5 episodes
1619 The New York Times
-
- News
-
-
4.4, 8.4K Ratings
-
In August of 1619, a ship carrying more than 20 enslaved Africans arrived in the English colony of Virginia. America was not yet America, but this was the moment it began. No aspect of the country that would be formed here has been untouched by the 250 years of slavery that followed. On the 400th anniversary of this fateful moment, it is time to tell the story.
Customer Reviews
1419
There are so many excellent podcasts but I think this is the best I have heard.
‘Sound and fury signifying nothing’ to give the elite cover
While no one should argue slavery is a major factor in American history, the 1619 project fetishizes it and elevates it to a mystical force by focusing on it to the exclusion of all else. 1619 is no more the foundation of America than 1780, the beginning of the industrial revolution, is the foundation of India, as the industrial revolution was a prerequisite to unite India’s diverse peoples.
We should ask why, at this point of history, our elite class has decided to confess its ancient sin of slavery. Might moralizing about the past serve as a convenient excuse to put off righting of wrongs in the present?
Always they encourage non practical sermonizing about morality, rather than any plan of action to fix problems.
If America’s true essence is slavery then of course there is nothing to be done because the problem is too big to overcome.
That’s what this is about in my view. They want to apologize with words rather than have to give up any of their ill gotten gains.
The truth hurts
Wonderfully produced expose on the real truth of the history of Black Americans. I have been absolutely riveted to this podcast. Highly recommend to anyone that enjoys history and wants to have their eyes opened. Fantastic podcast.
