Season 2, Episode 4

National Myths and Monuments

In this episode, three of our faculty share their thoughts on the movement to reexamine monuments and the history and myths they symbolize, and how we should think about the artworks in our public squares.

National Myths and Monuments • Season 2, Episode 4

Listen on these platforms

During the worldwide protests that followed the death of George Floyd, demonstrators mobilized to challenge the representations of history presented by some of the monuments and memorials that occupy our public squares. In this episode we hear from an anthropologist, a sociologist, and an art historian, who reflect on why there has been such a focus on these symbols in this moment, how they shape our historical narrative and myths, and how we should move forward.

Guests

Margaret Bruchac, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Coordinator of Native American and Indigenous Studies

Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, Class of 1940 Bicentennial Term Associate Professor of History of Art

Tukufu Zuberi, Lasry Professor of Race Relations in the Departments of Sociology and Africana Studies

Host

Alex Schein

Producer

Susan Ahlborn

Editors

Alex Schein, Brooke Sietisons, and Loraine Terrell

Interviewers

Susan Ahlborn, Loraine Terrell, and Alex Schein

Illustration

Adriana Bellet

Music

Theme music by Nicholas Escobar, C’18

Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

More Episodes

The Restorative Power of Art

The Restorative Power of Art

In this episode, we speak with researchers at the Positive Psychology Center, who examined how art museum visitation and museum program participation impact flourishing-related outcomes.

Music and Meaning

Music and Meaning

In this episode we speak with a professor of music about the power of song and dance during the apartheid era in South Africa, and a College alum about his process composing music for the screen, and our very own OMNIA podcast.