“We are at one of those critical moments...when we will either double down on romanticizing a false narrative about our violent past or accept that there is something better waiting for us.” Where do you think we are as a country?

In Chapter 10: Punishment, Bryan Stevenson writes, “We are at one of those critical moments in American history when we will either double down on romanticizing a false narrative about our violent past or accept that there is something better waiting for us” (p. 282). Where do you think we are as a country—are we doubling down on a false narrative of our past or are we at a place where we accept there is a better path?

Had you asked me this question 15 years ago, I would have said that we were doing better about admitting our mistakes. It really worries me, though, that since 2016 our elected leaders seem to be all about embracing the myth and denying the past. And I just don't understand it. Many people have already mentioned the fear-factor in this discussion; I don't disagree, but I also don't know what people are afraid of. As seen on Facebook: "'Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.' -Jesse Williams"

We certainly are at a critical moment, today, July 11, 2024, when the presidential nominations are uncertain. The choice before us is to preserve democracy or to embrace autocracy. I pray that voters make the right choice, but I have only my one vote to use. While it is painful to admit mistakes, we need to do that to heal the divisions in our country.

I agree with kimk. The romanticization of the past, particularly in the South, home of the Myth of the Lost Cause regarding slavery and the Civil War and of the Old West, with its gunslingers who were somehow good guys rather than criminals, continues even as we brag about our civil rights record. Violence and racism are made to seem harmless and, well, romantic, rather than harmful and destructive. I think that depending who you ask, the answer to both parts of Stevenson's question could be "yes." Both of those things are happening today; witness the polarization of our politics.

Seems to me if Project 2025 goes into effect, we are going back to 1864. Again, 50% of Americans are all for it!

I think our country is very divided, especially along the major political parties.

I agree with kimk. A large number of white people fear losing their “supremacy”. They believe valuing other races devalues them. They react by clinging to an idealized version of America that relies on racism.

Not much more to say here, I agree with Kimk and others, a resounding YES to the question of doubling down and it saddens me that 50%of country wants to continue that narrative. I especially am confused and don’t understand why some who claim Christianity are so stubborn to apologize, it seems to be the opposite of what they preach, but I guess fear is a strong motivator.

I'm hoping that when I wake up on the morning of November 6 that our current sad country is still in tact. I'd rather continue where we are now with the hope of being able to get better, than to be at the dawn of an autocracy.

No matter where a person finds him/herself on the spectrum of politics, the greatest fear is fear itself.(paraphrasing) In order to move ahead for all Americans we must join together to make the country safe, secure and inclusive. The infighting does no one a lick of good. Everyone is afraid of where we are heading. What are people so afraid of? America has survived crisis after crisis and we are still standing. We are learning. We will continue to learn. Have FAITH!

Today,July 22, 2024, we are at a critical time to determine which way our nation will go, back to the past where Black citizens and other groups were treated unfairly, or into a brighter future with a Black woman as our next President. I am hopeful that her election may bring us together and allow all our fellow Americans the freedom and security to pursue their dreams.

At this point in our country, I’m not sure whether we are doubling down or moving ahead slowly especially with a presidential election on the horizon. Change is not linear…. It grows forward and back and forward again.