As a lifelong cinephile and political enthusiast who has witnessed the ebb and flow of American history from the comfort of my living room couch, I find myself captivated by the recent History Talks event at the Academy Museum. The gathering of luminaries, ranging from former Presidents to Hollywood heavyweights, provided an enlightening perspective on our nation’s past and present polarization.
On Saturday, a group consisting of two ex-presidents, a former first lady, esteemed historians, authors, scholars, and journalists convened at the Academy Museum for a discussion titled “History Talks”. This event aimed to examine significant periods of disagreement in our country’s past, offering insights that might help us better understand the current state of polarization.
As a movie enthusiast reflecting on the past, I’d say the 2010s were marked by a wave of frustration, as described by David Brooks, a renowned New York Times political and cultural commentator. But now, it seems we’re moving towards something more uplifting, craving experiences that bring us joy rather than anger or discontent.
A+E Networks’ History Channel organized an event where President Barack Obama interacted in a fun manner with Malcolm Gladwell, while President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush participated as well. The duo initiated the half-day event by having a broad discussion led by their daughter, “Today” co-host Jenna Bush Hager.
The speakers at the event also featured Kevin Costner, Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington, Kate Winslet, Nicole Avant, and John Legend. This gathering attracted a significant number of industry professionals such as Disney’s CEO Bob Iger, co-chair Dana Walden from Disney Entertainment, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, CBS head George Cheeks, and Steve Swartz, the CEO of Hearst Communications.
History Talks is a series of events organized by History Channel, led by Paul Buccieri who serves as president and chairman at A+E Networks. Previous events took place in Washington, D.C., and New York. This weekend’s event showcased the Roybal Film and Television magnet program based in Los Angeles, which prepares high school students for careers within the entertainment industry.
In addition to the main speakers, NBC News’ Chuck Todd, Brooks, as well as esteemed historians Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jon Meacham, and Marcia Chatelain, were part of the discussion during the event.
In a 45-minute discussion, Gladwell questioned Obama about his assessments of past White House occupants and how his views might have evolved over time. He further inquired about the time period Obama would prefer to have served as president and the eight years he’d rather not have experienced. Without hesitation, Obama highlighted the challenges faced by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln, which prompted him to ponder why some presidents leave such a significant impact.
Certain individuals such as King, Gandhi, and Lincoln stand apart due to their profound impact on our inner selves and how we perceive ourselves and our connections with others. This goes beyond the simple exercise of power. It’s more than just political strategies or the technical aspects of governance like coalition building. These extraordinary figures tap into something deeper within us, guiding us to rewrite our personal narratives and reshape our understanding of ourselves.
During his tenure, Obama highlighted one of his most memorable moments as a public speaker when he delivered his speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, which was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic march on the Edmund Pettus Bridge advocating for voting rights in 2015.
This speech is likely my preferred one due to the presence of John Lewis, children carrying backpacks, domestic workers, Pullman porters, young clergy including priests and rabbis. On the opposite side of the bridge, you’ll find the might of the state with its horses and batons. The confrontation on this bridge is as significant as Concord, Lexington, or Appomattox because it boils down to a struggle about our identity,” Obama expressed.
Among the highlights from other sessions:
Kate Winslet: Winslet discussed the inspiration offered by the journalist central to her upcoming film “Lee,” a biography about Elizabeth “Lee” Miller, who played a role in World War II. “The bravery she displayed not just to get herself there,” Winslet stated. “She kept her eyes open and was that vivid voice for the innocent victims of conflict.
Kevin Costner, famed actor in “Yellowstone” and “Horizon”, shared insights with historian Goodwin on how his childhood experiences shaped his interest in western stories. He traced this back to a significant visit to the Cinerama Dome at age 7, where he watched the four-hour 1962 Western epic “How the West Was Won”. Reflecting on this experience, he said, “It left an indelible mark on me.” As his understanding of the intricate history of that era deepens, his fascination with its influence on modern culture has only intensified. He admitted, “Despite my love for the west, I am often saddened when watching real stories about it. It’s a reminder of how tragic the end was for those who inhabited it for millennia.
Nicole Avant: The producer teamed up with Kerry Washington for a discussion on Netflix’s upcoming movie, “The Six Triple Eight,” directed by Tyler Perry. The film, premiering December 20, recounts an astounding tale that has been largely unheard of until now – the exploits of an all-female battalion who managed to solve a long-standing military issue: delivering mail to soldiers fighting on multiple fronts and bringing comfort to those whose hearts were heavy with homesickness. Avant shared, “It’s amazing to think that no one could find a solution for years, but then these Black and brown women stepped in, solved the problem, changed the game, and played a crucial role in winning the war.
Eva Longoria: To wrap up the event, Eva Longoria engaged in a brief Q&A with musician John Legend, who played three songs, including Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song.” Longoria highlighted her long-standing commitment to political activism, noting that it has been a family tradition. Similar to other speakers, Longoria underscored the significance of media and storytelling in sparking political and social transformation. “Culture must be reshaped before policy can,” she stated emphatically, adding that the media holds the most powerful influence on shaping culture.
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2024-09-22 16:17