Winter Zoom Series

Carrie Tirado Bramen explores how niceness became an indispensable part of a democratic personality that was friendly and accessible, free from Old World snobbery. Beginning with Samoset greeting the Pilgrims in 1621 by saying “Welcome, Englishman” and concluding with the Forgiveness Ceremony at Standing Rock in 2016, this talk explores the many roles niceness has played in the social and political landscape of the United States.

Professor Juan David Coronado explores the oral histories of Mexican American POW from the Vietnam War from his titular book. During the Vietnam War era, Mexican Americans had become more a part of the culture of the USA. However, many Mexican Americans prisoners of war (POWs) faced discrimination and inequality both in the military and back in the States.

Thomas Jefferson had long been seen as one of America’s most important Founders and the very author of American independence. He wrote the “mission statement” for America when he declared that “all men are created equal.” Cities, counties, schools, universities… have all been named “Jefferson” to honor his contributions to our nation. In recent years, however, his legacy has been seriously questioned in large part because he participated in the foul institution of American slavery, owning over 600 people during his lifetime, including several of his own children.