My plan for the coming week here is to highlight things in American history, culture, identity, community, literature, art, and etc. for which I’m thankful—things that make it easier to bear some of the darker and more frustrating and painful aspects of our nation. Obviously I can come up with topics on my own if need be, but I’m thinking that it would be especially nice to pair this with something else for which I’m thankful—you all, readers from around the country and, often, the world. So I wanted to fish for your thanksgiving topics, in one of two possible ways:
1) Just the topic, something that you’d be interested to see me engage with here—‘cause any friend of my friends is a friend, so if you’re thankful for it, I’m more than happy to learn about it and frame my own thanks as well!
2) Or a guest post, if you’d like to write up your thankfulness yourself. It’s been way too long since I’ve been able to include a guest post here, and I’d love to get back into it—so bring ‘em on! (Even if you get me something post-this week, I’ll certainly include it down the road.)
Thanks! The series starts Monday,
Ben
Hey Ben,
ReplyDeleteOK, I'll bite. Here's something I'm thankful for. Even though I'm all about British Studies, I'm a product of American State Universities--my father was a professor at Kent State for over 30 years and I am not only an alum of multiple state universities, but teach at one also (and harass you in the halls whenever possible). Public colleges and universities should be providing the same level of education and opportunities as privates--they are just cheaper, particularly for residents of the specific state. But we all know it hasn't worked out that way. On the other hand, there are amazing state schools and programs within state schools, and professors within those programs. If we didn't have the state systems, higher education would be beyond the means of most Americans, I should think. So I'm very thankful for the state systems.
Just a nibble since I saw that bait hanging down.
IRene
Cool Irene, thanks! Monday and Tuesday's posts are set, but I think I'll figure out a way to make this into Wednesday's topic.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Ben