Read on Twitter
1/
Recently saw a post condemning criticisms of #1619gate by so-called "right-wing pseudo-intellectuals". Here are my thoughts on this concern and I hope @ConceptualJames has more to say in response to the OP. #1619gate
https://twitter.com/mccormick_ted/status/1308041996225982465
Recently saw a post condemning criticisms of #1619gate by so-called "right-wing pseudo-intellectuals". Here are my thoughts on this concern and I hope @ConceptualJames has more to say in response to the OP. #1619gate
https://twitter.com/mccormick_ted/status/1308041996225982465
2/
I understand such people exist, but this tweet and its comments shine light on this creeping notion that most criticisms of the project are either baseless or too simplistic.
I understand such people exist, but this tweet and its comments shine light on this creeping notion that most criticisms of the project are either baseless or too simplistic.
3/
Just as Leslie Harris worried that criticisms of the project might discredit any revisionist undertaking, I worry that this condemning post discredits any criticism of #1619gate.
Just as Leslie Harris worried that criticisms of the project might discredit any revisionist undertaking, I worry that this condemning post discredits any criticism of #1619gate.
4/
In response to @Lawdemigod and OP, I refer to the following:
1. James Oakes: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/11/18/oake-n18.html
2. John Pfaff: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/5/30/15591700/mass-incarceration-john-pfaff-locked-in
3. Leslie Harris: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/03/06/1619-project-new-york-times-mistake-122248
4. Olmstead and Rhode: https://economics.yale.edu/sites/default/files/slave_productivity_in_cotton_picking_adans.pdf
5. I’m sure others have more acad resources
In response to @Lawdemigod and OP, I refer to the following:
1. James Oakes: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/11/18/oake-n18.html
2. John Pfaff: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/5/30/15591700/mass-incarceration-john-pfaff-locked-in
3. Leslie Harris: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/03/06/1619-project-new-york-times-mistake-122248
4. Olmstead and Rhode: https://economics.yale.edu/sites/default/files/slave_productivity_in_cotton_picking_adans.pdf
5. I’m sure others have more acad resources
5/
@f_emasculata
I understand the annoyance of “nitpick[ing]” tweets. Ut is still crucial to criticize the goal of the project & in how it has been consistently marketed, ESPECIALLY when the lead author has DENIED its intentions and WALKED BACK on those claims. We have receipts.
![5/ @f_emasculataI understand the annoyance of “nitpick[ing]” tweets. Ut is still crucial to criticize the goal of the project & in how it has been consistently marketed, ESPECIALLY when the lead author has DENIED its intentions and WALKED BACK on those claims. We have receipts.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EieSt8qU0AA49Ko.png "5/ @f_emasculataI understand the annoyance of “nitpick[ing]” tweets. Ut is still crucial to criticize the goal of the project & in how it has been consistently marketed, ESPECIALLY when the lead author has DENIED its intentions and WALKED BACK on those claims. We have receipts.")
@f_emasculata
I understand the annoyance of “nitpick[ing]” tweets. Ut is still crucial to criticize the goal of the project & in how it has been consistently marketed, ESPECIALLY when the lead author has DENIED its intentions and WALKED BACK on those claims. We have receipts.
6/
Once we all recognize these intentions, we can then properly analyze & criticize the individual pieces of work, some which are actually not all that bad were it not for the subtle racially charged editor’s notes at the top of the articles, & some which have been criticized.
Once we all recognize these intentions, we can then properly analyze & criticize the individual pieces of work, some which are actually not all that bad were it not for the subtle racially charged editor’s notes at the top of the articles, & some which have been criticized.
7/
HOWEVER, it becomes an issue when readers go into #1619gate primed with bias of the agenda set by NHJ subconsciously agreeing to it. In order to combat priming bias in neuropsychology it is important to CRITICIZE and analyze those criticisms.
HOWEVER, it becomes an issue when readers go into #1619gate primed with bias of the agenda set by NHJ subconsciously agreeing to it. In order to combat priming bias in neuropsychology it is important to CRITICIZE and analyze those criticisms.
8/
@Lawdemigod It is not bad to recognize that. No one is saying that. HWE, it becomes problematic when we start to contort history to build a narrative that the only reason the US is where it is today is that it is built on the ideals of racism
@Lawdemigod It is not bad to recognize that. No one is saying that. HWE, it becomes problematic when we start to contort history to build a narrative that the only reason the US is where it is today is that it is built on the ideals of racism
9/
That because of slavery, every institution is now corrupted by racism and must be dismantled. This is not scientific and dispassionate analysis, which is what history requires.
That because of slavery, every institution is now corrupted by racism and must be dismantled. This is not scientific and dispassionate analysis, which is what history requires.
10/
It becomes problematic when statements like: “Chattel slavery is the single biggest reason why America would excel economically for the next 200 years” are made, despite research from people like Olmstead and Rhode which point to a different explanation. Link to paper above
It becomes problematic when statements like: “Chattel slavery is the single biggest reason why America would excel economically for the next 200 years” are made, despite research from people like Olmstead and Rhode which point to a different explanation. Link to paper above
11/
It becomes problematic when the lead author goes to say that the project was never about objectivity, yet presents itself as a valid retelling of history.
It becomes problematic when the lead author goes to say that the project was never about objectivity, yet presents itself as a valid retelling of history.
12/
After such a thing has been said, it becomes even more problematic when this project is being taught in schools WITHOUT ALSO teaching its criticisms and presenting the research done by academics that refute #1619gate’s claims.
After such a thing has been said, it becomes even more problematic when this project is being taught in schools WITHOUT ALSO teaching its criticisms and presenting the research done by academics that refute #1619gate’s claims.
13/
@f_emasculata
Slavery was bad, terribly bad. It had a lot of impact. It should be mentioned. America has many dark blemishes in its history, as do many countries. It is just as important to recognize that this terrible country relied on its foundation to eradicate slavery.
@f_emasculata
Slavery was bad, terribly bad. It had a lot of impact. It should be mentioned. America has many dark blemishes in its history, as do many countries. It is just as important to recognize that this terrible country relied on its foundation to eradicate slavery.
14/
It would be foolish for us to not recognize the terrible things that happened in this country’s past. And just as foolish to not recognize how it overcame those things. There is still work to be done, but let’s not forget that we are a country capable of positive change.
It would be foolish for us to not recognize the terrible things that happened in this country’s past. And just as foolish to not recognize how it overcame those things. There is still work to be done, but let’s not forget that we are a country capable of positive change.
15/
Criticism must be laid where it is required. While many people may be criticizing the project without much knowledge, I hope we recognize that there are people out there who do understand some things to say the least.
Criticism must be laid where it is required. While many people may be criticizing the project without much knowledge, I hope we recognize that there are people out there who do understand some things to say the least.
16/
I don’t claim to be any such expert on such topics, but I can see a dishonest attempt at reframing history through a racial lens that is creating major social divides.
I don’t claim to be any such expert on such topics, but I can see a dishonest attempt at reframing history through a racial lens that is creating major social divides.
17/
I can see a dishonest implementation of such a project into school curriculum without the appropriate counter curriculum, ESPECIALLY when the lead author has said that the project DENIES OBJECTIVITY.
I can see a dishonest implementation of such a project into school curriculum without the appropriate counter curriculum, ESPECIALLY when the lead author has said that the project DENIES OBJECTIVITY.
18/
As a country, we must absolutely come to terms with and recognize our dark past; and at the same time recognize how it overcame much of that dark past; and recognize that in order for progress to be done, we must do an honest job of reconciling differences.
As a country, we must absolutely come to terms with and recognize our dark past; and at the same time recognize how it overcame much of that dark past; and recognize that in order for progress to be done, we must do an honest job of reconciling differences.
19/
Condemning criticism by attributing it to “right-wing pseudo-intellectuals” is not the way to do that IMO.
Condemning criticism by attributing it to “right-wing pseudo-intellectuals” is not the way to do that IMO.
How embarrassing for me. I forgot to add @PhilWMagness to this list. Shame on me for that https://twitter.com/PhilWMagness/status/1308159227312177152?s=20
