Author Thomas Chatterton Williams on How Covid-19 and George Floyd Protests Reshaped US Social Justice Discourse
The American author tells France 24 that the left grew disillusioned during Obama's second term, before discourse shifted further amid the pandemic and the 2020 protests.
American author Thomas Chatterton Williams has discussed with France 24 his views on how American attitudes toward social justice have evolved since the presidency of Barack Obama.
According to Williams, the political left became disillusioned during Obama's second term, a sentiment that set the stage for further shifts in public discourse. He argues that the Covid-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests of the following years accelerated changes in how social justice issues were discussed, initially reshaping discourse on the left before those effects extended to the right as well.
Williams says the ripple effects of that period continue to resonate in American public debate today. His analysis forms part of the argument in his latest book, "Summer of Our Discontent: The Age of Certainty and the Demise of Discourse," which examines the trajectory of American discourse on social justice and related issues.
The interview presents Williams's own analysis and interpretation of these developments rather than a consensus account of the period.
Sources
- Thomas Chatterton Williams on how Covid-19, George Floyd protests affected US social justice — France 24 — English
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Related articles
Australian PM warns Indo-Pacific is not a 'chessboard' for superpower rivalry
Anthony Albanese says strategic competition between China and the US is the most consequential factor shaping the region.
Reports say US withheld Sudan army chief's UN visa over truce plan
Media reports indicate Washington held back a visa for Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in an apparent effort to press him toward accepting a 90-day truce proposal.
Ukrainian delegation meets US envoys on sidelines of UN General Assembly
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the talks with US officials followed his own meeting with President Trump at the United Nations.
Trump-Xi summit: trade, AI and Iran expected to top the agenda
The leaders of the United States and China are set for their third in-person meeting in a year, with discussions expected to cover trade, artificial intelligence and Iran.
US Treasury Secretary Questions How Iran's UN Delegation Will Get Home Amid Sanctions
Scott Bessent says Washington is intensifying economic pressure on Iran, complicating travel arrangements for its diplomats.
Canadian PM Carney Says Ottawa Prepared for 'Extreme Tail Risk' of US Military Action
Carney said Canada is reducing its reliance on US technology and suppliers as trade relations with Washington remain strained.
Comments
Loading comments…