner Commission's shocking findings on the roots of violence: inequality, racism, and police brutality. Reflect on how these issues, highlighted in the report, resonate with today's societal tensions. The struggles within law enforcement and the emotional fallout from the commission's conclusions reveal the complex interplay of politics and race relations that continue to challenge America.

School District 28 is located in one of the most racially and ethnically diverse places in the U.S.: Queens, N.Y. But the neighborhood served by this school district has two sides – a Northside and a Southside. To put it simply, the Southside is Black and the farther north you go, the fewer Black people you see. But it wasn't always like this.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mary Pilon, journalist and author of "The Monopolists," dives into the intriguing history of Monopoly, revealing it as a mirror of America’s dreams and inequities. She discusses the game's unexpected rise during economic downturns and its roots as a critique of capitalism by Lizzie McGee. Pilon highlights how Monopoly embodies the myth of the American Dream while also exposing social disparities. With engaging anecdotes, she reflects on personal stories around the game's legacy and its continuous relevance in today's society.

Molly Worthen, a history professor at the University of North Carolina, delves into the powerful intersection of evangelicalism and U.S. politics. She traces the evolution of white evangelicalism, linking it to conservative movements since the 1970s. Worthen highlights the impact of pivotal figures like John Nelson Darby and the racial divides that shaped the community. The discussion also touches on the surge of political activism following landmark events like Roe v. Wade, illustrating a complex and often contentious relationship between faith and politics.

Jennifer Holland, a history professor at the University of Oklahoma and author of "Tiny You," dives into the evolving landscape of abortion rights in America. She discusses the immediate aftermath of Roe v. Wade, highlighting how it ignited a powerful anti-abortion movement. Holland reveals the grassroots tactics employed by activists and the shifting dynamics within the medical community. With reflections on the personal and political impacts, she captures the ongoing conflict surrounding reproductive rights and the implications of recent political changes.

Julie Su, an attorney and fourth-generation San Franciscan, and Carol Nackenoff, a Richter Professor Emerita, dive deep into the compelling story of Wong Kim Ark. They discuss his tumultuous return from China in 1895, where he was unjustly denied entry despite being born in the U.S. The conversation reveals the historical struggle against the Chinese Exclusion Act and the pivotal Supreme Court case that followed. Together, they reflect on the ongoing debates surrounding birthright citizenship and the profound implications for American identity and civil rights.

Kathleen Ballou, an assistant professor of history at the University of Chicago and author of "Bring the War Home," dives into the chilling rise of the modern white power movement. She discusses how post-Vietnam War disillusionment transformed individuals into radical extremists. The podcast covers the evolution of domestic terrorism, the deep-seated ties between racism and anti-communism, and critical incidents like the Greensboro Rally. Ballou also highlights the amplification of these threats in today’s society, especially through social media.