Discussion Group: South (Virtual)

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY?

In this online Zoom videoconference, we will discuss the future of American democracy. Are we headed toward authoritarianism, greater oppression of disfavored groups, and theocracy? Or is it the case, as Martin Luther King Jr. said, that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice”?

Some references (not required reading):

George Will, “When American conservatism becomes un-American,” Washington Post, May 29, 2020: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/when-american-conservatism-becomes-un-american/2020/05/28/336a953a-a0f6-11ea-b5c9-570a91917d8d_story.html?fbclid=IwAR1VEc2kPd8vCZeZBwyxZ50Fb_JVacrPrvVtKK73qLc0RWwKWTJQQWndnqM

“Trump threatens to end protests with military,” Politico, June 1, 2020: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/01/trump-slams-governors-as-weak-crackdown-on-protests-294023

“Trump signs order that could punish social media for how they police content, drawing criticism and doubts of legality,” Washington Post, May 28, 2020: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2020/05/28/trump-social-media-executive-order/

“What if Trump won’t accept 2020 defeat?,” Politico, June 21, 2019: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/21/trump-election-2020-1374589