Carmen Rojas, PhD (she/her)’s Post

Check out this offering from Kate Poole

Recently, I got to sit down with Jean Guerrero and Dr. Daniel HoSang for an important conversation on the “Framers of Fascism: Knowing the Protagonists on the Right” as part of Marguerite Casey Foundation Summer School. Our conversation aimed to give our beloved MCF community a chance to explore how key figures responsible for architecting the right’s contemporary political formation have sought to achieve their fascist vision, *and importantly,* to understand what we can do to uproot their practices of radicalization. I’m eager to share this video highlighting some of the learning from our live webinar because I believe we urgently need to develop a common language around the threats our communities and organizations are facing from fascist forces. The MCF Summer School “Framers of Fascism” webinar ranged from pinpointing the right’s shifting ideological pillars to uncovering its diverse recruiting strategies to naming the ways they’re actively chipping away at the fundamental functions of government. A main takeaway is that the right is watching us closely, and we should watch them closely too. The ideological blueprint for the right’s resurgence over the last eight years is both complex and frightening, and if we are serious about contesting their political agenda we must understand how their protagonists plan, plot, and maneuver. The good news is that the repressive and divisive structures the right has worked so hard to create can be disassembled, but not without a plan. And a plan is not possible without an analysis of what they’re up to. By understanding the political terrain they’ve built, we can reject it and work to build a future our communities and our planet deserve. Please watch, like, comment on, and share this video to help spread the word. And join me for the next live MCF Summer School webinar by signing up at the link in the comments.

We know teaching the events of January 6, 2021—which are not a “moment,” but the product of a long history—presents a familiar, yet unusually urgent, challenge: how can students use historical knowledge and thinking to understand recent crises? Here are some resources that might help.

📣 Our VP of Education + External Affairs, Jose Patiño, shines a light on the crucial intersection of humanity and politics in Arizona Central. Read his compelling story on #HCR2060 here: bit.ly/jose-hcr2060

Last week, I appeared on Majority Report (https://lnkd.in/edVetuaR) to discuss my new book: American Apocalypse, The Six Far-right Groups Waging War on Democracy. Published by Stanford University Press, it tackles the back stories and intentions of big corporations, the Tea Party (Freedom Caucus), the Federalist Society, Fox News, white evangelicals, and militia.  Examining how Democrats lost white working class voters or whether Republicans have alienated suburban women is useful, but the methodology considers symptoms, not causes. A deeper analysis of how the six were created and why they are so powerful is more important. While the groups do not coordinate their attacks, and even differ over short-term goals, their priorities land on a surprisingly tight bullseye: the size and power of the administrative state. 

Finally here and hot off the press!!! As I mentioned previously, my latest publication, "The Culture Wars Come to Pennsylvania: The Elizabethtown Area School Board & the "Pro-Family" Resolution, 1996-97" will be featured in the Historical Society of Pennsylvania's Magazine of History & Biography. The article tells the story of how national political trends that were sweeping the scene in the 1990s, helped to influence what would have been a sleepy School Board election in Elizabethtown, Lancaster County, the fallout that followed, and what we can learn about current political trends in this same community as a new era of political turmoil approaches. You can also see a copy of the final draft of this article by clicking here: https://lnkd.in/ewDKKcyd

Paul Bloom’s article argues that political biases in scientific publications impact the trustworthiness of findings that align with progressive views. He suggests that “Ginger Rogers findings”—those that go against political bias—often have higher evidential strength, as they face more scrutiny. Bloom recommends progressive readers exercise caution when assessing favorable studies, given that editors and reviewers may be inclined to publish findings that confirm their ideological leanings. A critical issue in scientific integrity today is the influence of DEI frameworks, especially when racial ideologies bias research outcomes and publication standards. When scientific rigor is compromised by ideological agendas, it not only skews results but also damages public trust in science. The pressure to produce DEI-compliant findings can sometimes override objective data analysis, prioritizing narratives over truth. To preserve credibility, it’s vital to distinguish rigorous research from studies that may selectively present evidence to fit ideological goals, whether progressive or otherwise. Full article here: Progressives should worry more about their favorite scientific findings. Meritocracy works for all regardless of ethnicity. DEI ethnocentric ideological corruption does not. Othniel Max Daves

We all have this fantasy that we can debate facts with those on the opposite side of the spectrum—whether in religion, politics, or organizational strategies. This fantasy stems from the belief that humans are inherently reasonable creatures. However, in reality, we are much more emotional beings. Unless we can engage the other side from their emotional perspective, debates tend to drive us further apart, making genuine connection nearly impossible. Great wisdom from Dr. Thorp as always. #EmotionalIntelligence #Debate #HumanBehavior #ConflictResolution #Communication #Wisdom #Leadership

Learn more about the upcoming campaign and join the conversation during this free event, sponsored by #CCU's Department of Political Science.

"Vote, vote, vote." This Fordham University student, Andres Christian Diaz, shared his thoughts, views, and ideas with federal leaders at the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Transportation, and The White House. He sees value in having frank discussions with policymakers and says young adults should vote as a critical way to be seen and heard. Andres is a member of the National Millennial and Gen Z Community. Here is his blog. | #NMGZ | #WHIAANHPI | #vote | #policy | https://lnkd.in/grMXZuYN