Please write a substantive response paragraph to the question I attach on files.

What’s going on in American society today? 
Are we still fighting the Civil War?

In August of 2017 our nation was racked by the images from the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.  The ostensible cause of the rallies were a result of Charlottesville’s decision, following more than 150 years after the south’s surrender, to remove a statute of confederate General Robert E. Lee from a park. What are we to make of the violence, the counter protests and former President Trump’s response to such violence?

More recently nationwide protests have taken place following the murder of George Floyd in May, 2020 by four police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  One officer has subsequently been convicted on murder and manslaughter charges and was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison.  Police violence against Black Americans ignited a mass movement in America calling for systemic changes in policing.  The death of George Floyd’s served as a catalyst for one of the largest social movements in American history.

And now… we have experienced the one year anniversary of the January 6th, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol that disrupted a joint session of Congress in the process of affirming the 2020 presidential election.  Millions of Americas believe the 2020 presidential election (despite over 60 unsuccessful lawsuits) was unjust and riddled with fraud.

Our government continues to investigate those involved in the Capitol Riot Insurrection.  So far 725 individuals have been charged with a variety of criminal offenses such as: the assault of a police officer (75 individuals have been charged with the use of a deadly or dangerous weapon against an officer); entering and remaining in a restricted federal building or grounds; obstruction, impeding an official proceeding; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; and, just last week 11 individuals from the far-right militia group “The Oath Keepers,” were changed with “seditious conspiracy” which is the most serious charge yet to come out of the investigations.

In the charging documents against the Oath Keepers allegations were made that the defendants brought small arms to Washington, D.C.; engaged in prior combat training in preparation; and, made plans to stage quick-reaction forces to support insurrectionists.  Moreover, within the charging documents prosecutors state that their leader sent an encrypted email to his followers stating, “Prepare your mind, body, and spirit” because, “We aren’t getting through this without a civil war.”  How seditious conspiracy charges change the January 6 narrative – Vox.pdf Download How seditious conspiracy charges change the January 6 narrative – Vox.pdf

Additionally, some scholars are beginning to argue that we are entering a period in our history where civil war has become a very real possibility.  US ‘closer to civil war’ than most would like to believe, new book says _ US politics _ The Guardian.pdf Download US ‘closer to civil war’ than most would like to believe, new book says _ US politics _ The Guardian.pdf

What you will quickly discover with this course is that we deal with many of the most controversial issues faced by Americans.  Issues of race, class and gender most always create tension when discussed.  When we add religion, politics or sexuality to the mix… well, things can get explosive.  Additionally, it may appear odd to raise social or political issues within a history class.  Recognize, however, that a historian might pursue various perspectives—political, economic or social—when examining America history.

Please know that while examining the controversies in our history it is not the intent of the course to be mean-spirited or unduly abrasive.  Bashing any group in society for no other reason than to criticize is not very useful.  Instead, we want to examine core issues dispassionately with the intent to understand.  For how will we ever advance our society if we leave important social issues untouched or unexamined?  Moreover, I trust I can present these controversial issues in a caring and sensitive way.  But sometimes, the nature of the subject by itself creates controversy.

So brace yourself for the nature of this course.  It can be exciting, but also troubling especially if your particular race, nationality, group or perspective is under the microscope of discussion.

Allow me, as your instructor and facilitator, to set the table for this initial discussion topic and to provide you with a little of my perspective… for what it is worth.

Many historians are suggesting that the recent election of Donald Trump is really a reflection of white backlash as was experienced after the Civil War and Reconstruction, or what happened with the conservative movement of 1970’s following the Civil Rights Era of the 1960’s.  In other words, history suggests that the election of Donald Trump was a response to having our nation’s first president of color.  But couldn’t you also argue that Trump’s election was a class revolt or a revolt against the political “establishment” of the left or right?

The question for our discussion is: What is your assessment of what is currently taking place in American society today—given the recent social turmoil?  Is it just racism at play??  Or, is there something much more complex taking place?

NOTE:

1. Make one substantive response!