This week, as Trump promises to make America great again.. again, I want to find out more about the prison system. In some states, up to 10% of budgets are allocated to correctional facilities, and yet incarceration rates and the costs continue to rise, while issues around systemic racism and politics continue to plague its reputation and put question marks over its effectiveness. So in this episode, I want to know… why does America have so many prisons?

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Nicholas Grant, a historian of the twentieth century United States at the University of East Anglia, researching race, internationalism and transnational activism.
• Heather Ann Thompson, a historian at the University of Michigan, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy. She was also the historical consultant for the Oscar-nominated documentary ATTICA.

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Highlights from this episode:

• The American prison system has a staggering rate of incarceration, with more people locked up per capita than any other country, indicating a severe failure in addressing social issues.
• Historically, prisons in the United States have disproportionately housed poor individuals and people of color, revealing deep-seated racial disparities in the justice system.
• Despite some reforms, the prison system in America has not shifted towards rehabilitation; rather, it continues to operate as a mechanism for social control and economic profit.
• The narrative surrounding crime and punishment in the U.S. has often been driven by racial politics, with a history of policies targeting marginalized communities under the guise of public safety.
• The prison population remains predominantly non-white, reflecting systemic inequalities, as African Americans and Latinos make up a significant portion of incarcerated individuals.
• Public perception and political rhetoric often frame incarceration as a solution to crime, but the reality is that it perpetuates cycles of poverty and violence in communities.

...

Additional Resources:

Dr. Heather Ann Thompson - Pulitzer Prize Winner | Author | Speaker | Consultant

Blood in the Water: The Attica Prison Uprising of 1971 and Its Legacy by Heather Ann Thompson

U.S. prisons - number of prisoners 2022 | Statista

Incarceration Rates by Country 2024

Global Prison Trends Report

How Much Does A Prisoner Cost Per Year USA? - Prison Inside

In this bonus episode, Liam and special guest Melani McAlister dive into the complex perceptions Americans have about the Middle East, particularly in light of popular culture and media representation.

They discuss how ignorance about the region persists despite educational efforts, leading to a skewed view of Middle Eastern people as either potential terrorists or helpless victims in need of salvation. And they explore the pervasive narratives in American films and television, which often frame the U.S. as the heroic savior while portraying Muslims in a negative light, the troubling stereotypes that arise from these portrayals, particularly about Muslim women, and how these narratives fail to acknowledge the voices and agency of those within the region.

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Melani McAlister, a Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at George Washington University, whose interests include the rhetoric of foreign policy. Her new book Promises, released in 2024, explores the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US role in it.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• The American public's perception of the Middle East
• Popular culture's frequent portrayal of Muslims and Arabs as dangerous, reinforcing negative stereotypes.
• The harmful narrative of American exceptionalism
• Media representations of Americans as saviors of oppressed populations.
• The problematic concept of the 'good Muslim' character.
• The portrayal of Muslim women needing saving can diminish their agency and voices in society.

...

Additional Resources:

Promises, Then the Storm: Notes on Memory, Protest, and the Israel–Gaza War by Melani McAlister

Melani McAlister – Writing, Teaching, & Other Stuff

U.S. Policy in the Middle East: A Brief History

Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance by Amy Kaplan

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:

• Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
• Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email...

This week, to celebrate Black History Month in the US, we are shining a light on one of the most influential figures in American history. Her relentless efforts for social justice and equality made her a powerful voice of the civil rights movement, and her work and legacy still endures today, alongside figures such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. So today we remember the life, the work, and the legacy of this great individual as I ask… who is Rosa Parks.

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Dr. Nicholas Grant, a historian of twentieth century United States and author of 'Winning Our Freedoms Together: African Americans and Apartheid, 1945-1960.' His research focuses on race, internationalism and transnational activism.
• Dr. Jeanne Theoharis, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Brooklyn College of City University of New York. She is the author of numerous books and articles on the civil rights and Black Power movements and the politics of race and education in the US, including The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• Rosa Parks' childhood experiences with racial violence shaped her beliefs about self-defense and activism.
• The Montgomery Bus Boycott was not just a single event but a culmination of ongoing resistance.
• Rosa Parks' activism extended beyond the bus boycott, influencing civil rights and black power movements.
• Many women, like Claudette Colvin, played crucial roles in the bus resistance before Parks' arrest.
• Parks' legacy is often simplified, overshadowing her lifelong commitment to social justice and equality.
• The importance of community organizing and collective action was vital for the boycott's success.

...

Additional Resources:

READ: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis

READ: King of the North: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life of Struggle Outside the South by Jeanne Theoharis

READ: Rosa Parks' Legacy Stained By Court Feud, Accusations Of Corruption

READ: Biography: Rosa Parks

READ: Who was Rosa Parks, and what did she do in the fight for racial equality?

WATCH: Watch Freedom Riders | American Experience | Official Site | PBS

WATCH:

In this special bonus episode, following the recording of 'Who is Freddy Krueger?', Liam and special guest Noel Mellor discuss their favourite horror films, the future of Freddy, and our ideal castings - Jack Black, anyone?

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Special guest for this episode:

• Noel Mellor, a former marketing professional, now Programme Leader on the BA Digital Video Production and Marketing at University of Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• Noel Mellor reflects on his early horror experiences and how he first watched Freddy Krueger.
• The conversation highlights the evolution of Freddy Krueger from horror icon to pop culture figure.
• Dream Warriors is celebrated as a beloved sequel due to its fun and imaginative approach.
• The meta-narrative in Wes Craven's New Nightmare is discussed as a pioneering horror concept.
• Both hosts agree that horror movies can deeply affect viewers through discomfort and unsettling themes.
• The possibility of Freddy's return in a new adaptation raises questions about casting and character development.

...

Additional Resources:

The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor

The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films

The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk

Wes Craven: the scream of our times

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who is Ed Gein?

Why Do Americans Love Halloween?

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?

...

Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:

• Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
• Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email hello@podcastsbyliam.com for more info

Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic...

On the evening of Jan 29th 2025, an American Airlines flight carrying 60 people has collided with a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River in Washington D.C.

In this emergency episode of America: A History in the Making, Liam dives into the complexities surrounding this incident, emphasizing the risk of politicizing such a heartbreaking event. He reflects on Donald Trump's recent response, which raises questions about aviation safety and oversight, especially given his administration's recent moves to limit advisory committees.

While acknowledging the potential conspiracy theories that could arise, Liam urges listeners to focus on the human tragedy at hand rather than getting caught up in political debates.

As the recovery efforts continue, he and everyone involved in this podcast ask for a moment of respect and reflection on the loss of life before diving into the inevitable discussions about responsibility and accountability in the days to come.

...

Additional Resources:

Truth Details | Truth Social

Trump Guts Key Aviation Safety Committee, Fires Heads Of TSA, Coast Guard | HuffPost Latest News

Washington DC plane crash live updates: Nineteen bodies recovered after passenger jet collides with helicopter - BBC News

...

Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:

• Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
• Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email hello@podcastsbyliam.com for more info

Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

Every American generation has a unique memory tied to the nation's involvement in the Middle East, from the Gulf War to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

America has often inserted itself into the politics and the conflicts within the region, but why? In this episode we find out why it cares, and what it has to gain, and… what exactly is America’s relationship to the Middle East?

Special guest Melani McAlister, a professor at George Washington University, delves into the historical context of U.S. involvement, highlighting the shift in focus towards the Middle East post-World War II, primarily due to the discovery of vast oil resources and strategic geopolitical interests. Plus, the political aspects of these alliances, but also the emotional and cultural investments that shape public opinion on Israel and Palestine.

And we reflect on the future of U.S. engagement in the Middle East, questioning whether a more diplomatic approach could replace the long-standing pattern of military intervention.

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Melani McAlister, a Professor of American Studies and International Affairs at George Washington University, whose interests include the rhetoric of foreign policy. Her new book Promises, released in 2024, explores the long history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US role in it.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• The United States' long and complicated history of involvement in the Middle East, rooted in strategic interests and resource extraction.
• U.S. policymakers cultivating Israel as a key ally
• The current conflict in Gaza, America's support for Israel and its implications for U.S. foreign policy.
• Many Americans' opposition to military funding for Israel
• The rise of anti-Palestinian sentiment in the U.S. and public discourse around the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• Religious groups in the U.S. and their influence on American foreign policy towards Israel.

...

Additional Resources:

Promises, Then the Storm: Notes on Memory, Protest, and the Israel–Gaza War by Melani McAlister

Melani McAlister – Writing, Teaching, & Other Stuff

U.S. Policy in the Middle East: A Brief History

Our American Israel: The Story of an Entangled Alliance by Amy Kaplan

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

When Did the 50 States Become the 50 States

Is America an Empire?

...

Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:

• Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation:...

In this special bonus chat, Liam and special guest Mike Cowburn discuss the two party system in America, and how Trump and the MAGA are challenging the status quo.

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Dr. Mike Cowburn, a Postdoctoral Researcher for Digital Democracy at European University Viadrina. His new book Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries is out now

...

Additional Resources:

READ: Party Transformation in Congressional Primaries by Mike Cowburn

WATCH: All Politics Is Tribal | Lee Drutman + Andrew Yang | Forward

READ: How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

READ: The Party Decides: Presidential Nominations Before and After Reform

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

What Was the Constitutional Convention?

Why Does the President Only Serve Two Terms?

Is the President Above the Law?

How Are Presidents Elected?

What is the US Constitution?

...

Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:

• Individuals - support the show with a one-off or monthly donation: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
• Universities & Colleges - become an academic partner or email hello@podcastsbyliam.com for more info

Your support helps us keep the show running, and it is highly appreciated!

Are you a University, college, or higher education institution? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.

The conversation around Freddy Krueger is not just about horror; it’s a reflection of societal fears and cultural shifts that have persisted since the 1980s.

When Wes Craven introduced Freddy in A Nightmare on Elm Street, he tapped into a universal anxiety — the fear of sleep and the vulnerability that comes with it.

In this episode, Liam and special guest Noel Mellor discuss how this fear transcends geographical and cultural boundaries, allowing audiences worldwide to connect with Freddy's terrifying premise, and create an American pop culture phenom in the process.

What makes a villain like Freddy Krueger so likeable?

Is Robert Englund the real brand?

And what does Freddy tell us about America?

...

Special guest for this episode:

• Noel Mellor, a former marketing professional, now Programme Leader on the BA Digital Video Production and Marketing at University of Salford. As a writer and podcaster, he's extensively covered 1980s film and popular culture for over a decade across podcast and book projects like Adventures in VHS and Beyond the Neon - and he is now researching movie marketing past, present and future. His papers for the Montréal Monstrum Society Journal and University of Nottingham's A Nightmare on Elm Street @ 40 conference this year, explored Freddy Krueger's role as the leader of a new pack of 80s slashers - or 'Brand Boogeymen' - and their impact on popular culture.

...

Highlights from this episode:

• Wes Craven's creation of Freddy Krueger in 1984 revitalized the slasher genre, combining nightmare elements with iconic horror.
• The successful marketing strategy for A Nightmare on Elm Street capitalized on its universal themes of fear in dreams.
• Freddy Krueger's character depth and charm, portrayed by Robert Englund, set him apart from typical horror villains.
• The cultural impact of Freddy Krueger extended beyond films into merchandise and TV appearances, creating a household name.
• The original Nightmare on Elm Street's unique premise of a killer in dreams fascinated audiences and influenced horror films.
• Freddy's transformation into an anti-hero in sequels reflects audience desires for charismatic villains in horror.

...

Additional Resources:

The souls of the children… Give me strength”: 1980s Horror Movie Marketing and the Life and Death of the Brand Boogeymen by Noel Mellor

The Cultural Influence of Nightmare On Elm Street | Horror Cult Films

The Sociology of Freddy | Retro Junk

Wes Craven: the scream of our times

...

And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Who is Ed Gein?

Why Do Americans Love Halloween?

Why Do Americans Love Aliens?

...

Thank you for listening to our podcast. It's a labor of love by an American history nerd and some smarter folk. Making it does come at a small cost so if you'd like to help:

• Individuals -