Ben Railton
@americanstudier.bsky.social
Prof of Amer Lit & Studies. Dad to 2 amazing young men. Married. We the People: http://tinyurl.com/yyhxjktb; Of Thee I Sing: http://tinyurl.com/y6hsozjx. #ScholarSunday guru. https://blackwhiteandread.com he/him
Pinned
The Celestials’ Last Game | Ben Railton
Baseball, Bigotry, and the Battle for America
americanstudier.podbean.com
For new followers, here's my latest project, a podcast on sports histories, exclusion & inclusion, & the worst & best of America--& my single favorite moment from American history.
americanstudier.podbean.com
americanstudier.podbean.com
Reposted by Ben Railton
This piece is excellent for using Clue (1985) to think about the contemporary moment in which it as made. Highly recommend!
Also will recommend my own (very informal) review of Clue for what it has to say about the contextual moment in which it is set, 1954 with all its HUAC goodness.
Also will recommend my own (very informal) review of Clue for what it has to say about the contextual moment in which it is set, 1954 with all its HUAC goodness.
I wrote a new piece for TIME’s Made by History on one of my favorite films: #Clue! 🕵🏻♂️
I show how the film, set in 1950s during peak #McCarthyism, tells us more about the time it was created: the 1980s & new conservative movement.
If you’ve never seen this #cultclassic, check it out!
I show how the film, set in 1950s during peak #McCarthyism, tells us more about the time it was created: the 1980s & new conservative movement.
If you’ve never seen this #cultclassic, check it out!
The Surprisingly Profound History Lesson That Is 'Clue'
Based on a whodunit board game, the 1985 film is a perfect example of what pop culture can tell us about history.
time.com
January 3, 2026 at 3:47 PM
This piece is excellent for using Clue (1985) to think about the contemporary moment in which it as made. Highly recommend!
Also will recommend my own (very informal) review of Clue for what it has to say about the contextual moment in which it is set, 1954 with all its HUAC goodness.
Also will recommend my own (very informal) review of Clue for what it has to say about the contextual moment in which it is set, 1954 with all its HUAC goodness.
In my latest @satevepost.bsky.social Considering History column, I contextualized the Iraq & Afghanistan Wars with the numerous US occupations of Latin American nations across the 20C--two of Nicaragua, Haiti for 20 years, the DR just before Vietnam... +
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
Considering History: 10 Events That Shaped the First Quarter of the 21st Century | The Saturday Evening Post
American Studies Professor Ben Railton reminds us of historical events that offer context for ten of the most significant political, social, and cultural developments of the last two and a half decade...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com
January 3, 2026 at 2:25 PM
In my latest @satevepost.bsky.social Considering History column, I contextualized the Iraq & Afghanistan Wars with the numerous US occupations of Latin American nations across the 20C--two of Nicaragua, Haiti for 20 years, the DR just before Vietnam... +
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
Reposted by Ben Railton
Re: Rugged individualism vs. Collectivism
I get why some would balk at the idea of rugged individualism being bad, it's drilled into us as a deeply American trait, but as I argue in my book, that individualism turned extreme post-WWII and is now no longer what the nation needs. We need each other.
I get why some would balk at the idea of rugged individualism being bad, it's drilled into us as a deeply American trait, but as I argue in my book, that individualism turned extreme post-WWII and is now no longer what the nation needs. We need each other.
Selling Out Santa
Christmas is not just a day or a frame of mind as Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) imparts in Miracle on 34th Street (1947); Christmas is also a vehicle for national mythmaking as an idealising mirror for ...
indiepubs.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:09 AM
Re: Rugged individualism vs. Collectivism
I get why some would balk at the idea of rugged individualism being bad, it's drilled into us as a deeply American trait, but as I argue in my book, that individualism turned extreme post-WWII and is now no longer what the nation needs. We need each other.
I get why some would balk at the idea of rugged individualism being bad, it's drilled into us as a deeply American trait, but as I argue in my book, that individualism turned extreme post-WWII and is now no longer what the nation needs. We need each other.
Happy Lucretia Coffin Mott Day & Anna May Wong Day! Take heart from the best of our past.
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com/p/january-no...
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com/p/january-no...
January Nominees
January 1: Alfred Stieglitz , one of America’s most innovative and significant photographer s and a deeply humanistic and powerful chronicle...
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com
January 3, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Happy Lucretia Coffin Mott Day & Anna May Wong Day! Take heart from the best of our past.
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com/p/january-no...
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com/p/january-no...
Reposted by Ben Railton
The demonization of Somalis is no different than the demonization of Haitians before the election. It's a political attack and has to be actively fought—not through half-measures or expressions of tepid concern but by demanding decency from society and respect for all of humanity.
January 2, 2026 at 8:24 PM
The demonization of Somalis is no different than the demonization of Haitians before the election. It's a political attack and has to be actively fought—not through half-measures or expressions of tepid concern but by demanding decency from society and respect for all of humanity.
Happy Isaac Asimov Day & Oscar Micheaux Day! Ain't that the best of American art?
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com/p/january-no...
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com/p/january-no...
January Nominees
January 1: Alfred Stieglitz , one of America’s most innovative and significant photographer s and a deeply humanistic and powerful chronicle...
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com
January 2, 2026 at 1:09 PM
Happy Isaac Asimov Day & Oscar Micheaux Day! Ain't that the best of American art?
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com/p/january-no...
memorydaycalendar.blogspot.com/p/january-no...
Reposted by Ben Railton
If you've made resolutions this year, you've got this!! Society prompts us once a year to work towards a stronger self, and you should be proud to do it!
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
January 1, 2026 at 3:02 PM
If you've made resolutions this year, you've got this!! Society prompts us once a year to work towards a stronger self, and you should be proud to do it!
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
And if sad assholes mock you for it, remember that they're intimidated by the prospect of others' growth while they stagnate in self-loathing 💕
I had two special pieces drop today, & I believe they reflect the two most essential goals of my public scholarship here at the end of 2025: 🗃️
January 1, 2026 at 12:55 AM
I had two special pieces drop today, & I believe they reflect the two most essential goals of my public scholarship here at the end of 2025: 🗃️
Reposted by Ben Railton
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who shared work, their own & that of others, for this meta-thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
Special Best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday Thread! – Black and White and Read All Over
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing & work, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who...
blackwhiteandread.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:58 PM
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who shared work, their own & that of others, for this meta-thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
Reposted by Ben Railton
So for a special quarter-century @satevepost.bsky.social Considering History column, I offer American Studies contexts for 10 of the most significant political, social, & cultural events & trends of the last 25 years! @hcrichardson.bsky.social 🗃️
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
Considering History: 10 Events That Shaped the First Quarter of the 21st Century | The Saturday Evening Post
American Studies Professor Ben Railton reminds us of historical events that offer context for ten of the most significant political, social, and cultural developments of the last two and a half decade...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com
December 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
So for a special quarter-century @satevepost.bsky.social Considering History column, I offer American Studies contexts for 10 of the most significant political, social, & cultural events & trends of the last 25 years! @hcrichardson.bsky.social 🗃️
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
Reposted by Ben Railton
Ben puts so much work into these threads every week to amplify other people's scholarship.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who shared work, their own & that of others, for this meta-thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
Special Best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday Thread! – Black and White and Read All Over
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing & work, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who...
blackwhiteandread.com
December 31, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Ben puts so much work into these threads every week to amplify other people's scholarship.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
If you've ever complained about a lack of community or support in public academic spaces, please check out Ben's #ScholarSunday, subscribe for emails, share them, and add your work to take meaningful action.
Reposted by Ben Railton
Lots of “Best of 2025” and “Year in Review” content over the last month. BLACK AND WHITE AND READ gives us the insights that mass media cannot provide. #HappyNewYear
PS. Thanks again to folks who shared these nominations for this special best-of-2025 thread! I hope you’ll add a ton more in all these categories & beyond in comments below, & make sure to keep sharing new work as the threads continue this coming Sunday & throughout 2026!
December 31, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Lots of “Best of 2025” and “Year in Review” content over the last month. BLACK AND WHITE AND READ gives us the insights that mass media cannot provide. #HappyNewYear
Reposted by Ben Railton
The 21st century (especially the last decade) has sucked some major booty, but it's comforting to know that nothing that has happened is entirely new. History, our collective history, can always offer some guidance and some solidarity for continuing to fight against the worst ebbs of the flow.
So for a special quarter-century @satevepost.bsky.social Considering History column, I offer American Studies contexts for 10 of the most significant political, social, & cultural events & trends of the last 25 years! @hcrichardson.bsky.social 🗃️
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2025/12/cons...
Considering History: 10 Events That Shaped the First Quarter of the 21st Century | The Saturday Evening Post
American Studies Professor Ben Railton reminds us of historical events that offer context for ten of the most significant political, social, and cultural developments of the last two and a half decade...
www.saturdayeveningpost.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:54 PM
The 21st century (especially the last decade) has sucked some major booty, but it's comforting to know that nothing that has happened is entirely new. History, our collective history, can always offer some guidance and some solidarity for continuing to fight against the worst ebbs of the flow.
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who shared work, their own & that of others, for this meta-thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
Special Best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday Thread! – Black and White and Read All Over
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing & work, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who...
blackwhiteandread.com
December 31, 2025 at 7:58 PM
As promised, here’s a year-end #ScholarSunday thread featuring some of the best public scholarly writing, podcast episodes, new books, & more from throughout 2025. I really appreciate folks who shared work, their own & that of others, for this meta-thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
blackwhiteandread.com/special-best...
Impossible as it is to believe, the math doesn’t lie, & the math tells us with the end of 2025 we've completed 1/4 of the 21C. We’ve faced more than our share of historic events across these 25 years, & while each has felt unprecedented, they all nonetheless echo & extend prior American histories. +
December 31, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Impossible as it is to believe, the math doesn’t lie, & the math tells us with the end of 2025 we've completed 1/4 of the 21C. We’ve faced more than our share of historic events across these 25 years, & while each has felt unprecedented, they all nonetheless echo & extend prior American histories. +
My Mom is a lifelong early childhood educator, & worked most consistently & closely with child care providers, especially those connected to programs for lower-income kids & families. These folks are genuine unsung heroes doing some of the most crucial work in our society. Fuck this racist garbage.
Dems need to get on this right away. These places have been subject to regular inspection. Tell Walz to stop apologizing. Don’t let this narrative spin out of control.
www.cbsnews.com/news/minneso...
www.cbsnews.com/news/minneso...
December 31, 2025 at 1:06 AM
My Mom is a lifelong early childhood educator, & worked most consistently & closely with child care providers, especially those connected to programs for lower-income kids & families. These folks are genuine unsung heroes doing some of the most crucial work in our society. Fuck this racist garbage.
Reposted by Ben Railton
Hey you! Yeah, that's right, you! I bet you've got a nomination for public scholarly articles, podcasts, books, newsletters/blog posts that especially stood out this year (including/especially your own). So share 'em for the best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/announcements/
blackwhiteandread.com/announcements/
Announcements
If you have a talk coming up, a book on its way, a podcast trailer to drop, or an accomplishment to celebrate, we want to help you share it!
blackwhiteandread.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Hey you! Yeah, that's right, you! I bet you've got a nomination for public scholarly articles, podcasts, books, newsletters/blog posts that especially stood out this year (including/especially your own). So share 'em for the best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/announcements/
blackwhiteandread.com/announcements/
Working in a deli with a delightfully Italian playlist, & "Buona Sera" just played. Which means I'm morally obligated to share one of the most beautiful scenes from @audacityofdespair.bsky.social's magisterial Treme. I don't make the rules.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8pz...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8pz...
Treme Buona Sera
YouTube video by happenstance06
www.youtube.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Working in a deli with a delightfully Italian playlist, & "Buona Sera" just played. Which means I'm morally obligated to share one of the most beautiful scenes from @audacityofdespair.bsky.social's magisterial Treme. I don't make the rules.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8pz...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8pz...
I know the various factors & reasons behind them, but I have to say, few emails have ever annoyed me as much as the unceasing fund-raising requests from the two universities that the boys are attending right. freaking. now.
a man in a white shirt and tie is sitting in front of a window and saying that 's .
ALT: a man in a white shirt and tie is sitting in front of a window and saying that 's .
media.tenor.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM
I know the various factors & reasons behind them, but I have to say, few emails have ever annoyed me as much as the unceasing fund-raising requests from the two universities that the boys are attending right. freaking. now.
One of the most telling quotes of the last couple decades was from a TIME October 2008 cover story about the election. It read, "Is Barack Obama American enough?"
To which, as to this nonsense from Caldwell, I say: motherfucker, there are no 21C political figures more American than these two.
To which, as to this nonsense from Caldwell, I say: motherfucker, there are no 21C political figures more American than these two.
This is how Christopher Caldwell begins his essay on Zohran Mamdani for the Claremont Review of Books.
Why are these people such freaks?
Why are these people such freaks?
December 30, 2025 at 12:14 AM
One of the most telling quotes of the last couple decades was from a TIME October 2008 cover story about the election. It read, "Is Barack Obama American enough?"
To which, as to this nonsense from Caldwell, I say: motherfucker, there are no 21C political figures more American than these two.
To which, as to this nonsense from Caldwell, I say: motherfucker, there are no 21C political figures more American than these two.
Hey you! Yeah, that's right, you! I bet you've got a nomination for public scholarly articles, podcasts, books, newsletters/blog posts that especially stood out this year (including/especially your own). So share 'em for the best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/announcements/
blackwhiteandread.com/announcements/
Announcements
If you have a talk coming up, a book on its way, a podcast trailer to drop, or an accomplishment to celebrate, we want to help you share it!
blackwhiteandread.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Hey you! Yeah, that's right, you! I bet you've got a nomination for public scholarly articles, podcasts, books, newsletters/blog posts that especially stood out this year (including/especially your own). So share 'em for the best-of-2025 #ScholarSunday thread! 🗃️
blackwhiteandread.com/announcements/
blackwhiteandread.com/announcements/