Past Present

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Episode 177: Ancestry.com, Vigilante Border Patrol Groups, and Cargo Shorts Apr 30, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss outrage over an Ancestry.com ad, vigilante groups policing the U.S.-Mexico border, and the controversy over cargo shorts.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Ancestry.com released – and quickly pulled – an advertisement depicting a romantic relationship between an African-American woman and a white man in the 19th century. Natalia recommended historian Annette Gordon-Reed's book on Sally Hemings, and historian Megan Kate Nelson's Washington Post article about a Nike ad celebrating "the Lost Cause."
A vigilante group called the United Constitutional Patriots has been "helping" Border Patrol police the southern border of the United States. Niki recommended this Washington Post piece about the Netflix film The Highwaymen, and Natalia referred to historian Greg Grandin's article at The Intercept that placed the UCP in a longer history. Natalia also noted this Vulture piece that argues that Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" is an anthem for the Trump era. Niki recommended following Dara Lind, Kathleen Belew, and Carly Goodman on Twitter for their commentary on the white power movement.
Cargo pants, a decidedly bland style, have inspired surprisingly intense controversy, including recently on right-wing Twitter. Natalia recommended this article at The Cut historicizing the style, and this piece at The Wall Street Journal about women's distaste for the pocketed pants.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia commented on Ben Cosgrove's Time article, "'Brawny and Buoyant': A Portrait of West Coast Youth of the 1950s."
Neil talked about Arielle Pardes' Wired article, "Helvetica, the World's Most Popular Font, Gets a Face Lift."
Niki discussed her own article on the Mueller Report at The Sydney Morning Herald and Jack Goldsmith and Benjamin Wittes' Lawfare article, "The Watergate Road Map: What It Says and What It Suggests for Mueller."

Episode 176: Notre Dame Cathedral, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and the Center for American Progress Apr 23, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss the fire at Paris' Notre Dame cathedral, President Trump's attacks against Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and the history of liberal think tanks.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

The world watched as Paris' iconic Notre Dame Cathedral was engulfed in flames last week. Natalia recommended this Atlantic article that highlights the tension between the French tradition of laïcité and Notre Dame's status as a national icon.
Sparked in part by President Trump's incendiary remarks, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has become the target of vicious attacks. Niki cited this New Yorker profile about Omar's popularity among her constituents.
A Center for American Progress video criticizing Bernie Sanders for downplaying his substantial wealth is raising questions about the biases of the liberal think tank.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia shared about her recent visit to the Wolfsonian Institute at Florida International University.
Neil discussed the new Netflix series, "Special."
Niki recommended the Hulu series, "Shrill."

Episode 175: Stephen Miller and DHS, Measles and the Anti-Vaccination Movement, and Adjunct Professors Apr 16, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the influence of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, the resurgence of measles in the United States and the anti-vaccination movement, and the plight of adjunct professors.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

A spate of departures at the Department of Homeland Security has brought attention to stalwart Trump hardliner Stephen Miller. Natalia cited this Atlantic profile of Miller, as well as her own book, Classroom Wars, which focuses on the California school system in which Miller formed his worldview. Niki cited Adam Serwer's Atlantic article, "The Cruelty is the Point."
Measles, once thought to be eradicated in the United States, is back thanks in part to a robust anti-vaccination movement. Natalia mentioned this press release from the Anti-Defamation League, and Niki cited this study sympathetic to the anti-vaccine cause.
Adam Harris' Atlantic article about the death of historian Thea Hunter has invigorated conversation about the adversity facing adjunct professors. Niki referred to this article at the American Prospect about the unionization of adjuncts.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia recommended Rosa Lyster's Outline article, "Listen Up, Bitches, It's Time to learn Incorrect Things About Someone You've Never Heard Of."
Neil discussed the White House's screening of the anti-abortion film Gosnell.
Niki shared Ben Guarino's Washington Post article, "Algorithms Gave Us the Black Hole Picture. She's the 29-year-old Scientist Who Helped Create Them."

Episode 174: Reparations, Leggings, and Nipsey Hussle Apr 09, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the case for reparations, why leggings are so controversial, and the legacy of rapper Nipsey Hussle.

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Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Reparations for slavery have gained renewed currency among policymakers. Neil referred to Ta-Nehisi Coates' 2014 essay, "The Case for Reparations." Niki recommended Jamelle Bouie's response to this essay in Slate.
A University of Notre Dame mother's plea against leggings has made national news. Natalia recommended historian Deirdre Clemente's book Dress Casual and referred to this New York Times article recommending that women forsake leggings for sweatpants.
Rapper Nipsey Hussle was murdered in Los Angeles last week. Natalia drew on the work of hip hop scholar Tricia Rose.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia recommended Alice Hines' New York Times article, " Kid. Wanna Teach Some Yoga?"
Neil discussed the decision of the mayor of Ocala, Florida to proclaim a "Confederate Memorial Day."
Niki discussed the work of two historians who won prizes at the recent Organization of American Historians annual meeting: Martha Jones and Julia Bowes.

Episode 173: The Mueller Report, the Electoral College, and Arugula Lettuce Apr 02, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Niki, Neil, and Natalia discuss the Mueller Report, the movement to end the Electoral College, and why not many Americans eat arugula lettuce.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's long-awaited report has been released, though the public has only received a four-page summary, issued by Attorney General William Barr. Niki referred to the high standard set by the Watergate Scandal, which she wrote about in the Washington Post.
The Electoral College is one of the most confusing institutions in American politics, and a new movement to abolish it is gathering steam. Natalia recommended Jamelle Bouie's New York Times op-ed making a progressive case for its abolition.
Arugula lettuce, Amanda Mull recently argued in the Atlantic, is underappreciated. Niki referred to the lettuce's Jewish history, as chronicled in the Forward.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia reflected on one University of Notre Dame mother's plea against leggings.
Neil discussed the television miniseries, "The Assassination of Gianni Versace."
Niki recommended the new NPR podcast, Believed.

Episode 172: "Operation Varsity Blues," the White Supremacy Terrorist Attack in New Zealand, and Beto O'Rourke Mar 26, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Natalia, Niki, and Neil discuss the college admissions scandal, the white supremacy terrorist attack in New Zealand, Beto O'Rourke's bid for the presidency.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

College admissions has long legally favored the wealthy, but "Operation Varsity Blues" has highlighted the illegal means to which some affluent people go to secure their children college admission.
An attack by a white supremacist on a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, killed and wounded dozens of worshipers earlier this month. Niki recommended historian David Atkinson's book, The Burden of White Supremacy: Containing Asian Migration in the British Empire and referred to Jean Raspail's 1973 white-supremacist text, The Camp of the Saints.
After much speculation, Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke has announced he is running for president in 2020. Natalia recommended this New Republic article on O'Rourke's "profound emptiness" and Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming. Niki referred to David Sirota's Guardian piece criticizing O'Rourke's centrism.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia discussed the work of physical culturalist Bernarr MacFadden, and the perils of taking decontextualized "inspiring lessons from history" at face value.
Neil commented on Karen Zraick's New York Times article, "Florida Republicans Push to Make Ex-Felons Pay Fees Before They Can Vote."
Niki talked about her upcoming appearance in a new documentary based on the popular Slow Burn

Episode 171: "Cancel Culture," Hobbies, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Mar 19, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Neil, Niki, and Natalia discuss "cancel culture," the lost art of hobbies, and the tragic Ethiopian Airlines crash.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

On this week's Past Present episode, Nicole Hemmer, Natalia Mehlman Petrzela, and Neil J. Young discuss "cancel culture," the lost art of hobbies, and the tragic Ethiopian Air crash.

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Young Adult literature is the latest arena for controversies over "cancel culture." Neil recommended Jennifer Senior's New York Times article on the perils of taking it too far.
Hobbies, or engaging in an activity only for the joy it brings, are increasingly a rarity. Neil referred to Hanna Rosin's book The End of Men: And the Rise of Women. Natalia recommended this history of the "side hustle" at The Conversation.
A tragic airplane crash has killed 157 people and raised questions about the Boeing 737 Max 8 model. Neil recommended the book, Flying Without Fear. Natalia referred to this Wall Street Journal article about the effect of crashes on the airplane industry.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia discussed Matthew Remski's new book, Practice and All is Coming.
Neil recommended Patrick Radden Keefe's book, Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland and his previous reporting at The New Yorker.
Niki talked about her recent appearance on Trumpcast.

Episode 170: "Finding Neverland," Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church and LGBTQ Christians Mar 12, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Niki, Natalia, and Neil discuss "Leaving Neverland," a new documentary about Michael Jackson's alleged child abuse, the legacy of late "Beverly Hills, 90210" star Luke Perry, and the United Methodist Church's decision to tighten its restrictions on same-sex marriage and gay clergy.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

"Leaving Neverland," a new HBO documentary, centers the alleged victims of Michael Jackson's pedophilia. Natalia recommended Jason King's Slate piece about the centrality of race to this story. Niki cited another piece at Slate on whether Jackson will remain a staple on wedding playlists. Natalia drew connections with the recent "Surviving R. Kelly" documentary.
Actor Luke Perry is dead at 52. Natalia referenced this Jezebel piece on Perry's influence on shaping a 1990s cool aesthetic. Niki recommended Joan Didion's New Yorker article on the southern California Spur Posse.
The United Methodist Church has tightened its ban on same-sex marriage and gay clergy. Natalia recommended historian Jonathan Zimmerman's book Too Hot to Handle: A Global History of Sex Education about the power of global religious conservatism.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia discussed Marc Fisher's Washington Post article, "'Grab that Record': How Trump's High School Transcript was Hidden."
Neil shared Simon Romero's New York Times article, "Lynch Mobs Killed Latinos Across the West. The Fight to Remember These Atrocities is Just Starting."
Niki recommended Jane Mayer's New Yorker article, "The Making of the Fox News White House."

Episode 169: Jussie Smollett, Christopher Hasson, and Debunking Psychics Mar 05, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Natalia, Neil, and Niki discuss the scandal over Jussie Smollett's alleged attack, Christopher Hasson's terrorist plot, and how the internet is helping debunk mediums and psychics.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Actor Jussie Smollett is at the center of the nation's latest high-profile racial hoax. Natalia referred to John McWhorter's Atlantic article on the rise of "victimhood culture" as well as this Atlantic article on the history of racial hoaxes.
Coast Guard member and ex-Marine Christopher Hasson has been apprehended for plotting a terrorist attack. Niki and Natalia recommended Kathleen Belew's book Bring the War Home: The White Power Movement and Paramilitary America. Natalia also referred to Amy Schumer's Comedy Central skit about football and rape culture.
Skeptics are using Facebook to expose psychics who are also using social media, but to defraud paying customers. Niki referred to this article at The Cut about Camp Edna, an important site in the history of women's spiritualism.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia discussed Reeves Wiedeman's The Cut article, "Who Killed Tulum?"
Neil reflected on his visit to the Maitland Art + History Museum's current exhibition of the artist J. Andre Smith.
Niki talked about Pat Robertson's 1988 announcement that he was running for the Republican presidential nomination and recommended Gil Troy's Daily Beast article, "Rosey Grier: The Lineman who Tried to Save RFK—and Voted for Trump."

Episode 168: Karl Lagerfeld, the Pledge of Allegiance, and Lee Radziwill Feb 26, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Neil, Natalia, and Niki discuss the life and legacy of Karl Lagerfeld, controversies over the Pledge of Allegiance, and the death of Lee Radziwill.

Support Past Present on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pastpresentpodcast

Here are some links and references mentioned during this week's show:

Karl Lagerfeld, one of the most prolific designers of our era, has died. Natalia referred to this article on the rise of the "heritage brand."
After an 11-year-old Florida student refused to say the Pledge of Allegiance, he was arrested. Natalia referred to historian Christopher Petrella's Washington Post piece on the nativist sentiment that inspired the Pledge. Neil recommended historian Kevin Kruse's book One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America on how "under God" was added to the Pledge during the Cold War.
Socialite and style icon Lee Radziwill has died. Neil recommended Vanessa Friedman's New York Times article on her legacy as an "influencer," and Natalia suggested this piece at The Cut about "the Cinderella trap." Natalia and Neil recommend Grey Gardens, the 1975 documentary and Broadway show.

In our regular closing feature, What's Making History:

Natalia shared her Well+Good article, "Yoga Pants Made Lululemon Founder a Billionaire – Why Isn't He More Grateful to the Women Who Wear Them?"
Neil discussed Jasmine Sanders' New York Times article, "A Black Legacy, Wrapped Up in Fur."
Niki recommended Geraldo Cadava's Washington Post article, "How the Border Wall Divided the GOP."

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