Like many of us, I’ve been incessantly watching the news these days. I’m sure many of us have been cognizant of this blending, and it impacts our discussions in classes. This is particularly true in classes that address the personal. Some of you may know that I’m teaching an undergraduate Autobiography class this semester.
We study many “American” autobiographical narratives from the 16th century to the present. Some of the autobiographers we’ve covered so far include Mary Rowlandson, Elisabeth Ashbridge, Stephanie Elizondo Griest, Benjamin Franklin, Stephen Burroughs, Jarena Lee, Frederick Douglass, William Goss, P.T. Barnum, Jack London, Mary Antin, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and we’re currently studying James Agee. I’m sure that I’ve forgotten a few that we’ve covered in class. We’re also studying autobiographical scholarship on these different time periods that are predominantly situated in historical issues. What I find fascinating is how these narratives are making their way into current political and economic discussions. During past times when I’ve taught this class, the conversations more frequently centered on the readings or sharing cuentos (personal stories) from our lives or other lives. However, this class is consistently drawing connections between what these autobiographical figures say in their narratives that connects with our current state of affairs.
What I see are their interpretations of what we’re experiencing now within the personal historical context of these previous autobiographers. They see the value in understanding “Americans” through the personal. During this critical time when the media and other talking heads are trying to figure out what “Americans” will do or what they’re all about, I sometimes wish we could submerge them in these autobiographical voices from the past. From the outside, certain people make assumptions about the uselessness of studying autobiographies or claim that it is so “nonartistic” and “nonliterary.” However, in these times, maybe we need to pay attention to autobiographies since it offers significant insights on what “Americans” are all about.
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After catching a preview of the movie coming out on Friday called "W" about George W. Bush, I got into a discussion about whether Oliver Stone was liberal or conservative. I told my friend that he could be conservative trying to perserve Predsident Bush's image, giving the public insight into how he became the decision-maker he is today. Maybe a plea for sympathy. I'm excited to see it. This is a definite example of what you say in your blog this week!
I can defnitely understand why they keep making the connections. This is one of the most exciting times for politics/economic news in many of our lifetimes. I know that I have been much more likely to stop and watch political news in these last few months than I ever have in my life. The news has become exciting and vital!
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