There are two sides to this coin. The other side is the total ignorance of much of America’s past. Taken together with the oversimplification shown here, we modern day folk end up with a critical situation, one susceptible to—and as we have seen, rife with—mis- and disinformation.
Memes are the new bumper stickers. They (over) simplify the complex to make a statement. I don’t know what nationality “Scotish” is either, and some of my ancestors are Scottish.
Good points but there are some ways Reconstruction could have had a much better outcome without resorting to the draconian measures you describe. Keeping Confederate officers and officers holders from holding government offices would have certainly changed the history of the South. And of course not waiting 100 years to enforce the 15th Amendment would have had a huge impact. Let’s just say that electing leaders who led an insurrection against the US government has a long history
Thanks for the comment. You may be right, but I am not sure that was a real possibility at the time given the extent of Confederate mobilization and support throughout the war. One of the remarkable aspects of Reconstruction was the extent of Black voting and officeholding during the postwar period. In some states like Virginia this continued into the 1880s through a fusion ticket organized by the Readjusters.
What I am suggesting is that the South underwent a radical transformation given the legislation that was passed and other steps taken.
Over the years, the “dialogue” migrated from long-form blogs to the 240-word platform’s, and the memes starting pouring in. They were always around, but at least on the blogs, a heated discussion would ensue, thus, some opportunities for debunking them was allowed. Now that everything is digested at the swipe of a finger, even more fallacy is absorbed, further shifting the paradigm without challenge. while the blogs did become uncivilized at times, the owner still had control over the platform. On Twitter/X one could simply bully the other participants into silence, unmoderated. In my case, I had to take my account private, which means I lost the ability to interact with those who didn’t follow me. I don’t hold much optimism that the perestroika will last indefinitely over on BlueSky. Glad you and others stil provide a space for polite conversation.
All great points, Shoshana. I've moved away from thinking that I have any real influence on changing people's minds or even getting them to think more carefully. It's enough for me to cultivate an interested audience of curious readers on this site, which I really enjoy.
Nice article Kevin. I have seen other memes regarding the Civil War and Reconstruction, but not these. I guess that I am lucky. Are you now on Bluesky? I am. I shut down my Twitter last night. My handle there is SDundas.
Have a great day and thank you as always for your timely articles.
Steve Dundas
BTW. Were you able to get a copy of my book? If not I will send you one.
I locked down my Twitter account, but have yet to delete it.
Unfortunately, I have not found the time to pick up your book. As you know I recently sent off my revised Shaw manuscript and after a few days I am going to try to finish editing the letters of a young South Carolinian before the end of the year. All the best.
There are two sides to this coin. The other side is the total ignorance of much of America’s past. Taken together with the oversimplification shown here, we modern day folk end up with a critical situation, one susceptible to—and as we have seen, rife with—mis- and disinformation.
If it's any consolation, Americans have always been ignorant of their past. Thanks for the comment.
Memes are the new bumper stickers. They (over) simplify the complex to make a statement. I don’t know what nationality “Scotish” is either, and some of my ancestors are Scottish.
LOL
Good points but there are some ways Reconstruction could have had a much better outcome without resorting to the draconian measures you describe. Keeping Confederate officers and officers holders from holding government offices would have certainly changed the history of the South. And of course not waiting 100 years to enforce the 15th Amendment would have had a huge impact. Let’s just say that electing leaders who led an insurrection against the US government has a long history
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the comment. You may be right, but I am not sure that was a real possibility at the time given the extent of Confederate mobilization and support throughout the war. One of the remarkable aspects of Reconstruction was the extent of Black voting and officeholding during the postwar period. In some states like Virginia this continued into the 1880s through a fusion ticket organized by the Readjusters.
What I am suggesting is that the South underwent a radical transformation given the legislation that was passed and other steps taken.
Over the years, the “dialogue” migrated from long-form blogs to the 240-word platform’s, and the memes starting pouring in. They were always around, but at least on the blogs, a heated discussion would ensue, thus, some opportunities for debunking them was allowed. Now that everything is digested at the swipe of a finger, even more fallacy is absorbed, further shifting the paradigm without challenge. while the blogs did become uncivilized at times, the owner still had control over the platform. On Twitter/X one could simply bully the other participants into silence, unmoderated. In my case, I had to take my account private, which means I lost the ability to interact with those who didn’t follow me. I don’t hold much optimism that the perestroika will last indefinitely over on BlueSky. Glad you and others stil provide a space for polite conversation.
Meme expertise is so much easier than language proficiency.
All great points, Shoshana. I've moved away from thinking that I have any real influence on changing people's minds or even getting them to think more carefully. It's enough for me to cultivate an interested audience of curious readers on this site, which I really enjoy.
Nice article Kevin. I have seen other memes regarding the Civil War and Reconstruction, but not these. I guess that I am lucky. Are you now on Bluesky? I am. I shut down my Twitter last night. My handle there is SDundas.
Have a great day and thank you as always for your timely articles.
Steve Dundas
BTW. Were you able to get a copy of my book? If not I will send you one.
I am on Bluesky.
I locked down my Twitter account, but have yet to delete it.
Unfortunately, I have not found the time to pick up your book. As you know I recently sent off my revised Shaw manuscript and after a few days I am going to try to finish editing the letters of a young South Carolinian before the end of the year. All the best.