Our Dream Deferred

Today we hear from Tim Snyder, the Richard C. Levin Professor of History at Yale University and a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna. Tim has written numerous books, including two that appeared on the New York Times best-seller list simultaneously, On Tyranny and The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America. Both volumes examine the rise of authoritarianism in the United States. As an historian specializing in the history of Central and Eastern Europe and the Holocaust, he draws parallels to our modern political climate and advises on how to defend our republic and individual freedoms. His advice: "Don't obey in advance," reminds each of us of our place in history, the responsibility we bear, and that everything we do has some kind of moral context, including looking away. If we become complacent, we then become vulnerable to the things we have chosen to forget.

Be a part of Our Dream Deferred: use the hashtag #OurDreamDeferred or write to us at [email protected].

This episode was produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design by Brandon Mitchell.

Links:

- On Tyranny, a book by Tim Snyder

- The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America, a book by Tim Snyder

- The War on History Is a War on Democracy, Tim Snyder New York Times article

Today we hear from Phil Howard, who is a professor of sociology, information and international affairs, and the author of Lie Machines: How to Save Democracy from Troll Armies, Deceitful Robots, Junk News Operations, and Political Operatives. Studying information infrastructure and social systems at the same time, he provides a unique and integrated perspective on the impacts of social media on modern life, and why it matters. By illustrating how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media have been used to bring out the worst in us, Professor Howard helps us see a better path forward. His ideas for public agencies include mapping out how to better meet constituents on social media,. Tune in for a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation.

Be a part of Our Dream Deferred: use the hashtag #OurDreamDeferred or write to us at [email protected].

Links:

Phil Howard's commentary and articles: https://philhoward.org/

The Navigator tool: https://navigator.oii.ox.ac.uk/

Oxford Internet Institute: https://www.oii.ox.ac.uk/

This episode was produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design by Brandon Mitchell.

In this week's episode of Our Dream Deferred: Fulfilling the Nation's Promise, we're in conversation with Derrik Anderson, Executive Director at Race Matters for Juvenile Justice. Derrik helps us reflect on the American Dream in the context of taking a frank look at the lived experiences of people of color in the United States. Derrik uses a historical lens to explore policies, their impacts on systems and institutions, and the biases they can lead to, and encourages us to continually do the work to counter racism, white supremacy culture, and other injustices. Key will be to create a shared language across institutions and groups to address these problems – an activity you're participating in just listening to this podcast!

Be a part of Our Dream Deferred: use the hashtag #OurDreamDeferred or write to us at [email protected].

This episode was produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design by Brandon Mitchell.

Link:

https://rmjj.org/

These past few years, as our country has become more fragmented, and longstanding biases have come into plain sight, we've searched for ways to understand what we're experiencing more deeply and to benefit from perspectives that can help us envision a path forward. This week's episode of Our Dream Deferred: Fulfilling the Nation's Promise, we'll cover the importance of narrative change and how to do it in a positive way, what we can do as leaders and organizations to contribute to meaningful change, and what behavioral science can teach us about how to reach the people and communities we serve.

This episode's guest is Anthony Barrows, a Managing Director at idas42.

Be part of Our Dream Deferred. Use the hashtag #OurDreamDeferred or write to us at [email protected].

This episode was produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design by Brandon Mitchell.

Links:

http://ideas42.org/learn

https://anthonybarrows.com/home.html

https://www.mobilitypartnership.org/paper-categories/narrative

Book Recommendations:

The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good? by Michael J. Sandel

The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations by Robert Livingston

Scarcity: The New Science of Having Less and How It Defines Our Lives by Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir

An overview & welcome to Our Dream Deferred. Find out how we will explore the American story, as inspired by Langston Hughes' poem, Dream Deferred: "What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

Like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?"