Public Discourse Blog (Sheila McQuade)

As I read the Chicago Tribune and my Facebook feed this morning, I realized just how relevant the topics studied MLS 590 are today.  First I read about the travel ban and then about a Muslim woman who was attacked yesterday in Ohio, which directly relate to my own research on refugee resettlements.  Then there was an article on teaching girls at a young age that it's alright to be different, and that by taking risks they can change the world and hold their own with men in society.  I also read a column about racism in America today--quite reminiscent of our own class discussion after reading Nobody.  And of course there were articles focused on the political divisions in our country.  Moving forward I just hope we can all continue the discourse, but in a civilized and accepting way.  I always tell my students there's two sides to every story. I know that I need to remind myself of that as we move through these challenges times.

I found the required books for this course really, really interesting, especially the Space of Public Opinion and Nobody.   The progression of the media’s reporting and commenting about current news has changed so much with the advent of the internet.   It seemed like everyone tuned into the nightly network news when I was a kid, but not I don’t really hear anyone talking about last night’s broadcasts.   I can say that I don’t even know the names of the 3 major networks evening broadcasters.   We’ve switched from trusting a knowledgeable news journalist or two to trusting sound bites provided by basically anyone with a Twitter account. But honestly, what will stick with me the most about the class is Hill’s book, Nobody. Hill makes it so apparent that our country has done a lousy job of caring for and providing opportunities for the most vulnerable.   It’s an overwhelming reality that has absolutely no easy solution. I only hope that our leaders and future ...