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From the Editors
Political Dissent in a Time of Economic Crisis
A Statement by the Council of the American Studies Association
20 October 2011
We are the public. We are workers. We are the 99%. We speak with the people here in Baltimore and around the globe occupying plazas, parks, and squares in opposition to failed austerity programs, to oligarchy, and to the unequal distribution of wealth and power. The loss of jobs, healthcare, and homes, the distressing use of mass incarceration and mass deportations, and the destruction of environments have brought so many households and individuals to crisis. We join with people re-claiming commons rights to public resources. We join in the call against privatization and for a democratic re-awakening.
As educators, we experience the dismantling of public education, rising tuition, unsustainable student debt, and the assault on every dimension of education. As American Studies scholars, our work includes, among other things, addressing the problems and challenges societies face, drawing lessons from the past, comparing across polities, and making informed recommendations that will spark open debate. We draw inspiration from earlier social movements that have challenged the unequal distribution of power, wealth, and authority. Today’s movements continue this necessary work. The uprisings compel us to lift our voices and dedicate our effort to realizing the democratic aspirations for an equitable and habitable world. We are the 99%.
Published on November 4, 2011 by John F Stephens.
Page 1 of 1 pages
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Comments
Thanks very much to the Council of American Studies Association for your statement and leadership on this important issue.
As an American Studies Ph.D holder, I am pleased that this statement identifies the cultural assault on education (defined as process) and the concurrent rise of the oligarchy. As a scholar, I want us to look at the processes embedded in U.S. culture that have gotten us to this point. Much of this is not new…but the then hidden processes are now presented as virtue.
Dear Council Members and Priscilla:
I was among the hundreds who applauded when this powerfully worded statement was read to us, but I just wanted to give it my written endorsement and to thank our President and Council for representing the membership so
faithfully and eloquently, as well as for leading us courageously. You make me proud—yet again—of belonging to ASA.
Respectfully,
Carolyn L. Karcher
I am so very proud to be a member of the ASA and NEASA. I have reposted this to my Facebook page and will disseminate it in appropriate venues.