How you can move forward and learn from the past (w/ Clint Smith)
1Digest
This podcast features Clint Smith, author of "How the Word Is Passed," exploring the complex legacy of slavery in the United States. Smith differentiates between history (what happened), nostalgia (what we wish happened), and memory (the space between), highlighting how these shape our understanding of the past. He stresses the vital role of honesty in historical accounts, acknowledging the discomfort some feel when confronting uncomfortable truths and the pushback against accurate narratives. The conversation delves into the challenges of teaching children about difficult historical events, emphasizing the need for context and fostering resilience. Smith also discusses the intersection of his poetry and nonfiction writing, highlighting how his poetic sensibilities inform his approach to both forms. Finally, he reflects on the balance between joy and pain in life and art, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both aspects of the human experience.
Outlines
Understanding the Legacy of Slavery in America
Introduction to Clint Smith and his book "How the Word Is Passed," exploring the complexities of American history, particularly the lasting impact of slavery. The episode previews discussions on history, honesty, and personal reckoning.
History, Memory, Nostalgia, and Their Interplay
Smith defines and differentiates history, memory, and nostalgia, explaining how these concepts intertwine to shape our understanding of the past and ourselves.
Honesty and the Importance of Complete Historical Narratives
Smith emphasizes the crucial role of honesty in understanding history, particularly concerning slavery's legacy, highlighting the dangers of incomplete narratives and the importance of acknowledging systemic injustices. He addresses pushback against accurate historical accounts.
Teaching Children About Difficult History
Smith discusses the delicate balance of teaching children about difficult historical events like slavery while fostering hope and resilience. He stresses the importance of providing context and avoiding overwhelming children.
Poetry, Nonfiction, and the Power of Language
Smith discusses the interplay between his poetry and nonfiction writing, highlighting how his poetic sensibilities inform his approach to both forms. He emphasizes the importance of the music of language and reading aloud.
Balancing Joy and Horror in Life and Art
Smith reflects on the balance between joy and pain in life and his work, drawing parallels between his personal experiences and the historical narratives he explores.
Keywords
Historical Trauma
The psychological and emotional harm caused by experiencing or witnessing historical events like slavery, genocide, or war. It can manifest in various ways across generations.
Cognitive Dissonance
The mental discomfort experienced by holding two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values. In the context of American history, this refers to the simultaneous celebration of national ideals and the acknowledgment of its dark past.
Intersectionality
The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage.
Narrative Nonfiction
A genre of writing that blends factual reporting with literary techniques to create an engaging and immersive reading experience. It prioritizes storytelling while maintaining factual accuracy.
Reckoning (with the past)
The process of confronting and acknowledging past injustices and their ongoing impact. It involves a commitment to truth-telling and working towards repair and reconciliation.
Slavery in America
The historical institution of slavery in the United States, its lasting impact, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.
American History
The history of the United States, encompassing its complexities, triumphs, and injustices.
Teaching History
Methods and approaches to teaching history, particularly challenging and sensitive topics, to children and adults.
Q&A
How does Clint Smith define the difference between history, memory, and nostalgia, and why is understanding these distinctions important?
Smith defines history as what happened, nostalgia as what we wish happened, and memory as the space between. Understanding these distinctions is crucial because our memories, shaped by various influences, form our understanding of the past and ourselves.
Why does Clint Smith believe honesty is so vital when discussing historical events, particularly slavery in America?
Honesty in recounting history is essential to understanding the present. Incomplete or dishonest narratives obscure the systemic injustices that shape our world today, preventing meaningful progress and perpetuating harmful misconceptions.
How does Clint Smith approach the challenge of teaching children about difficult historical events without overwhelming them?
Smith advocates for a balanced approach: honestly conveying the brutality of the past while also emphasizing the resilience and joy within the affected communities. This approach empowers children to understand history's complexities without being paralyzed by it.
How does Clint Smith's background as a poet influence his nonfiction writing?
Smith's poetic sensibilities shape his attention to language, rhythm, and the emotional impact of words. He reads his work aloud extensively, refining the "music" of the language to enhance its impact and clarity.
Show Notes
How do you grapple with national history, legacy, and the stories you tell yourself? Clint Smith is the author of the narrative nonfiction, How the Word is Passed, and the poetry collection, Above Ground. Clint joins Chris to talk about the cognitive dissonances that shaped American history. From understanding the complexities of Thomas Jefferson, who wrote “all men are created equal” while enslaving over 600 people – to reflecting on growing up in New Orleans – a major site for domestic slave trades, Clint urges you to examine historical contradictions. He also discusses his love for poetry and why it’s crucial to teach joyous moments in Black history too. So students won’t see slavery and Jim Crow as the totality of the black historical experience but can envision themselves of possibilities beyond subjugation.
Follow
Host: Chris Duffy (@chrisiduffy | chrisduffycomedy.com)
Guest: Clint Smith (Instagram: @clintsmithiii | clintsmithiii.com)
Links
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For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts
For the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscripts
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Table of contents
United States
