What's Wrong with American Studies?
a day ago
- A study of American Quarterly found 80% of articles were critical of the US, 20% neutral, and none positive, prompting claims of bias.
- Leading scholars mischaracterized the study's methodology, falsely claiming it relied solely on word searches, while the authors actually conducted full readings and content analysis.
- Critics denied the existence of objective historical truth, arguing history is entirely subjective, which the authors reject with examples like slavery and women's suffrage.
- Allegations of bad motives were made, with scholars accusing the authors of enabling Trump, though the report explicitly criticizes Trump's whitewashing of history.
- The authors argue that scholars' dismissal of American progress—such as civil rights advances—undermines public trust and mirrors far-right tactics.
- Call for a course correction in American studies, urging scholars to highlight both flaws and progress to restore credibility and effectiveness.