I am joined by journalist, author, and gay marriage activist Jonathan Rauch to discuss his recent article in The Atlantic, which is an investigation into America’s long assault on the humanity of gay people. For the majority of the 20th century, the United States waged a war of psychic terror against its gay population. This history is largely forgotten, even by LGBT people.
It's my theory that Americans have always needed and secured a scape-goat. Every inch of our history seems to be marked by it. Like a family member that is destined to carry the burden of mental illness their ancestors lived with. The puritans hit the ground running with witch trails and that mindset has plagued US social structure without a beat missed. Astonishing.
It's my theory that Americans have always needed and secured a scape-goat. Every inch of our history seems to be marked by it. Like a family member that is destined to carry the burden of mental illness their ancestors lived with. The puritans hit the ground running with witch trails and that mindset has plagued US social structure without a beat missed. Astonishing.
Agreed
So chilling & also educational. Thank you so much for this post. American history can be so shameful and disturbing.
Thanks so much for listening, friend! Jonathan is always a great guest, and this is such an important topic.